By Angela Shupe, Business Opportunities Weblog – December 09, 2010 at 12:46PM
Inventing might start with a good idea, but the real work comes when you turn that idea into something that can be used. The process, which can be very complicated, is sometimes enough to stop a really good idea from going anywhere. Now there is a web service that can help inventors turn those ideas into something real.
NventNode is a web-based software that helps inventors “invent, research, develop, & market” their product. Anyone that was once wary of getting started can now do so with ease. New inventors are able to learn about the inventing process, manage development, and collaborate. Furthermore, this unique product is the only invention management software of its kind.
I recently had the opportunity to ask the inventor of NventNode, Brian Gates, about his service and what it can do. Read on and you’ll also find a special discount code just for you!
Tell us a little about the NventNode.
NventNode is the first and only software service created for inventors and entrepreneurs to help manage their product development. The software is designed to guide the user through every phase of development by providing tools and resources to aid in completing each task. Users of the software will benefit from an improved understanding of the development process and have better managed products, resulting in shorter development timelines with significantly increased potential for success.
What inspired it?
NventNode was inspired by my experiences in working with entrepreneurs and inventors to bring their products to market. During those experiences I began to see a trend that those who had an understanding of the process and a means by which to manage the process had greater success. Realizing that, NventNode was created to provide a step by step road map for successful development while providing a wealth of knowledge in easy to understand segments. This solves two major problems an entrepreneur or inventor will face, understanding the development process and being able to manage all the moving parts.
How does it work?
NventNode works by allowing a user to be guided through every step of the product development process. The first step involves documenting the original concept and capturing the problem to be solved. Once the idea has been recorded the user is then asked to determine the end goal of their development, licensing or business development. Based on the selected goal, a road map is provided, with clear milestones to be achieved. NventNode will provide the user with the tools to identify, collect and share information throughout the entire process. Users are able to research competitors, perform patent searches, conduct focus groups, manage design development and generate a provisional patent application all through NventNode. In addition, users can assemble a team and assign each team member a task or safely share information with other professionals in a confidential environment.
What are some goals that you hope to accomplish over the next year or so?
Our goal is to provide entrepreneurs and inventors with the tools to bring their products to market on an unparalleled scale. Our software service is designed to empower the user and we are excited to see what entrepreneurs can do with it when given the tools to succeed. I would love nothing better than to have the next great product come from an NventNode user.
What separates the NventNode from the competition?
NventNode is very much an industry game changer. As the only complete software solution available to entrepreneurs and inventors, we intend to completely change how products are developed. We have seen attempts from other companies who focus on one single aspect of development and fall short in providing a simple to use interface. NventNode offers a single solution for managing the entire development process while being able to collaborate with your own team.
How long did it take for you to build the NventNode into what it is today? What was that process like?
NventNode has taken years of development to define exactly what steps should be taken and how best to present those to the end user so that they can quickly grasp the concept. During our development, we have gone through many different iterations of the site, each time testing the basis for our steps, methods for presenting those steps and identifying the tools which provide the most value to the user.
If you could go back in time, is there anything you would have done differently?
At this point we are very satisfied with the service and believe it provides a great foundation that we can continue to build upon. Ultimately our user base will determine which tools provide the most value and where we need to continue refinement. So far we have received excellent feedback from users and industry insiders.
The great thing about web based software is that we can continue to add value to our clients by refining or adding new features instantly to all users.
What are some lessons your business has taught you?
Perseverance. We live in a world where we expect things to happen instantly or at least relatively quickly. The long process for developing this software seemed daunting at times with no end in sight but the time spent refining the idea has provided a service which will change how people bring products to market.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
To thank Business Opportunities Weblog we would like to provide your readers with a discount code. Enter “invent” to receive $5 off the monthly price or $15 off the quarterly price. Visit www.nventnode.com to begin bringing your ideas to life.
Do you have any advice that you’d like to offer fellow entrepreneurs that are just getting started?
Having a great idea is a start but the trick is being able to prove you have a great idea. Spend the time to research competitors, research patents and prove there is a market for your product. By having research to back up your claims, you not only present a more compelling solution but have the foundation to develop a strong product. This research will be extremely valuable throughout the entire development process and is critical to success.