Hello This is a preliminary message-in-a-bottle post... 1. Intro I am looking for a Python.Zope programmer to work with me on a creating a dynamic 'smart-map' web site for an e-commerce maritime r&d project. The site will need to manage special on-line interactive calendar featuring schematics of routes, progress and shipping schedule. 2. To-Do Skills/tasks will involve: - linking to existing database of shipping information, - creating new project database, - linking to GIS, - rendering interactive graphics for calendar and routes, - general zope site design and construction. - Linux web server setup (Zserver/Roxen/Apache/??) and Zope connectivity 3. Python Python skills/tasks may involve: - Zope External Methods relating to the following: - linking to GIS tools [considering to use Manifold System at present because of low-cost high feature set. It is a very good product but alas only runs on Win32. This may not be problem as we can use win32com Python extensions. http://www.manifold.net ] - building win32com components if needed to allow fast prototyping and connecting with other off-the-shelf software - generating, rendering and converting of graphics in vector format: [possible candidate formats = Flash4, SVG (see my previous posts)] - possible Python extensions using 'C' libraries [openSWF Flash, SVG, Hipparchus] 4. Vague ?? The first phase of the project will answer many specifics when we meet with end users and learn about their present data use, methods of work, information flow, so we can map these against our overall project design goals. Although the project focuses on maritime transport, we want to approach as an inter-modal transport project and anticipate to develop modules/products which could be applied more widely. 5. Context The context is an EC sponsored R&D project called 'DOLPHINS' under the 'IST' 5th Framework Programme See http://www.cordis.lu for more about IST and other programmes The main partners/participants based in: {'Italy': ['Napoli', 'Livorno'], 'France': ['Seillans', 'Sophia Antipolis'], 'Spain: ['Valencia']} 6. Status We are still awaiting final confirmation of contract, but anticipate kickoff around 25th January, 2000. The main Python.Zope development work is during first 6 months. though the project itself is an 18 month duration (field trials). 7. Location Most of the work could be done remotely on-line, but in my experience important brainstorming, design work and review should be done based on personal contact initially. This would mean travel to South of France (1 hour from Nice) and staying here to work with me for a couple of weeks. (expenses paid). 8. Language I am English but speak pretty fluent French. Knowledge of Italian woudl be helpful but by no means esential. Python.Zope is :-) 9. Conditions I am looking for a programmer to work full time during the first analysis /development phase and then participate occasionally [ongoing] for a few days around later milestones, covering installation, debugging, trainging, preparation of deliverables including documentation, reports, final exploitation plans. This last point is important. EC projects encourage partners to produce commercial products after the R&D trial are concluded. If you are interested to develop intermodal e-commerce 'Dolphins' may offer a useful opportunity for skills and market. I also believe it is a good context to promote the use of Python.Zope 10. About 'Dolphins' The aim of 'Dolphins' is to develop new short-sea-shipping business through e-commerce tools. In particular we hope to reduce heavy truck traffic on European roads by making it easier for shippers, agents and others to send cargo by ship instead of road, where possible. Large transport logistics companies already have integrated methods, but smaller businesses especially trucking companies tend to use roads because of habit, perceived convenience, in dependance etc. In fact short-shipping-routes are cheaper, environmentally cleaner and allow for new business opportunities. Ships can be a little slower than direct road, but for many applications this does not matter if well organized. The obstacles to changing habits are more cultural than technical though we plan to use new technology as a transitional support tool where much business is done today by phone and fax. 'Dolphins' thus needs to develop easy-to-use interfaces allowing people to browse and select route/cost/time options. Typically we imagine this sel4ection could be presented as 'tagged' dossier available to shipping agents to sped up the entire process. Linking of forms etc would likely be a crucial component. The resulting system is thus a classic case of developing something for 'customers who have customers who have customers'. IMHO Python.Zope fits the bill nicely. 11. Followup Please contact me directly *_off-list_* if you any of the above is of interest to you. Thanks. - Jason ------------------------------------------------- Jason Cunliffe <jasonic@nomadicsltd.com> NOMADICS.STUDIO(Design Director) Geo-Digital Arts and Technology Le Vieux Moulin, Route de Mons 83440 SEILLANS, FRANCE Tel: +33 (0)4 94.76.98.72 Fax: +33 (0)4 94.76.97.77