Online Live Auction Software

We are seeking a new or existing software package that will allow auctioneers to administer and conduct live auctions over the Internet. Preferrably, the package will be written in either PHP or Java and may only depend on Free/Open Source external libraries and database software packages (preferably PostgreSQL). The software should have the following features/components:

* Template based: The web interface(s) will be written using a template based system to allow separation of code and design.

* Integrated online catalog: All lots up for bid will have their own separate, searchable records including metadata (appraisal value, age, etc.) as well as one or more photos.

* Multi-user interface: Multiple auctioneers and auctiongoers will be able to simultaneously conduct and/or bid on multiple auctions at one time

* Calendar: The software will include a end-user customizable calendar view and provide bidders to log in and place absentee "pre-bids" for future auctions they won't be able to attend.

* Search: A "quick search" and "full (or advanced) search" of all auctions and individual lots will be included to help consumers quickly find items and auctions of interest.

* Streaming audio: The person or company conducting the auction will have the opportunity to enable streaming audio so that the bidders attending the auction live via the Internet will be able to hear the auctioneer's comments and chant

* Bid assistant interface: The person(s) at the auction tracking the Internet bids will be able to easily flag incoming bids and relay the information in real-time to the auctioneer. In addition, the bid assistant will be able to modify the lot order or quickly add/pull lots depending on the auctioneer's discretion.

* User interface: The end-user interface for persons attending the auction live via the Internet will keep up with the current bid and current ask (allowing for the latency of the Internet), as well as display a picture of the item up for bid. It will also allow realtime chat with the bid assistant(s) for questions/comments/concerns. Preferably, the end-user interface will be cross-platform (Mac/Windows/*nix) and not require any client download/installs. Java applets or Java webstart applications are acceptable.

## Deliverables

1) Complete and fully-functional working program(s) in executable form as well as complete, fully documented source code of all work done.

2) Deliverables must be in ready-to-run condition, as follows (depending on the nature of the deliverables):

a) For web sites or other server-side deliverables intended to only ever exist in one place in the Buyer's environment--Deliverables must be installed by the Seller in ready-to-run condition in the Buyer's environment.

b) For all others including desktop software or software the buyer intends to distribute: A software installation package that will install the software in ready-to-run condition on the platform(s) specified in this bid request.

3) All deliverables will be considered "work made for hire" under U.S. Copyright law. Buyer will receive exclusive and complete copyrights to all work purchased. (No GPL, GNU, 3rd party components, etc. unless all copyright ramifications are explained AND AGREED TO by the buyer on the site per the coder's Seller Legal Agreement).

3) All source code and APIs must be well documented for further development.

## Platform

The servers powering this application run Gentoo Linux and are used primarily for PostgreSQL database-backended web applications written in PHP. Implementations written in either Java or PHP will be given preference.

As stated, the end-user interfaces requiring little or no installation (e.g. Flash, Java webstart applications, or applets) will be given preference as well.

All components, both client and server, should be designed and written with cross-platform portability as a main goal. The end-user client software should work with all major browsers (IE/Mozilla/Opera/Netscape/Safari).

PHP

Project ID: #3254387

About the project