Any market for this?

[mus0r]

Not sure if this is actually the correct forum for this question, so feel free to move it.

Do you think there is any market for configuring/supporting DAWs for pro or project studios? I work in IT by day, and since I'm both a computer geek and a music geek it would be a cool gig.

I know there are countless companies that build custom DAWs, but do they offer on-site or remote support for them?

Also, since I'm primarily a Mac guy these days, I figure there must be opportunity there as Apple doesn't offer custom DAW computers or have any real support for DAWs other than Logic.

Also, what if I had some legit training? If I were to get Apple certification (I've already done some classes, but never took the tests) for hardware and/or software, how do you think that would affect the possibility? Does Digidesign do any sort of training/certification?

Opinions?

Just a random thought that crossed my mind when I was thinking about how much I hate my job

[saemskin]

Let's suppose you are fully qualified for such a thing. I think that would be the easiest part. The hard part is knowing who your customers are. How do you get them to notice you and how do you get them to trust you? Most people who are serious enough to buy a computer suited to a specific task already know what they want/need and where to get it. The question is, how do you interject yourself into that equation? I dont know, but if you can do it I would assume a moderate amount of success in your endeavors.
I think alot of new/small business dont last because they overestimate the market. If you have no overhead and another day job, then that becomes irrelevant. Just make sure you put some thought into who your customer is and what it is they are going to want from you. I think that is more important than being technically proficient.

I say that because in my tenure as an engineer and now incorporating some sales into my regiment, I have come across alot of different types. I met an engineer awhile back who was absolutely brilliant. But he was a slob, and his ability to communicate ideas was rather crippled. I know and understand mechanical systems better and faster than most people. So I recognized him for who he was right away. But no one wanted to work with the guy.
On the opposite hand, I work with a few sales people regularly. Most of them dont know jack shit and dont want to know. Make it work, right? But these guys are busting out job after job after job. Why? Because they are able to effectively communicate their ideas in a powerful way. They make their customer glad to have them around to save them from the evils of the universe.

Anyhow, I just think certain things are very improtant based on what I have seen in my life and this is the time to relate that I guess.

[mus0r]

[DvlsAdvct]

I think you'd need to put yourself out there mainly to noobs. The big competition, though, would be with places like Harmony-Central, Tweakheadz, (eventually, I hope) this place, and many others. Why would I pay for you to set up my hardware/software if I can just go to t3h intarwebz and get an answer from a professional for free? Would you come to my house and show me how to do it? Would it be e-mail inquiries? If so how will you make a profit (No 900 number or anything)

It would be interesting if you could do it, to say the least. You'd need to be proficient in a LOT of different software, though. Unless you are going to push yourself as an Apple music tech repair guy you'd also need to be able to use all the PC software (or at least a chunk of it)...

It could work out as a really good idea but it'd be a risk depending on how you pull it off, much like all business

[mus0r]

[DvlsAdvct]

But at the same time you could set yourself up as a go-to-guy for compatibility and set up queries for the new and budding musician.

The big issue that comes up is how would you make a profit. If it could be set up through advertising on your website/blog/whatever then you'd probably be good, but to do that you need readership.

If you do it locally you could show up to someone's house (or more likely their parent's basement), but if you could get some sort of market going I think you'd be golden

[mus0r]

[The Hours of Dawn]

I think that it is a valid service if you also have commensurate studio experience.

[hEADaCHE]

I've found that musicians are the cheapest people on the planet. And rightly so, they don't ever make money from their "profession". I've had a really hard time marketing any services to musicians, barely scraping by getting projects complete (i.e. I need X number of people to make a profit and I usually do not make that mark). Most of these services are things they could do themselves (but for more money, but usually they don't calculate that well, so they think you are getting a fat pocket book - this would be Side-line folks, not the smart guys here) and they really prefer to do all that themselves, even if it takes longer and costs more (if they are hidden costs, i.e. postage, CDrs) or they have another way they can do it which might not work as well, but its cheaper, they'll probably opt for that.

So I'm gonna say that it might not work out, but I suppose your market is broader than mine (I was working in Dark electronic only), so you might get some more business outside of that circle.

[DvlsAdvct]

If you had the experience there's another path you could take...

With remote access you could offer personal training services on whatever you are certified in instead of forcing someone to go to a classroom (which might not be an option depending on location)

The remote access could really set you apart for tech support...

pay a fee and I'll fix it and you'll see... or no fee and try to get ad money

[mus0r]

Why would I need studio experience to fix their computer?

[hEADaCHE]

I would think studio experience would help in the sense that it would make you stand out from others in this niche market. "I've been in a studio, so I know what you are trying to achieve with this setup, vs. every other computer tech who has no idea what is required in terms of having a system work in a studio environment."

[mus0r]

i would think having my own project studio would be enough for that. I'm not sure what experience in a commercial facility would teach me for something like this. I'm already familiar with track limitations, software compatibility and whatnot. Some experience with other DAWs prolly wouldn't hurt, though.

[t.o.t.s.]

"i would think having my own project studio would be enough for that. I'm not sure what experience in a commercial facility would teach me for something like this."

It helps a lot actually because it puts you in situations and around personality types you just can't create on your own in isolated environments like a home studio. Working in a commercial situation will seriously sharpen your problem solving skills, allow you to function on alternate platforms, deal with hard set deadlines and put you around a variety of hard to get along with people. I personally feel being in these environments has been a huge benefit to my overall skill set.

[mus0r]

[t.o.t.s.]

my bad! my head got so wrapped on the last couple of posts and the words "home studio" i didn't even think about that!

[The Hours of Dawn]

[hEADaCHE]

The answer is, yes, your own project studio would work for that, BUT if you have helped out big studios and they have put their trust in your skills, then you probably have the skills required for the small studio guy <-this is the thought process of the small studio guy. Its all about the marketing and selling of yourself vs. actual knowledge and ability to to the job. Its like I could be as good as butch vig at producing an album but I don't have the cred.

[DvlsAdvct]

and it never hurts to have recomendations or praise from big studios on your website/flyer. That gives instant credibility

[mus0r]