Zombal - Scientific Outsourcing

What is it?

Zombal is as a web-based service for putting people with needs in scientific, technical, and industrial research and information activities in touch with people who may be able to assist them. Users of the system will submit tasks or questions (otherwise known as zombs) that other users can bid on if they have the required expertise.

So why should I use it?

Currently, in real world situations, research and development work is constrained within very inefficient bounds. The pure researcher, usually working within a university, typically needs to complete arduous research grant applications. When successful, he needs to comply with grant conditions, usually for a fixed term such as one year. An industrial developer will have parallel restraints. All these efforts might be made much simpler by breaking up a project into smaller parts and outsourcing these to individuals at low cost.

How do I fund my project?

Within the system, a user can take on two roles; launcher or a provider. Launchers will submit a question, experiment, research or design work that they want completed. They will submit a proposal for the work they need done, and providers in the system will place a bid to complete the work.

A simple but flexible financing scheme is built in, working on 'points' as with frequent-flier schemes, these points or tickets are called 'quans', and though they have aspects of a currency system, they do not represent a real currency. Quans are obtained either by successfully completing zombs, or by buying them with credit card or paypal. They can be cashed out at any time.

When can I use it?

Zombal is currently under development. Head over to Zombal and register your email address so that you can be notified when it launches. For the first year after launch, subscription will be free, after this point in time a small annual fee will apply.

How can I find out more about it?

Stay tuned to our blog & subscribe to our RSS feed for regular updates about new site features and functionality. Feel free to comment on blog posts, or if you need a detailed explanation, send your questions through to info@zombal.com.