[TrackingChain] Bring Adoption for Companies: Building Infrastructure for Web2 Integration (Big Tipper Discussion)

Hello,

My name is Federico Cicciarella (https://www.linkedin.com/in/federicocicciarella/), and I have been a Microsoft .Net (C#) developer for about 20 years. In recent years, my passion has shifted towards blockchain technology, specifically focusing on the Polkadot ecosystem. (you can find more information about me in the link below).

Recently, I received a grant https://grants.web3.foundation/applications/tracking_chain and this is a wiki https://github.com/TrackingChains/TrackingChain/wiki

Amount: 1000 DOT Around $4,500 (4,5$ for Dot is average of the last 3 months)

Description:
Having successfully completed the basic functionality of software development for "Tracking Chain," (Milestone 1-2-3 completed and last milestone 4 is in progress) I’m at a crucial phase where I aim to directly introduce our solution to potential clients. I want to demonstrate the tangible value it can bring to their operations. Currently, my target clientele primarily consists of companies in the supply chain and data/document certification sectors.

I have already scheduled a demonstration involving three Italian companies, one of which is in the final stages of agreement. This demo is scheduled to take place between October and December. Additionally, I am actively planning more demos with other Web2 companies that I have worked with over the past few years, with hopes of conducting them in early 2024. Moreover, I am exploring opportunities for participation in prominent blockchain and IT events that are regularly held in Italy.

The funds will be allocated to cover three essential aspects:

Travel and Meetings with Potential Clients: Establishing personal connections with these companies is vital. Travel is necessary to meet with representatives from these businesses, understand their specific needs, and demonstrate how Tracking Chain, through the use of Parachains, can effectively address their challenges. While the companies for which I have planned demos are all located in Italy, some of them are substantial organizations with a presence spanning across Europe. Their engagement has the potential to significantly boost the visibility of the Dot ecosystem and provide practical blockchain technology implementations for various business requirements.
Server Costs for Demos: To provide effective and convincing demonstrations of our software, we require a stable and scalable test environment accessible to each individual client throughout the demo phase. The funds will be used to cover server costs and the necessary infrastructure to execute these demonstrations seamlessly.
Customization of the software to integrate it with the customer's software: This includes planning and implementing changes in the customer's software to interface with Parachains, deployment, smart contract configuration, wallets, and nodes on the client's chosen blockchain. Tracking Chain is designed to support any EVM-compatible parachains or those that integrate the Contract Pallet. This allows each client to choose the most suitable parachains based on their specific needs. With Tracking Chain, our goal is to guide clients in taking their initial steps within parachains, potentially expanding their use for other purposes in the future (as detailed in the grant link).

To provide an estimate, each demo is expected to require a minimum of six working days, encompassing travel, on-site client presentations, configuration, assistance, and software integration. This equates to approximately $1,500 per demo, based on a daily rate of $250 ($31.25 per hour, assuming an eight-hour workday). Please note that this calculation excludes travel expenses and server costs.

Day 1: (Onsite with Customer) Introduction to blockchain and Web3, highlighting the advantages of choosing Polkadot and Parachains. This day will provide a technical foundation with a focus on Web3 marketing.
Day 2: (Onsite with Customer) In-depth exploration of the Polkadot ecosystem, offering a detailed overview of Parachains tailored for technical audiences.
Day 3-4: (Onsite with Customer or Remote) A comprehensive case study demonstrating how to integrate company management software with Tracking Chain and Polkadot/Parachains.
Day 5: (Onsite with Customer or Remote) Environment setup for the demo.
Day 6 until stop the Demo: (Remote) Software modifications/features to commence the demo, ongoing maintenance and monitoring of the demo, and Q&A sessions.

PS: These costs cannot be covered by a grant because: "The Web3 Foundation's Grants Program aims to fund software development and research activities that are beneficial for the ecosystem as a whole. As such, we don't usually fund tangential costs such as business-oriented activities (marketing, business planning), events or outreach, and—for non-infrastructure projects—deployment and hosting costs, maintenance or audits."
For those interested in delving into the architecture to be implemented or any other questions related to the demo or the Tracking Chain project, I am available to provide further clarification.

Thank you.
Sincerely, Federico Cicciarella