Development of a Scalable Multi-Format Auction Platform with Mobile and In-Person Support

The client’s existing auction engine cannot support large participant volumes or all desired auction types such as English, Dutch, and reserve/no reserve auctions. Performance constraints hinder user engagement, especially during high-traffic events, and current systems lack integrated support for mixed in-person and online bidding modalities, compromising operational flexibility and scalability.

A large-scale media organization hosting diverse live and online auction events, requiring a robust platform to handle high participant volume and multiple auction formats.

• Develop a new online auction engine capable of supporting various auction formats, including English, Dutch, reserve, and non-reserve auctions.
• Ensure the platform supports large-scale participation with optimal performance, achieving at least 1,000 queries per second under load.
• Enable seamless bidding experiences across web and mobile platforms, including dedicated iOS and Android applications.
• Implement support for mixed auctions allowing in-person, phone, and web bid entries with real-time updates.
• Design the system for horizontal scalability using database sharding to accommodate growing participant and bid volumes without performance degradation.
• Reduce server-side session storage to optimize resource utilization and improve system responsiveness.
• Incorporate electronic signature validation for registration processes as mandated by local regulations, recognizing that some registration steps may require non-mobile devices.
• Utilize search and reporting tools to enhance user transparency and operational insights.

• Support for diverse auction types: English, Dutch, reserve, no reserve, and mixed formats.
• Multi-channel participation: web, mobile (iOS and Android), in-person, and telephone bidding support.
• User account management and secure registration with electronic signature validation where required.
• Real-time bid updates and auction status monitoring.
• Database sharding for horizontal scalability and handling high throughput of traffic and data.
• Minimal server-side session storage to enhance performance.
• Advanced full-text search functionality using search engine technology.
• Reporting and analytics tools for operational oversight and transparency.

• Electronic signature validation services (CSP/JCP compatible)
• Payment and registration verification systems
• Search engine services for full-text search capabilities
• Business intelligence and reporting tools

• System must support at least 1,000 queries per second under load
• Database and server architecture should support easy scaling by adding shards
• Minimize server-side session data to optimize resource usage
• Ensure compliance with local legal requirements for electronic registration signatures
• High system uptime and fault tolerance through clustering
• Responsive and seamless user experience across web and mobile interfaces

The new auction platform aims to meet enhanced functional and performance requirements, allowing the client to support high-volume, diverse auction events seamlessly. Expected outcomes include improved user participation via mobile devices, scalable infrastructure able to handle rising loads, and reduced system bottlenecks, ultimately enabling the client to conduct a broader range of auction formats efficiently with robust operational insights. These improvements are projected to significantly boost participant engagement and operational capacity.