Beginning to Connect: Story about how and why we started this project Connect

At Teamcamp, we have always prioritized efficiency and collaboration. We believe that every team member should have a direct understanding of our user’s needs and experiences, which has guided us toward a unique approach to customer support.

The Problem with Existing Solutions

We were using Intercom for our support needs. While it’s a powerful tool, it proved too complicated and cumbersome for our small team. We didn’t want to create a dedicated support team; instead, we wanted every member of Teamcamp to be involved in support. This approach would ensure that queries were addressed by the person who built or designed the feature in question, providing more accurate and insightful responses.
The Search for Alternatives

Recognizing the limitations of Intercom for our needs, we began exploring other support tools. We needed a solution that was simpler, more intuitive, and better suited for a small, dynamic team like ours. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any reliable tools that met our specific requirements. This was a crucial turning point for us.

The Spark of an Idea

During an internal discussion about our support challenges, someone suggested, “Why don’t we build our own tool?” The idea quickly gained traction. We realized that by building our own support system, we could tailor it precisely to our needs. Moreover, we saw an opportunity to contribute something valuable to the broader community.
Deciding to Go Open Source

As we discussed the project further, another exciting idea emerged: “Let’s build this in public and make it open-source.” We knew that many other companies, especially small teams, faced similar pain points with existing support tools. By making our support system open-source, we could help others while benefiting from community contributions and feedback.

Building Excitement and Commitment

The team was enthusiastic about the project. It was not just about solving our own problem but also about making a meaningful contribution to the world. Everyone at Teamcamp was eager to get involved, leveraging their expertise and experience to build something truly useful.

And so, our journey began. We started planning and designing our MVP, with every team member contributing their unique insights. This project exemplified our commitment to collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. We are excited to share our journey with you and hope that our open-source support system will help many other teams like ours.