Think of it as Uber for computer coders.

That’s the newly refined concept for a London-based co-operative of freelance computer coders that has banded together to offer a new service that officially launches on Monday.

Tom Germain, one of the founders, promises it will shake up a sector that’s the backbone of the digital industry.

“It could change how our industry works. It threatens the old model. That’s happening in a lot of industries,” said Germain,

Since it was first announced a few weeks ago, the numbers of coders in the co-operative has grown from a dozen to more than 40.

Germain said the model has been tweaked to organize the business on a sharing-economy model, similar to ride-sharing service Uber.

Companies will be able to recruit coders or teams of coders through the newly formed company Coder Scoop Inc. (coderscoop.com)

Germain said qualified companies won’t be required to sign a contract, which will streamline the process.

“No complications. We are making it easy,” said Germain.

As with Uber, the pricing will be flexible. He said the client companies can negotiate the hourly rate and budget for the project.

Coder Scoop will generate revenue by taking a percentage of the contract fee.

Although it will legally be a business, Germain said Coder Scoop will operate as a co-operative with a democratic structure for the members.

He said the co-op will have a screening process ensuring members have the experience and training needed for the project.

Germain, who has 35 years of experience, said some coders prefer to work freelance because they enjoy a wider variety of work and have more freedom in their work environment.

He said the co-op will offer a service that is less expensive and more flexible than established companies, but gives clients more confidence than working with individuals.

“They will get a better price, but more reliability than working with an independent freelancer.”

hdaniszewski@postmedia.com

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