Algoworks

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and director of ANDD TECHSERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED, an IT services and consulting company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Algoworks?

We hired them to provide consulting services and talent as subcontractors. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Algoworks provides us with a mix of consulting services for project assignments and staff augmentation. Initially, we interviewed their candidates thoroughly. As our engagement progressed, we stopped interviewing them before bringing them on board. Since Algoworks’ resources are pre-trained, and we shortlist them ourselves, they don’t require any training.

Our collaboration has occurred over multiple years and projects. When we have a Salesforce project, we hire specialists from Algoworks’ team to help us. On one occasion, we hired them to help us with a project related to IBM Transformation Extender products. Algoworks has also helped us with a project involving React. 

Currently, if we have a project, we give it to Algoworks.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with 8–9 teammates from Algoworks.

How did you come to work with Algoworks?

We found them through a reference.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $400,000–$500,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in September 2014. Although we haven’t done any business with Algoworks in the last couple of years, our relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Every project we’ve done with Algoworks has been successful — their success rate is 100%. Moreover, the quality of their resources is extremely good. I would give our relationship the highest rating. 

How did Algoworks perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management is all Microsoft-based. We used Skype and Microsoft Teams to communicate, and they have good communication in terms of the project status reports. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Algoworks stands out for their feedback. Moreover, their resources have top-notch communication skills; they’re always on top of their game. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Resource availability is sometimes a challenge because Algoworks is always in high demand. Their teammates are so good that they’re generally busy.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president and CEO of GunKeepr LLC.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Algoworks?

I needed help with code development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I hired Algoworks to build a mobile and web application using very specific languages: React.js and Node.js. First, we had a discovery phase, during which we had 30–60-minute calls every morning for a month and a half to define and develop the product’s wireframe. From there, they were responsible for developing the app.

One of the main functions and features that we required for our app was a secured database of firearm owners. Algoworks was tasked to build this feature with blockchain technology to protect the data. Another feature that we requested was a theft deterrent/theft recovery process. Moreover, it was supposed to have an API integration with SendGrid for emails and text messages.

What is the team composition?

I worked with five people from Algoworks, including Pratyush (President & Co-Founder) and Manjul (Former Technical Team Lead).

How did you come to work with Algoworks?

I Googled top-rated code development firms, and Algoworks showed up on the first page of search results. Then, I read their reviews, which looked good. Their past clients included Fortune 500 companies, which gave me a sense of trust in them. However, I never verified the authenticity of those reviews and references.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent $61,000 on this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from August 2019–August 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

How did your relationship with the vendor evolve?

The wireframe that Algoworks developed after the discovery phase was fine; the issues arose when they started writing the code. Their task was to develop the app using the requested technologies — Node.js and React.js. However, a third-party developer reviewed their code and created a report on what he found. Turns out that Algoworks had developed the app using C#, which wasn’t good for the backend we needed.

On top of that, Algoworks didn’t build the database using blockchain technology; they lied about that part. Apparently, they fraudulently cut and pasted a piece of code that looks like it’s blockchain but isn’t. This situation put my customers at risk because their data wasn’t encrypted as it was supposed to be. For that piece of code only, they charged me around $15,000.

Most of the problems that we encountered with the app were caused by how Algoworks designed the architecture, built the databases, and put everything together. For example, the theft deterrent/theft recovery process that Algoworks developed within the app was broken; it never worked from day one. Additionally, they uploaded the whole app to my server as a singular EC2 instance, which is a very bad code practice that usually creates a lot of problems with applications.

When they delivered the app, it was somewhat useable for 2–3 months, and then it completely collapsed and broke. The app has been unusable for a year and a half. Now, I’m in the process of rewriting the whole platform with someone else’s help.

How did Algoworks address the challenges that arose?

Algoworks was supposed to custom-code my app. Instead, they went online, copied code from random websites, and pasted it all together to try to create the app for me. Ultimately, the code they delivered was poorly written and terrible overall.

Once we launched the app and found more issues, I told Algoworks about them. However, they ignored me for months and refused to make changes, telling me that it was the best way to do it. Given that they were the expert, I trusted them, only to find out later on that they were taking every opportunity they got to do half the work and charge full price.

By the time I was experiencing a lot of trouble with the app, I had already paid them almost $60,000, and I wasn’t willing to pay more money. However, they told me that I owed them another $15,000. Ultimately, they charged me an additional $2,000 just to give me access to the code so that a third-party developer could review it.

Once I had the report from the third-party developer, I contacted Algoworks, told them that the app they had built didn’t work due to the bad job they did, and asked for my money back. They basically answered that they would never give me my money back and that they would sue me if I tried to use the app without their permission because they owned it. However, the contract literally states that I own the app.

Describe the impact this engagement has had on your business.

It took Algoworks almost a year of development work to complete the app. When we launched it, it worked well for some time. However, it performed extremely poorly, and the sign-up process was very strange and convoluted. This issue made the app very difficult for people to sign up for, and it didn’t work as expected, so clients started blaming SendGrid and me.

Ultimately, this project destroyed my business. I haven’t been able to make a single penny from this business in three years because I invested a massive amount of money in this project only to get an unusable app.

Before launching the app, I had almost 2,000 people ready to sign up for my app. Once I launched it, only 60 people signed up because everyone else looked at it and realized it was faulty. Out of those 60 people, just about 10 people have stayed long-term, but I don’t even charge them anymore.

Since then, I’ve been saving more money to invest in this project again. Now, I’m very likely to file a lawsuit against them to get my money back.

How was project management handled?

I was the project manager on my end because I didn’t have the extra fund to hire anyone else to manage the project. However, I don’t have development knowledge, so I didn’t realize I was being lied to until I hired someone else to review Algoworks’ code and verify the quality.

Throughout the project, Algoworks communicated with me directly via Skype. Their team never delivered on time, and they kept pushing off the project. Sometimes, those delays were caused because I didn’t have enough money to continue, but I would eventually continue working on the project.

Is there anything that the vendor did well or that you would consider a strength?

Not really. Although I initially believed that Algoworks’ discovery process and project management were good, I’ve come to realize that they did the bare minimum. Now, I’ve experienced what solid scope development and wireframing look like, so I know what goes into those areas.

Manjul was very new to project management, and he didn’t do things as well as they could have been done. However, we were able to work through things, and he was good at communicating.

Given my experience with other development firms, I also believe that Algoworks’ developers were proficient code writers. However, I feel that the company was dictating to them how to write the code rather than letting them write it correctly.

In what specific areas can they improve?

It would be great if Algoworks had been honest and done what they promised. Their team isn’t following standardized code development practices. Instead, they’re cutting corners and smashing different code pieces together, resulting in problematic products.

What advice do you have for clients with similar needs to yours?

Go somewhere else and stay away from Algoworks. If you work with them, they’ll find a way to cut a corner and damage your product and company in the process.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the business manager at StarAgile, a training and consulting company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Algoworks?

In the initial stages, we had a developer in-house who wasn’t that great. We needed a group of experienced developers to help us with web application development and DevOps.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Algoworks has developed our WordPress website. Although they didn’t build it from scratch, they’ve built the backend and implemented many functionalities. They’ve also handled the content we wanted to change and helped with all our AWS accounts and email marketing.

We have a course page, which is in 100 countries. In the backend, we can make edits to one page and copy them for the remaining 100 pages. Additionally, there’s a performance functionality that helps us see our servers' response time.

The team uses AWS for the cloud and Laravel and JavaScript for the website. Currently, Algoworks is working on server response time and integrating a payment gateway.

What is the team composition?

We work with the senior delivery manager, the team lead, our main developer, and another developer.

How did you come to work with Algoworks?

They were a referral. We initially gave them some tasks, and they performed really well.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent over $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January 2020, and our relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Our website has improved by 60%–70%. We previously had 300 pages on our site, and they cut it down to 260.

How did Algoworks perform from a project management standpoint?

They always deliver on time and give proper estimates on timelines. We have a daily scrum call and mainly communicate through Skype.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have experienced people. If an issue comes up, they know how to handle the pressure and fix it on time. They also come up with 2–3 options if we want to create a page. Overall, Algoworks has learned about many technologies, which helps them try different frameworks.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, we’re happy with them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you want to learn many kinds of frameworks, you should go with Algoworks.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the creator of Moonchild, a lunar fertility mobile app. We have a moon and menstrual cycle tracking application where women can log their menstrual cycle data and receive personalized fertility predictions based on their lunar phases. The moon reflects women’s menstrual cycle, and hormones wax and wane like the moon. There’s a lot of ancient wisdom in using a lunar calendar, and it’s an innovative way to track the menstrual cycle based on that wisdom.  

The fertility predictions are based on peer-reviewed research. While other apps calculate the fertile window by adding 14 days to the period start date, mine makes predictions taken from peer-reviewed research depending on how long a woman’s cycle is. The app is a resource for women to connect to nature and themselves and can also be a fun tracking tool for people who aren’t trying to conceive.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Algoworks?

We hired them to create our mobile app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Algoworks developed my mobile app for iOS and Android. First, we put together a list of features; I told them what I wanted over the phone, and they organized my ideas in an Excel spreadsheet and turned them into features. They provided the phases in which they would develop the product by timeline, cost, and hour. From there, we went into the discovery and design phases, and Algoworks created wireframes. Then, the team went into production. 

The app has a calendar with the moon phase. Another feature is a moon mandala, a visual representation of the phases in a circle. Users see how they align with the lunar cycle and what that may mean for them over time. Therefore, if a user starts their cycle in a particular moon phase, the app tells them what the phase represents depending on the energy of that moon phase. 

According to my research, the moon phase a woman was born with determines their internal clock, which plays a role in fertility — this is their natal moon. The app also has features that consider the user’s natal moon. Overall, the app helps women conceive naturally based on where their natal moon is in their cycle. The app doesn’t have ads, and it protects users’ information.

Additionally, Algoworks redid my website from scratch. I had a different domain and wanted to switch over, and they designed and developed a landing page with information about the app, a privacy policy, and terms and conditions. Users can enter their phone number, and the site automatically texts them the link to the App Store or Google Play Store. The page also has a mailing list connected to it. 

How did you come to work with Algoworks?

I reached out to a handful of companies I found on Google to determine how to make my idea into a mobile app. When I reached out to the options, I didn’t give much detail about the project because I wanted NDAs completed first. Algoworks immediately agreed to sign our NDA. 

From our first call, I knew they were the company I wanted to go with. Although I still got quotes from other options, Algoworks was the most responsive and professional, and the team was enthusiastic about the project. I could tell they had their stats and policies in place. Moreover, they weren’t just focused on posing a deal and the price tag; they wanted to help me achieve my dream. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $52,000–$62,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

The project lasted from April 2021–November 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

The project was a big undertaking, and Algoworks excelled. The app has a free subscription for tracking and a paid ready-to-conceive plan, and I’ve had several free subscribers convert to paid subscribers. These results show that people are using the app and want more of its features; seeing that people are interested in the paid features is exciting. 

I’ve had a handful of positive reviews, including glowing reviews through Instagram. Although we only have four ratings, the app has five stars on the App Store. I’ve also been getting more traffic than ever on the website. I launched the app a month ago and still need to get marketing going. However, I’m confident it’ll go well. 

As for Algoworks’ team, we had a wonderful partnership, and I look forward to working with them continuously. Since it’s a complex and innovative app, we faced some challenges, and they were amazing every step of the way. They found solutions when there was a challenge while being calm about everything. Overall, they were outstanding, and I can’t thank them enough — I’m happy I found them. 

How did Algoworks perform from a project management standpoint?

They stayed on budget and went above and beyond with project management. The team was amazing in documenting everything upfront so that we didn’t have many change requests at the end, and if there were, we worked through them. They tracked every step of the project and never dropped the ball. 

Their communication skills were also amazing; even though they were in a different country, I never felt they were far away. They were extremely responsive and stayed on task. We used Basecamp for project management, which was extremely helpful. Microsoft Teams was our main communication tool. Overall, I can’t praise their project management skills enough. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Algoworks' honesty stood out. They advised me on which solutions were in my best interest and why. We had a true partnership, and I respected their opinions — I couldn’t have done this project without them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could have expanded the beta tester pool. We had a handful of testers, including myself, but if they had built up beta testing internally, we could have caught more things and reduced the time for revisions. Although I was detailed and knew the ins and outs of the project, it was still a very complex product. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I wouldn’t hesitate to go with Algoworks. If you’re US-based and are concerned because 90% of their team is offshore, don’t let that stop you. For me, this approach was beneficial because they worked while I was sleeping, so the project never stopped; someone was always working on it. 

Invest in yourself and your company by working with Algoworks. No matter what, they’ll provide a solution and be honest; they won’t tell you they can do something if they can’t.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a director for the Alexander Group, Inc. We’re a management consulting firm specializing in sales effectiveness consulting. We work on projects that range all over the sales operation spectrum and include helping sales organizations plan for the future, helping them design compensation for the sales organization, territory redesign, and go-to-market strategy. We assist with everything related to the sales organization and its salespeople.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Algoworks?

We wanted to create a mobile app that would provide content to users, and use that to engage further with our clients and prospects.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We provided Algoworks with a list of high-level requirements and engaged with their business analysts and designers to create a mock-up of the app. Our development stack included React Native on the frontend, C# and Web API for the middle tier, and Microsoft SQL Server on the backend. Everything runs on the Microsoft Azure platform, and we used GitHub as a code repository. The mobile app was built for iOS and Android. 

The application itself synthesizes a number of different types of content we produce. A user can open the application and read articles, listen to our podcast, view videos, read our white papers, and view other content we regularly publish.  We also worked with a team to set up our App Store services. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with a project manager, a business analyst, designers, and a development team. The development team included DevOps people who understood Microsoft Azure, React Native developers, C# developers, developers working on the middle tier, and other developers who created the database and stored products. There was also a QA team. 

How did you come to work with Algoworks?

We were looking for vendors to help us build our mobile app, and we interviewed around six companies. When we interviewed Algoworks, we felt like they really knew what they were doing and they had a lot of experience. 

How much have you invested with them?

We invested around $125,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together between September 2021–September 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

They provided us with high-quality work. Algoworks was able to understand what we needed and turn that into features within the product to make it exactly what people would expect from a company like ours. 

How did Algoworks perform from a project management standpoint?

The project took longer than expected; we were initially told it would be around six months, but it took about a year. We recognize that some of that was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and that we had to work remotely. We also added a few features after we technically finished the first version of the app, so it required us to go back to development. 

Algoworks had good communication skills; we used Basecamp for project management and Microsoft Teams for communication. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Algoworks had excellent business analysts and designers, which helped us produce the content we were looking for. They also had a great development team that was very transparent with us. When they weren’t sure how to do something, they were upfront about it, and never claimed to be able to do anything they couldn’t, which we found refreshing. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

In the middle of the project, we felt like some focus was lost; we don’t think it’s particularly their fault because it's just what happens during a long project. We probably should have considered their original estimates more of a ballpark estimate than a deadline. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure you set milestones for them to hit so they can stay on track.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Budget Me; we're a FinTech company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Algoworks?

We hired Algoworks to help us build a dynamic financial wellness application.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, we met with Algoworks to discuss the project details and develop a timeline. They were responsible for everything, including discovery, design, and development. During the design phase, we shared our ideas, and Algoworks created mock-ups, color schemes, and layouts based on our vision. We used the mock-ups to develop the final design for the app’s UI. 

Then, they built an MVP of the application. After reviewing the MVP, they developed the app from scratch for iOS and Android and helped us with the release. They also supported us with app store optimization (ASO) services.

The app is for the average person who wants to organize their monthly bills and have a stronger relationship with their money. The app helps users manage their bills and ensures they pay them on time via intelligent alerts. We also have a feature that gives users insight into their spending habits and uses the data to make financial recommendations. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with a project manager and the discovery, design, and development teams.  

How did you come to work with Algoworks? 

I found Algoworks on Google and did some research on them. After a few conversations, we were confident in their abilities and engaged them. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with Algoworks from October 2021– November 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We’ve developed partnerships with other businesses who’ve shared our app with their consumers, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Even before launching the app, we’d received praise regarding the concept, so it’s been nice to see the same feedback carry through post-release.

How did Algoworks perform from a project management standpoint?

Algoworks was organized from the beginning. The design team was phenomenal; they met deadlines and delivered the project within our desired budget. They had a clear process in place, and they followed it. 

Every app has its bugs, but the team addressed and resolved bugs immediately. They responded well to feedback and implemented it. We communicated via Microsoft Teams, and they were very responsive. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Algoworks’ knowledgeable people impressed me the most. They fleshed out parts of our concept we hadn’t thought of, and working with them was amazing. I’d partnered with another technology company before, and my experience with Algoworks was exponentially better. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I have nothing Algoworks could improve on; I was very satisfied with the engagement.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I recommend knowing what you want conceptually and documenting it in as much detail as possible. As long as you can provide Algoworks with some direction, they’ll move the project along.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm an executive at a ticketing services app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Algoworks?

We hired them to help us with mobile app development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We tasked Algoworks with mobile app development and UI/UX design. Nonetheless, they asked us as a customer where we should put the site's components, like the login button and other things — thanks to this, the UI was a disaster. The UX was good, but that was just because of me. Moreover, they didn't build things according to the design and then said it was what we wanted.

I told them I hired them as consultants to tell me how to do things better because it's their job, and the experts are them, not me.

What is the team composition?

I was in contact with a project UX designer who was inexperienced. In addition, we worked with a lead developer and other junior members of their team.

How did you come to work with Algoworks?

I found them on Clutch, and I went with them because they were the cheapest option and had a great presale engineer who was very nice. In addition, they won the tender because of their low prices. However, they just made the hours longer.

How much have you invested in them?

We spent around $60,000 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

I worked with them from June 2020–July 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Describe the impact this engagement has had on your business.

I expected them to come to me with solutions, not questions about where I wanted things. They somehow delivered at the end of the day, but the design was a disaster, so I lost a lot of cash in this experience.

How was project management handled?

Communication was very bad, they didn't meet deadlines, and we didn't receive consulting or advisory from their side. In addition to the type of questions they asked and the frequency of the questions, I knew that things were going downhill because I had to repeat myself repeatedly. Consequently, I felt that they tried to do quick and dirty fixes to shut me up.

Regarding tools, we used Basecamp and email for communication, but we didn't have daily or biweekly meetings. Overall, the relationship deteriorated, and it got super ugly — I was close to suing them, to be honest, and that didn't help the business relationship. 

Is there anything that the vendor did well or that you would consider a strength?

The lead developer was a good architect, but unfortunately, whatever he did wasn't in the app. He was nice, did a good job, and was the only good thing about our partnership.

In what specific areas can they improve?

I don't think they can do anything. They need to engage in professional services, which are advisory prototyping and hiring professionals. They should come up with examples, suggestions, and recommendations as that is their main job, and they failed miserably with us.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the sales data manager at Symphony Wireless, a company that’s part of a hedge fund. We buy the rights to cell phone towers and collect their rent.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Algoworks?

We hired them to help us put a proper CRM process in place.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Algoworks set up our CRM process using Salesforce. First, we specced the project out through a discovery phase where they found out what our issues were. From there, they put together a game plan on how to address those issues and went from there. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with at least five teammates from Algoworks, including a project manager, business analysts, and technology leads. 

How did you come to work with Algoworks?

I found them on AppExchange. 

How much have you invested with them?

The initial discovery phase cost $3,500, and then we had two later phases that cost around $40,000. In total, we spent about $50,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

The project lasted from May 2021–August 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Algoworks’ efforts improved the usability of our system. 

How did Algoworks perform from a project management standpoint?

They did an excellent job with project management. The team was prompt and delivered everything on time. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Algoworks was engaged in the project; we appreciated that the teammates who worked with us focused only on our project. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

The only challenge we faced was working across time zones. However, I don’t know how they could have improved that. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am retired. I spend much of my time volunteering, especially out in the woods and mountains.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Algoworks, and what were your goals?

Starting in 2015, I developed an app or iOS and Android. The app was aging to the point that it did not work properly in newer phones and operating systems. In 2021, I hired Algoworks to rewrite the app from scratch. My goal was to ensure that the app was rewritten in an optimal way for newer versions of iOS and Android and for both old and new phones.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I selected Algoworks based on

1. the number of 5-star reviews online;
2. the professionalism of the people who initially worked with me to understand the project; and
3. Algoworks's practice of charging a fee for code review prior to bidding on the project -- In this way, they can:

• weed out inquiries that are not serious (and avoid wasting time); and
• better understand the work to be done instead of under- or over-bidding due to unknowns.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Scope of work: To design and develop a native iOS and Android mobile app based on an existing database of information.

Steps: Development of splash screen, home screen, search bar, side menu, category list screens, tree detail screens, "my favorites" functionality, "notes" functionality, offline functionality, ability to easily make changes to database, user installation process; put finished apps on Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Technologies used: Swift for iOS; Java/Kotlin for Android; MySQL for database; Photoshop / Sketch / Figma for design.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

The people who were in regular contact with me were the project manager, 1-2 app developers for Android, and 1-2 app developers for iOS. There were other people behind the scenes with whom I occasionally had contact.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The outcomes of the project are apps that work smoothly and are well-designed in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. After these went live, user reviews have been almost all 5-stars.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Project management style: The manager stayed on top of the project while relying heavily on the app developers, who communicated regularly with me.

Communication tool: Basecamp. I now believe Basecamp has shortcomings, especially in the concurrent strings of communications that make it hard to locate a particular message. If I had known beforehand, I would have asked for a different tool.

Timeliness: Timeliness was Algoworks's only shortcoming on this particular project. The contract called for 14 weeks while the project actually took closer to 1 year.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Algoworks did what they said they would do! This may not sound impressive, but in my experience it is. Algoworks produced polished, final products and did what they were supposed to do. When the Algoworks team encountered obstacles, they spent time and figured out a way around. I was impressed.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Reading between the lines of our communications, I gathered that Algoworks had a bit of trouble managing developers during the pandemic. Everyone was working from home, plus there was some turnover. This might have contributed to the length of time it took to complete the project. My only recommendation is that communications with clients be more regular, even when there is little to report.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a food technology startup based in Boston, Massachusetts.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Algoworks?

I have a very strong technical background. Still, I was looking for some development help to build an app that could connect independent cooks and artisan bakers with local consumers.

I was looking for expertise in two-sided marketplace development, and the options I found in the US were limited. Being a bootstrapped startup, I was also under a tight budget, so those options weren’t affordable. Thus, we decided to look for that expertise offshore, finding Algoworks as a result.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Algoworks has helped us design and build our app. As for the technology stack, we’ve used an Angular framework and JSON code. We’ve also developed some custom APIs and integrated multiple other third-party APIs.

As for the design work, we’ve used Figma to design the app entirely, including the storyboards and user journeys. Algoworks has a very good design team dedicated solely to that part of the project. They base their designs on our requirements, and we collaborate to go through user journeys and user flow.

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with about 12–15 engineers from Algoworks over the last year. Their team includes senior backend developers familiar with API development and integration, frontend engineers familiar with Angular, JSON, and UI/UX design, project managers, and a product owner.

How did you come to work with Algoworks?

I searched on Google and interviewed about 20 different companies, both offshore and onshore, including Algoworks. Luckily, they were also a reference, so we decided to go with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested around $170,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in May 2021, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Algoworks has really partnered up with us through all of the challenges. Whenever launching usability tests into the real world for these kinds of apps, it is usual to find changes that need to be made. Algoworks has addressed those changes promptly. Furthermore, they’ve listened to our needs and understood the logic behind our requirements.

We did our MVP launch in February 2022, and the response from the users has been great, helping us achieve lots of traction. Algoworks has also taken the time to do research on their own and sat down with us for frequent check-ins after releasing the product.

How did Algoworks perform from a project management standpoint?

We use Jira to log all of the bugs, and Algoworks has an engineer assigned to manage those bugs. We typically refine those bugs according to the severity level to be handled in order of priority. We also use Basecamp to store the documentation and Confluence to build the user stories.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Algoworks seems truly invested in our success. They do frequent check-ins to revise how many users are onboarding and interacting with our app and see the functionality of its features, which has been very beneficial for our product.

Are there any areas they could improve?

It would be great if they had onshore resources because the time differences are always challenging. However, I know that it isn’t always possible, and they’ve been able to overcome those challenges thanks to their promptness.