Appello Software

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the chief design officer of a mobile dating app. My responsibilities include working directly with the development team to ensure that their build is faithful to our original design.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Appello Software?

My team handled the design effort internally, but we needed a development firm to build the platform’s backend and implement the UI/UX.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Appello Software translated our design into a functioning dating application. They built out the entire platform for iOS and coded the UI/UX to look nearly identical to our original wireframes. The technology stack includes AWS, Backbone.js, Google Analytics, Google Maps, Fabric, Firebase, Zeplin, Branch, Dropbox, Docker, WordPress, GitLab, and Sketch. We’re looking to develop an Android version in the future.

We came up with several complicated algorithms to facilitate the app’s location-based map functionality. This system interacts with how the user is represented on the map, how often they’re logged in, and the person’s proximity to other users. This all determines who users see populated in their individual results field. Implementing these algorithms was quite the challenge, but Appello Software didn’t hesitate to accept the task. The whole project took over 6,000 hours of work to complete. During that process, there was never a point where I thought they wouldn’t be able to accomplish something due to a lack of skill.

They assisted us with marketing the product once it was ready for launch. That effort helped the app become an accelerated program for both Facebook and Google. Being a multidisciplinary firm, they’re able to provide valuable advice regarding a variety of topics. As a result, they continue to support the platform when necessary.

What is the team composition?

They allocated five developers, including three iOS specialists and two full-stack resources. We also communicated with QA testers and an assigned project manager.

How did you come to work with Appello Software?

They were recommended to me along with a few other companies. I researched the options and felt that Appello Software could best provide what I wanted to accomplish.

How much have you invested with them?

The project cost around £210,000 (approximately $276,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

Development took place from September 2017­–April 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Considering the product reviews on The App Store, the feedback has been incredible. Appello Software created an application that’s intuitive and capable of producing positive results for each user. The app is highly rated on Product Hunt where it has received over 400 upvotes. Their replication of our design is 99% accurate. Getting this right the first time saved us a lot of money. Not all development firms have an eye for detail that honed. Also, their marketing assistance helped the platform reach 50,000 users within several months of the initial launch.

How did Appello Software perform from a project management standpoint?

We worked according to a project requirement document. Their project manager took out different features and pipelined them into kanban system that the developers used to organize each task. That process kept each party informed regarding the project’s progression relative to scheduled milestones. Requesting additional features was also quite easy. We’d reach out to the project manager, and they’d integrate the task with the project’s backlog.

Another key attribute of Appello Software is their responsiveness. We use Slack and phone calls to communicate, so we’re never left waiting for a response. Despite working remotely, they’re able to bridge the gap and work alongside as much as possible.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I equate value to the rate at which a firm can produce quality products. By that measurement, Appello Software excels beyond the norm. They represent the difference between a good service provider and a great service provider. Not only are they capable of competently completing tasks, but they’re also willing to add an extra flair to their deliverables to make a project noteworthy. Their team is a joy to work with because they’re more like artists than developers.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have anything to recommend regarding my needs or experience. As general advice, they should focus on scaling up their team so they can eventually serve bigger clients.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Being able to explain precisely what you want to be done will save both time and money.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of an app development company based in Sydney Australia

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We wanted to develop a new Dating app that is different to others on the market.

SOLUTION

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

We searched for app developers in Australia and after reading reviews and chatting in person we decided to go with Appello

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

We used Appello from concept/prototype all the way to launch on the iOS App Store and Google play store.

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

Our project manager Sveta, was our main point of contact through the whole process

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It was a great process from start to finish.

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

The project manager was extremely good at communicating with me as I am not very proficient in all the technical details.

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

I'm very happy with all aspects of the process and I cannot wait to develop more apps with them.

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

Not really

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the CEO of a digital platform. We provide services to Australian workers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Appello Software?

My company needed help developing a centralized platform.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to create a user-friendly digital experience for workers in Australia.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

My team chose Appello Software based on their positive reviews.

Describe the project in detail.

Appello Software created a prototype. They also helped develop our mobile app and web app.

What was the team composition?

We worked with a project manager and two web designers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Their team delivered a user-friendly prototype in less than two weeks.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They communicated seamlessly via email and phone. The team was professional and responsive.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Appello Software provided prompt and cost-effective services. Cameron (CEO, Appello Software) and the rest of the team were attentive and personable in all of our interactions.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, there is nothing for them to improve.