APPLIFY

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the creator of the game Panic.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with APPLIFY?

I needed to develop a game for iOS.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I wanted to build a brain teaser game, but didn’t have the technical knowledge. I also wanted to add some background music to engage the user. 

Time was the main challenge. I requested that development be completed within one month. It took about 35 days, but the slight delay was due to changes I requested.

What is the team composition?

Between four and five people worked on the application.

How did you come to work with APPLIFY?

A friend referred me to them. I had an idea for a game, so I got in touch with them. After liking their communication and understanding of my requirements, I decided to move forward with them.

How much have you invested in them?

I spent around $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from April to May 2015. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The game spread like fire in my inner circle; people loved it. There were no complaints about the game. I'm pretty happy with it, and I have no concerns.

How did APPLIFY perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management was amazing. They managed to develop the application within 35 days. We used Skype to communicate.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their speed was impressive. I was amazed that they completed the app within that timeframe.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the COO and co-founder of a mobile ticketing service for university students. It is a small start-up that works with several London universities to facilitate culture shows and end-of-year events.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with APPLIFY?

None of our team members had the technical skills to build and develop this app. My partner and I didn’t have a mobile app design or computer science background, so we reached out to APPLIFY to provide those services.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We wanted an innovative, easy-to-use app with a very simple frontend that strictly allows students to interact and access tickets. They designed and created the backend, which enabled us to work with students, manage tickets and information, and deal with any queries and responses. They built from the ground up and were completely in charge of the entire technical design and execution.

The app is for iOS and Android, and also offers web services that link to the app. Students buy their tickets from the main app; they can also use a sister app to scan tickets, follow up with attendees, and manage information regarding events that we are posting. The web services allow users to purchase tickets online. If they don’t want to do it directly through the app, they can do it from the web. We also offer web services for the societies and organizers who manage those events.

What is the team composition?

We have a primary point of contact who liaises with my partner on a day to day basis.

How did you come to work with APPLIFY?

We were reviewing several companies at the time and had conducted some interviews to see how their skills would align with our needs. We chose APPLIFY partly because they were cost-effective compared to some of our other European partners.

The level of communication, interactivity, and customer service made us feel they were the right choice. Their people really tried to understand our issue. The other companies we interviewed were almost robotic; we didn’t feel there was a personal touch.

How much have you invested in them?

We spent around £18,500 ($25,627 USD) for all the services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together between October and December of 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

When we originally designed the app, we had a rough idea of the number of people that would be using it on a regular basis. We had anticipated 500 active users. If a large number of people used it at any given time, they assured us that the system could take on the additional load without issues.

This ended up being the case. We are now at 2,000—2,5000 users per month and feel that is a positive metric of success.

How did APPLIFY perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very good, and their execution was timely. In addition to work submissions, there was a lot of back-and-forth discussion to reiterate, redesign, and refine the product. They were very quick to fix bugs in the app and respond to any other issues that weren’t picked up in the other phases.

We predominantly used Basecamp for project management.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were very quick and prompt with execution issues, which impressed me. They add a very personal touch to their client interactions and relationships. I am very impressed with how flexible they are, even after hours. Someone is always available to take on and prioritize our requests. Their customer service has been excellent.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The only area where they could improve is their process for assigning costs for the scope of work. We had a bit of an issue with this cost at the beginning; their flexibility could be a bit better. The work is very open-ended, so an open-ended scope of work makes it really difficult to budget and assign figures.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be open-minded and be clear about your issues. They are constantly making adjustments, adding extra hours, and working outside of the agreement to make sure that they deliver on time and on task. They are a very professional business. If other customers want to maximize the services that APPLIFY offers, they will need to develop a strong relationship and strong communication between both sides.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founder of TUL & BACK YARD. TUL is a mobile application where individuals and companies can share or rent tools to and from each other.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with APPLIFY?

We needed help to develop two applications.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had the idea sketched out and had to make it real, which was a challenge. The apps were developed for both Android and iOS and are currently only available in the UK. They did all the coding and everything from scratch. We helped them a little with the design, but they showed us designs and would recommend certain options.

Both apps were started at the same time in terms of design and everything was built from scratch. One is the tool sharing application, while the other allows people to share any kind of space, such as a backyard, swimming pool, storage space, rooftop or land. The logic behind it was complicated because when someone books a space, it has to allow the host the clean the place first. We had to imagine all those scenarios, so it was a challenge, but we managed it.

What is the team composition?

We had contact with the co-founder of APPLIFY most of the time, and we also had direct contact with the team. We mostly communicated with two members of the team who would then instruct the others. It made it easy on the communication side of things. We got to know each other in the time we worked together and they’re great people.

How did you come to work with APPLIFY?

We found them through a Google search. We wanted to start two projects at the same time so we needed a good deal but also flexibility. APPLIFY gave us a lower price since we’re a startup and wanted to do both projects with them. It was very professional. We met the co-founder who was very helpful and we decided to go with them.

How much have you invested in them?

I spent around $25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in September 2017 and the project was completed in January 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We just launched in January and we’re hoping it will be very successful. The product is great and is currently in the UK App Store. They did a great job and there has been positive feedback so far. People love it, but it is tough to get people to take the time to lease their tools, which is something I am working on.

How did APPLIFY perform from a project management standpoint?

They were great. We communicated daily through email, calls, FaceTime, Skype, and Basecamp to go over the details.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re unique because they’re very professional, efficient, and at the same time, they can be friendly as well.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could improve their internal communication a bit. There were a few times when I had asked them to do something, but one person might have forgotten to pass the information along to the other team members. It took a bit longer to get to the point, but it was a small thing.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Customers have to provide some work as well to get the best. If you expect them to do everything for you without putting an effort in yourself, you won’t end up with a great product. You have to be committed to the project too. Pay a lot of attention to detail from the beginning and you will end up with a great product.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of Fittever. Our aim is to make an app that provides a platform for gyms and gym instructors to live-stream their fitness classes to people all over the world.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with APPLIFY?

I wanted to develop the app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I wanted to create the MVP (minimum viable product) of the iOS app, with the minimum number of features for the app to work. I needed to be able to live stream videos and for the videos to be recorded and stored. I needed users to be able to purchase those videos and watch them live. Finally, I needed a star rating system and a chat feature that would work during the live streams.

What is the team composition?

There was a group of developers and I spoke with the project manager. She would interact with the developers.

How did you come to work with APPLIFY?

I found them through Clutch. I was sold on the price and the main reason I chose them was that when I was chatting with Deepak, their co-founder, he was passionate, understood where I was coming from, and believed in the idea I had. When I spoke to some other people, they didn’t get it. Deepak also gave me really good ideas.

How much have you invested with them?

£16,000 [$22,090 USD].

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November 2017 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Everything meets my expectations.

How did APPLIFY perform from a project management standpoint?

It was really good. There was really clear communication and the project manager always gets back to me the same day. We used Basecamp. In the early stage, we communicated every day, then once the development started, we spoke about the progress on a weekly basis. They had sprints and deadlines to achieve.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’ve fulfilled my expectations. I like being kept in the loop through the frequent communication. They developed and designed a really nice product.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I would have liked to be able to meet up in person.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be very clear with your feedback. Don’t do it in a written email but send it as a voice note or video recording. I do screen recordings where I tell them about the design and what I liked about it. It’s very easy to get my point across that way. Ensure the communication is as easy as possible—that’s important when working remotely.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Vibrand Technologies is a development and IT services company in India. We built websites for companies in Canada but currently, we’re not that active and are on hold. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with APPLIFY?

Most of my projects were websites. I had a project that a little more complex and needed additional development help. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I worked with them for the complex project. One of my clients wanted us to build a basic CRM [customer relationship management] application to access some of his data from his mobile and his website. 

They used Node for the backend. For the frontend we used HTML. If there’s a lot of logistics behind it, we have to add Ruby on Rails or Node or PHP. 

What is the team composition? 

I have a partner who is a graphic designer who does most of the design work. I work with 2 of their developers who take care of the HTML and the background programming. 

How did you come to work with APPLIFY?

I have excellent knowledge of their previous clients and know them personally. That’s why I gave my project to them. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 2016 and the work is ongoing, but on hold at present. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

My clients were happy. We’ve had very good feedback. 

How did APPLIFY perform from a project management standpoint?

It was easy for me to give them my requirements and they got it done on time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They produced good work and they grew fast. Their customers are happy. They have people working with them for many years, which shows they are doing something right. They do everything well. They’re one of the reasons I got motivated to start something of my own. I’ve learned a lot from them. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could manage their multiple projects in a better manner to deliver better quality. The quality is good, but there’s always room for improvement. I would like to see them have a more Agile approach to managing the project. They were a startup and they’re learning as they go. They’re doing well. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re an event management company focused on weddings and corporate events in India and abroad. I’m in charge of business and client servicing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with APPLIFY?

We wanted a single-platform application which would keep us synchronized with vendors and clients. Our ultimate aim was to decrease work time.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

My basic directive to APPLIFY was to find a way for our vendors, salespeople, and overall team to become synchronized. We needed to have a chat functionality for both ourselves and the client through which they could communicate feedback.

They’re developing an app for iOS and Android, as well as a website.

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with a business manager from their side who serves as our single point of contact. There are a couple of other people working in the background.

How did you come to work with APPLIFY?

I came across their website while looking online for an app development company and decided to contact them because I liked the way it looked. They seemed to be a nice company, and were able to do everything within my budget.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in September 2017. It’s an ongoing project, and we’re continuing to work on and add elements to it.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The initial progress has been smooth, but since it’s an ongoing project, I can’t really comment on it yet. I have confidence that that final product will be great.

How did APPLIFY perform from a project management standpoint?

Scheduling has been very good, and we’ve experienced no delays from their side. APPLIFY has been great. I have no complaints so far.

We usually use email to communicate, and phone or Skype when I have time to talk to them directly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

There has been a lot of open communication. They’ve made suggestions and have always been available when I have questions. They haven’t delayed answering my phone calls or emails. They’ve looked into every, small detail, which is something I appreciate about them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing as of now, but the project is still ongoing.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Listen to their suggestions. APPLIFY knows what the best approach is, and they can help with a lot of things.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the chief genetics officer at Nutritional Genomix. I look at people’s variations and their DNA. Based on that, we tell them what type of foods to eat and what exercise to do if they have a predisposition to obesity or insulin resistance. We are into preventive lifestyles.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with APPLIFY?

We wanted a website where we could post all the information. In India, not many people know about genetics. We wanted to make it simplified for the users and explain what we’re doing.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

APPLIFY had to come up with a way that we could get our message to the audience. Instead of us going to clients, it had to be in such a way that clients would come to us. In the beginning, we didn’t know what our requirements were exactly. We gave them the bigger picture and they narrowed it down for us. As of now, they are handling the entire e-commerce for us. Right now, we do everything physically but we are working with them on an e-commerce platform for the website and app.

When we started off, we were a B2B brand which was really boring. The website was mainly to attract customers. APPLIFY came up with a fun brand and a fun logo. There were quite a few iterations we had to go through. For them, the idea was new, but they were quite patient with us.

What is the team dynamic?

I was in contact with Deepak [Co-Founder], and there were two or three developers assigned to our project.

How did you come to work with APPLIFY?

We found them on Google. We shortlisted them because in our meetings we hit it off. From the first document we received from them, we saw they didn’t completely understand what we were doing. But they understood it more than the other companies

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $15,000 USD.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in May 2017

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve had an increase in traffic and our sales have gone up from our customers directly. As of now, we’re trying to get in the app world because they proposed the apps to us. We believe that would help our sales.

How did APPLIFY perform from a project management standpoint?

They were quite good. They met all the deadlines. It would have been great if they could’ve finished earlier. They were never delayed. We were getting updates regularly about what was going on with the project. There was some back and forth because if they made something and we wanted it different, they were kind enough to go back and change it.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re dynamic and young. They get the pressure of a startup and they're dedicated to their work. At no point in time did we have a dispute. There are some people that can be difficult to work with, but throughout our relationship, they were patient. They were coming up with new strategies. We didn’t know anything about software. We went to them with what our startup does, and they came up with the idea to make the business online. Now, they’re automating everything to where if someone wants to have delivery to their house, they can schedule a pickup. We would do all of that in the backend. If we got a customer on our website now, we would call them and tell them what time the pickup should be. They are working to automate the entire process.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could work slightly faster. They are on the higher side in regard to price. That could also be because of the excellent quality they give. Initially it was a hindrance, but now that I’ve had work done from them, I think it’s worth it

Do you have any advice for potential clients?

Stay in touch with them. Ask them what’s happening and have a timeline. Make sure you let them know what you want. Even if you have a brief idea, they can make it better.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the director of a real estate business. We have a website that offers a real estate property portal, where we invite our real estate clients to visit our website and then list their properties.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with APPLIFY?

We wanted to develop our website as a real estate property portal, as well as develop our mobile application.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

APPLIFY are currently in the development process of making our website a real estate property portal. They are also working on our mobile app, which we are trying to have for both iOS and Android. As of right now, it is in the wireframing process, but we are about to finalize that soon. The application is an Uber style maintenance app; if a user wants maintenance for their house, whether it is plumbing, housekeeping, or other services, they can go into the app and see where the nearest service provider is and choose one to come and perform their services. We also want to create an app for our website, and we have been in talks about that as a future project.

What is the team dynamic?

We have been working with the project manager who I am always in-touch with. We are also able to view the profile of each team member working on our project.

How did you come to work with APPLIFY?

When I came onboard with the company, APPLIFY were already working on a couple of projects and we decided to stay with them.

How much have you invested in them?

We have spent approximately $50,000-$80,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I believe they started working with our company in 2013 or 2014, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They are very patient and will keep working on aspects of the project, making changes until we are content. They will do whatever it takes to satisfy our needs for the app.

How did APPLIFY perform from a project management standpoint?

We are in-touch everyday with APPLIFY. We mostly use Basecamp, text messaging, and emails for communication. Even though they are based abroad and in a different time zone, they are almost always available when I try to contact them.

Their communication is something I really like about them, as they are always available, and I can talk to them when I need to. I can go back and let them know something needs to be modified, and they would do it for me even though the project is completed. They are happy to make changes and are there when I need them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

APPLIFY will always do their best to get whatever needs to be done, done, and in the way you want it to be done. They are always willing to make changes even after the project has been completed. I can always communicate with them when I need to and they are always quick to reply. I favor them over other companies.

Are there any areas they could improve?

For me, the most important thing is their communication, and the way they deal with their clients. So far, they are doing a very good job.

The only advice I would have for someone considering working with APPLIFY, would be to make everything clear from the start, in terms of what you want to be completed.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a co-founder of YapYap App Ltd, a London-based texting app with unique messaging features. We should be launching in two or three weeks. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with APPLIFY?

We started with an app developer in London that made a total mess of our product. They said they had Android app developers in-house, which they didn’t. They sourced the app to some European company and never delivered. It was a total shamble. We gave up hope. We spent all that money and weren’t able to release the app. The iOS version was so buggy that it wouldn’t work, and the Android version wasn’t complete. Our messages also weren’t going through. Then, I found APPLIFY and asked them to develop our apps.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

When I contacted APPLIFY, they agreed to take on our project and rectify the problems that the other developers created. Not only did they rectify the problems, they also added a ton of features to the app as well. The first version from the other developers was very basic, and we couldn’t do anything with it. The version we got from APPLIFY is up to the standard of Viber, WhatsApp, and Tango.

APPLIFY has done an excellent job. They built a fantastic iOS and Android app with unique features. This is an ongoing project in which we’ve asked for more features, and they’re always obliged to incorporate them. They’re going to help with the pre-launch, launch, and some marketing as well. They’re helpful and have a lot of insight into this kind of technology. They’re a great company to work with.

Our app is a bit like Whatsapp on steroids. It’s got so much more. We’ve got a pokes messaging system, which doesn’t allow screenshots of images. No one else has that feature. That’s something unique that APPLIFY developed for us. The app also supports video calls and has an auto-add feature where you can add people who’re in close proximity and send details. We’ve got an incognito chat thread. Once the chat thread expires, the chat disappears completely. All the messages are stored locally on the phone and not in a server or the cloud for added security. The app has autoplay videos, timed messages, and language translation. So, if I select my language as English and you send me a message in Chinese, I can automatically translate the via the chat without having to use another app. Those are just a few of the app’s features.

What is the team dynamic?

APPLIFY is based in India. I don’t know how many people are on the project team. They have about 70 app developers working on different projects.

How did you come to work with APPLIFY?

I found them through PeoplePerHour. I looked for app developers, and several came up. When I looked at APPLIFY, they looked like a good fit for us because of their skills, experience, and the reviews they had from past clients. When I approached Deepak [Co-Founder, APPLIFY] with the project, he seemed knowledgeable, and I like his mannerisms. We decided to give the partnership a go, and I’m so glad I did.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $35,000–$40,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’re a year into this product and have got one or two other projects in the pipeline with them. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Everyone who has seen the application has been wowed by it. I’ve even got an American investor looking at the app now. She’s completely impressed. We’re in talks about raising funds before we launch it. This investor says we’ve got something that no one else has built before, and she’s willing to part with money for equity.

How did APPLIFY perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re excellent and always helpful. They never dismissed my questions or requests. In the past when I worked with other developers, I’d tell them messages weren’t coming through and they would blame the network and 4G connectivity. They even told me I must be using the app wrong. With APPLIFY, they look into our requests right away and resolve problems. There were no language or time barriers. Whenever I send a message, they get back to me. Their English is excellent and even better than mine. At our peak, we were talking literally every day via our application, WhatsApp, and Skype. They’re always readily available to talk. If I have any concerns, they’ll listen and get a team of people working on a solution right away.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The whole team is full of honest people. If they say they’re going to do something, they’ll do it. I had a few concerns about the app as it was being built, but they reassured me and were always there to help. They offer great suggestions and have a lot of knowledge.

Also, they haven’t even charged us for certain features they’ve put into the application. For example, if you took a screenshot of the chat thread that we share, I’d get a notification. They didn’t charge us for that. In contrast, a London-based app developer quoted me $70,000–$80,000 just for that one feature. I was blown away.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I’m really satisfied with the service I’ve been getting.

Do you have any advice for potential clients of APPLIFY?

When APPLIFY takes on a job, they give 110%. I don’t have any tips to share because if they accept a project, they will give their all just like they did for me. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founder of a mobile app called PinkBook.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with APPLIFY?

There are parties in India called “kitty parties,” in which women meet once a month, pool their money, and then select a winner who collects the pool. I had an idea for a lifestyle app that helps women organize these parties and I needed a company to develop it.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

After presenting my initial idea, APPLIFY took care of everything. They designed the app specifications and decided how to incorporate technical aspects while maintaining usability. They implemented their own UI/UX design. It was an end-to-end solution. I gave them the idea and I got my app. We did beta testing for about a month and a half, APPLIFY fixed any minor bugs that were present, and then we took it to the market, at which point they continued to provide software updates as needed.

What is the team dynamic?

I dealt directly with four people, while APPLIFY employs a team of about 55-60.

How did you come to work with APPLIFY?

I have worked with a number of smaller developers in the past, mostly freelancers hired to create smaller apps, but I always had negative experiences. For PinkBook, I looked at a number of companies and found APPLIFY to be very professional after I spoke to them. They provided a clear outline of how my project would come together, which helped clarify my idea and put me at ease.

How much have you invested with them?

Around $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began work in January 2017 and the project was completed in April 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

In only 2 ½ months, PinkBook has been downloaded nearly 2,000 times.

How did APPLIFY perform from a project management standpoint?

They were amazing. We spoke through Skype or email every week, sometimes twice a week, to keep me updated on their progress. They presented me with each interface screen as development progressed to get my feedback and make changes. They provided detailed reviews of my suggestions, and would let me know if they thought a change would ultimately harm the app. In this way, they ensured that the final product was the best it could be.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They bring a sense of professionalism to the table. I’ve found that some vendors are more interested in a paycheck than in creating a functional app. With APPLIFY, this wasn’t the case. They were honest about the best way to achieve my desired product and offered detailed explanations of the technical aspects. This was very important to me, while their willingness to offer development suggestions was another major positive for me. They were also willing to immediately fix any minor bugs that came up, sometimes within two hours of being informed of the problem. For me, APPLIFY has set a new standard for development companies.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything. I was happy with the work.

Do you have any advice for other potential customers of APPLIFY?

Present your idea and then listen to their feedback. While I was fairly inflexible initially, their detailed presentations usually convinced me to that their suggestions were the right way to go. Just give them a chance to explain their idea.