ARKA Softwares

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the business owner of Fitnutro Fitness & Diet FZ LLE, a fitness and nutrition company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ARKA Softwares?

We needed help with e-commerce development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our team gave them the idea before they began designing the website and app. We also provided drafts with the options we needed. The features include online fitness solutions and a fitness tracker. ARKA Softwares developed the website using PHP and the app with React Native.

What is the team composition?

We worked directly with the project lead, and there are five people on the team.

How much have you invested with them?

The project cost $150,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with ARKA Softwares in December 2018 until May 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The quality ARKA Softwares delivered was top notch. The website they delivered had no bugs.  

How did ARKA Softwares perform from a project management standpoint?

ARKA Softwares met deadlines a majority of the time. Our communication tool was Skype.

What did you find most impressive about them?

ARKA Softwares brought our idea to life. Their design and development skills are excellent.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there’s nothing for them to improve upon.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the managing director of a digital advertising/marketing business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire ARKA Softwares?

We needed to develop our website and mobile applications.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to develop a reliable digital platform to market and promote businesses in our area.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

The vendor was selected based on similar past projects. Comments and reviews were also taken into consideration.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

ARKA Softwares provided support from the inception phase of the project, developing, launching, and supporting the website and mobile apps post-launch. They did a tremendous job with our project and we could not be happier.

What was the team composition?

We worked with a project manager, a PHP developer, an Android developer, an iOS developer, and a Quality Analyst. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

As the first business to use a mobile app and website to advertise in our area, the project is definitely having an enormous impact on our business.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

The project management team worked so effectively that they developed our products on time. They were very effective with their communications via Skype and email on important issues, including possible delays.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Customer service, project management, and professionalism were the most impressive for us.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The could have more detailed documentation of projects.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of an online cellphone wholesaler. We’re still working on building out the marketplace.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ARKA Softwares?

Our relationship with ARKA Softwares began with a fixed-price project, but then we expanded our relationship to include additional development services. Currently, they provide a few developers that work fulltime on our account.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

ARKA Software custom built the central structure of our website using PHP technology. We run Google Ads and Facebook Ads to gauge the market reaction to the website, then work iteratively to make any changes. Through daily sprints, we’re working to integrate third-party software like a WordPress blog into the core site.

What is the team composition?

They provide a project manager, a lead developer, and a few other development resources.

How did you come to work with ARKA Softwares?

I usually work with another developer, but I was looking for a more cost-effective option for this initiative. I compared vendors listed on platforms like Upwork and Clutch, and ARKA Softwares seemed like the best candidate.

How much have you invested with them?

Initially, we were charged for each milestone, but now we’re paying a set cost for their full-time development resources. In total, we’ve spent around $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in November 2018, and the partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Overall, they’re a team of good developers. The quality of ARKA Softwares’ work met all of our standards. They collaborated closely with us to set up a strong testing process, and they’ve been very receptive to all of our feedback.

How did ARKA Softwares perform from a project management standpoint?

We use Trello to track our daily workload and Skype to communicate. If necessary, I can also reach them via call or text.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I most appreciate their flexibility. Because we’re modifying the product based on market feedback, we request a lot of changes in each iteration. ARKA Softwares accommodates all of our changes and doesn’t charge additional fees. They understand our project—our relationship wouldn’t have lasted if they followed the scope of work too strictly.

Are there any areas they could improve?

So far, ARKA Softwares has been a trustworthy and reliable team. Project management can always be improved, but there haven’t been any major areas of weakness.

Any advice for potential customers?

Clients should build flexibility into their relationship with ARKA Softwares. Be open and upfront with their team about any changing needs.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a secretary at a steel fabrication business in Australia.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ARKA Softwares?

I needed help creating our company website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built the site on the WordPress platform. They also developed several plugins. Some are from a template and some they built from scratch. I’m able to log on to the backend of the WordPress site to access the administration page. They’re currently fixing bugs and other issues.

What is the team composition?

Our main points of contact is the lead developer.

How did you come to work with ARKA Softwares?

I picked them primarily based on their ability to work within our budget.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $1,000–$2,000 AUD (approximately $735–$1,470 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together less than two months ago, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Overall, it’s been a good experience. They're very professional and were able to quickly build the website. The site is finished and they're now doing some clean up. They’re fixing bugs and other minor issues, such as picture sizes. The site meets our expectations.

How did ARKA Softwares perform from a project management standpoint?

Their team is very responsive. We primarily talk over Skype. I can also message them on WhatsApp if I need to flag any problems. If there are a lot of issues, I'll just compile them into an email. We kept it casual and didn’t have a set deadline for the website, but they’re really good at fixing any bugs in a day or two.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re good developers. They assigned at least three people to the development of the site, which was great. They were dedicated to finishing the project.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We work with two managers, a team lead for the website and a salesperson. The salesperson could be more professional in his communication style. Sometimes he's a bit too casual when we’re speaking about the project.

Any advice for potential customers?

Be straightforward and tell them what you need. They will stick to your budget and completion date for your site.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director of Benvenuto, a limo service. I manage our marketing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ARKA Softwares?

We needed custom e-commerce development for our entire website to accommodate our unique tourism offerings in Italy. We had used other developers, but the site kept crashing for users during checkout.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They collaborated with our in-house designer to redo the site’s background, using ASPX and JavaScript to rewrite and correct code. Currently, we’re interfacing our e-commerce site with our back office, which is the software we use to manage bookings and confirmations. We then transfer that data in Java via web services to our system.

What is the team composition?

I work directly with the managing director, who is also one of the lead developers.

How did you come to work with ARKA Softwares?

I found them through Upwork after reviewing a few different companies. Initially, I gave ARKA Softwares smaller projects to test their compatibility. Once I saw their quality work, we moved to the main development project.

How much have you invested in them?

We have spent at least $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in January 2017 and the partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

As a result of improved functionality, we’ve seen a significant increase in quality leads from the mobile site.

How did ARKA Softwares perform from a project management standpoint?

They are quite good. We communicate via email and Skype.

What did you find most impressive about them?

In addition to being fast workers, they’re knowledgeable and have a great understanding of the client’s needs. Likewise, the team is very good at resolving issues, although their fixes can take a little longer. But we don’t mind if the team needs extra time to prevent the problem from happening again.

Are there any areas they could improve?

While we don’t need daily reports, but they would be good to have. Normally, each team updates the other and we then identify the changes that need to be made.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Communicate requirements clearly and they will take care of them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of OMM Collective. It is a mobile app that helps wellness professionals manage their booking and invoicing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire ARKA Softwares?

We initially started the project with another development house, but we were unhappy with the direction the app was headed. We needed another company to take over and help us get a product to market.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to complete a glitch-free booking and invoicing platform in a timely fashion, and stay within our budget.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We chose them based on a referral.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

ARKA built a subscription-based mobile app that provides a booking and invoicing platform to help teachers in the fitness industry manage clients, invoices, medical records, class programs, and tax time income reporting. We have launched the platform and they continue to support and manage the app.

What was the team composition?

We worked with one developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

This was my first startup and I had no idea what to expect from the development process. The project is taking longer and cost more than my initial estimates, but ARKA has remained very supportive and responsive to my needs throughout the partnership.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We communicate mainly via Trello and Slack.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They prioritize responsiveness, clarity, and transparency in their customer service.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

I am very happy with their service as a whole.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of Mapha, a food-sharing platform that allows individuals to post, sell, buy or share food with individuals in and around their neighborhood.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire ARKA Softwares?

We hired ARKA for full stack development of our iOS & Android app. This includes ongoing maintenance of the platform.

What were your goals for this project?

My goals were to have a running minimal viable product (MVP) so I could test our product within the market.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We sent a brief to a variety of local and international vendors. ARKA software provided the most detailed proposal and understood our requirements well.

Describe the project in detail.

ARKA Softwares developed our MVP for iOS and Android. They created a frontend, integrated the app with a backend server, and created an admin panel. They also advised us on business strategy and monetization methods.

What was the team composition?

We worked primarily with a project manager, but they also had a development team and QA team working in the background.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our app is available for customers on the iOS and Android app stores. Their visually pleasing GUI implementation was impressive.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our workflow was effective. There were some bugs, but they were professionally resolved. We always referred to the software requirements specification (SRS) when there were any disagreements. Their project manager communicated in a detailed manner through Skype, and we understood their progress well.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They offered a quality service at very reasonable prices.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The QA team could've improved on testing before they release on updates to save time. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am CEO of the company, based in India. We have over 50 employees.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire ARKA Softwares?

We needed to develop a fantasy cricket app.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted our app to entice users to play fantasy cricket through the app. We needed it to analyze games and reward players.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We shortlisted many companies for our project. After interviewing all of them, we found ARKA Softwares to be the best as they had prior experience on similar projects.

Describe the project in detail.

Their project manager prepared a wireframe based on my requirements and asked for my approval. Then, ARKA Softwares developed a fantasy cricket app with features that help users win prizes and cash using their expertise in cricket. As part of this, they configured an interface to pick players and teams. Their team also developed a fully-supported league community client. We worked together to connect the app to data on every cricket session.

What was the team composition?

The team consisted of a project manager, a mobile app developer, a web developer, and a QA. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We launched the app recently, and everything was working great. We are hoping for even more success in the future.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The team's coordination was great. Their project manager provided us with daily reports and updates, which helped us keep the track of the workflow. We connected via phone, Skype, email, and Slack.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They suggested optimal solutions and additional features that improved our original vision. Their designer and developer were experts in their field.  We are extremely satisfied with their work and will surely keep in touch with them for additional features in the future.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the CIO of Quantways SARL, a stock investment platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ARKA Softwares?

We have been using and developing on the same desktop and server-based software for 30 years. I wanted to develop a new website that could interface with my SQL database, display our information online in a visually-pleasing way, and communicate macro trends and markets.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They're developing our website using ASP.NET and AngularJS. Their team is handling sophisticated work because our previous programmer had locked away some of our libraries. They're reviewing the whole system, rewriting certain paragraphs of code, and salvaging the functional bits. They're also working on developing a new design and theme; developing a new user interface and logins; migrating our server; and adding new features.

Becuase I deal with hundreds of markets, their team is creating statistical groups to better visualize our data. This involves interfacing the MySQL database with MSSQL, which is quite sophisticated; ARKA Softwares is synchronizing the data from the SQL server and inputting it into our website as visuals and part of the interface.

What is the team composition?

I like that their company is medium-sized. They’re friendly and easy to talk to. We have an assigned project manager. He understands our project and assigns us the proper programmer for the job.

How did you come to work with ARKA Softwares?

I found them on Clutch. I started developing the website and had a problem with the programmer. I sent 10 companies in India the incomplete code, and many of them said they needed to scrap it and start over. Comparatively, ARKA Softwares said they could reincorporate the old work and improve it, which was one of the main reasons I went with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $3,600 so far. In total, the project could cost us $6,000-$10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in May 2018 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Their work is reliable, and our website functions well thus far. Whenever there’s a bug, I make a request on Trello, and they'll fix it. The initial graphics made by their design team wasn't to my taste. However, after I chose a theme, they delivered exactly the high-quality designs I wanted.

How did ARKA Softwares perform from a project management standpoint?

We use Trello, and I can see their progress every day. We conduct Skype chats and screen shares. Our communication is perfect and extremely smooth. They are transparent and always deliver what they promise. If I need any personnel, the project manager will allocate a specialist for me. Our assigned programmer and project leader are great and trustworthy. We always have excellent discussions. Their development speed is fast, and they provide excellent code.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Unlike a lot of other programmers, they try to understand the client’s needs. It doesn't take me hours or days to explain exactly what I want. ARKA Softwares really understands our vision and provide the technology.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Communicate your ideas clearly and they can provide the technology. Write out a detailed brief of what you want.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a small development house company in Australia. We specialize mainly in websites, web apps, and mobile apps. We don’t do anything related to Mac applications. We focus on the development side of projects, not marketing.

I am a founder and my role is more that of a managing director.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with ARKA Softwares?

I needed extra resources to help me expand my development team. I needed PHP developers initially and then we expanded the relationship into mobile app development.

How did you come to work with ARKA Softwares?

I found them through a referral from another project management company here in Australia. I engaged with them for a trial project, but their bid wasn’t accepted for that project. I later engaged them for other projects after another offshore software house didn’t come through on the projects. I liked their competence, their level of communication in English, and their attitude, which was very positive and constructive.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

One of the biggest projects they've worked on was a public relations website for an online training product from a production company. In our partnership, they've mainly work in PHP, and specifically on WordPress websites. They did a little bit of PrestaShop development, too. We’re also working together on an iOS mobile app. I’ve used them as a general project management resource like producing flowchart diagrams and virtual assistant activities, as well.

How much have you invested with them?

I've spent around $12,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working in May 2017 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

From a savings perspective, when I compare to them to onshore resources that I have here, I save probably about 40% on cost.

How did ARKA Softwares perform from a project management standpoint?

I do more of the project management on my end. I’ve been in more of the lead developer role and dealing directly with the developers as opposed to going through a project manager and handing over an entire project for them to execute from end to end. I have three different levels of people that I communicate with. On a very low level, I can speak directly to the developers, which has been good from a project management perspective on my end. I also have a dedicated account manager. I can also speak directly to upper management level contacts.

The resource quality has been a bit of a mixed bag. I’ve had one or two resources that have been absolutely excellent. I’d rate them 10 out of 10. I will be continuing with them on a permanent basis. Then, I’ve had a couple of other resources who have been a bit hit and miss from a communication perspective or executing the wrong solution, leaving me to have to tidy up their work. It’s like I have to try all the resources first before I can find what the best fit for me is.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They ask good questions around processes and technology compared to other developers who just say 'yes' to everything do everything without asking specific questions about the project.

They are really easy to deal with. They’re very friendly and very accommodating. I haven’t had any trust issues with them. They are just really delightful to work with.

Are there any areas they could improve?

If I was to start again, I would make sure that I have everything defined and nailed down upfront as opposed to trying to work with them as a development resource alongside me and drip feed them work.

Do you have any recommendations for a company that was considering hiring them?

I would recommend treating them like an external development house and have your project defined upfront. Go through proper project lifecycles. They’re really great with communication, but if you just feed them work piecewise, it can get lost in translation.