Digis, a Fiverr company (NYSE: FVRR)

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the conference organization team lead for Jazz Do It. Jazz Do It Conference is a conference for IT people who like to spend their holidays in style—enjoying the sun, the sea, good music, and the best speakers from around the world. We talk about web and mobile development, neural networks, cryptocurrencies, AI, and more.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire DIGIS?

We founded this niche conference for IT industry workers to move serious talks and panel discussions from gray-roofed buildings out into the open and fresh sea air. We wanted to set up a new tradition by combining serious IT discussions with sunny, cheerful vacations on the beach. 

The challenge was to develop our conference site, including its server and CMS, that would match our philosophy and vision. We wanted to hook up multiple integrations/functions such as payments, email and messaging connectivity, and easy sharing to social networks among others.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goals were to get an attractive, non-overloaded website with an efficient CMS system. This meant having maximum security due to the online payment system integrations, proper content visualization capabilities, and an infrastructure that could withstand high visitor inflow.

Additional features we wanted included the ability to monitor site-wide statistics and generate reports as well as integrating the system with email/messaging services and social networks.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We found DIGIS at a Ukrainian IT resource called Dou.ua. The idea was to find a local web development company as we wanted to visit their office, meet them in person, and discuss all the working issues with developers and project managers. We shortlisted several companies, but DIGIS offered the most cost-effective approach. They weren’t the least expensive, but they guaranteed the best quality.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

DIGIS developed our conference site, including its server and CMS. Initially, they collected all of our requirements for the site’s design and functionality as well as the CMS, noting how each should behave under certain circumstances.

From there, they scoped out the project. They drafted a comprehensive, in-depth specification document and conducted a presentation of their vision for our product’s architecture, structure, and design. To work out the schedule, we broke down the project into trackable milestones.

The team then created the site design for us to markup before developing an MVP version to test run its performance and behavior. Next, they built the CMS and linked it to the website’s frontend, integrated email and messaging services, and linked the system to social networks (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, VK, LinkedIn). 

Finally, they ran tests and fixed all bugs before releasing the final product.

What was the team composition?

They assigned a project manager, an architect, a technical writer, a team lead, two developers, and a QA resource.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The developed product allowed us to attract over 2,000 leads, 300 of which purchased at least one full-event ticket to our conference. In addition, we received multiple visits from users outside of Ukraine, helping us attract some of our most respected sponsors.

The site also cut the time it took to share conference information to social networks by more than 200%. This was because we were able to send emails and text messages to specific visitors directly from the site’s admin panel. Moreover, the CMS allowed us to easily create, edit, and publish various information on the website.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Our teams are located in the same city, so it was possible for us to meet quite frequently to discuss all issues related to the project. We had the chance to talk not only to DIGIS’ management but also to their designers and developers. This helped us better explain our vision and requirements to avoid certain misunderstandings. 

Nevertheless, we saw outstanding friendliness and respect from DIGIS’ side. Their management team was very attentive to our expectations, immediately addressed our desires, and communicated our requirements to the development team. 

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We appreciated that we could talk to the developers in person to discuss any issues. We were also very impressed with the quality of the product and its speed of implementation. Another thing we liked was the strict adherence to the schedule—there were no delays in terms of software or document deliverables. 

When the website was ready and released, we were absolutely happy and, after discussing certain technicalities with DIGIS, contracted them to deal with the conference brand development. This also resulted exactly as we expected. DIGIS, in turn, saw that the conference could become a player on the market, so they decided to become one of our sponsors.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We didn’t find anything that would need any enhancement or improvement. It was an absolutely perfect project from DIGIS’ side.
 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director of AS Legal. Our main goal is to provide high-quality and timely legal assistance to corporate clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with DIGIS?

We had a large number of requests from clients, which was constantly increasing. We wanted to simplify and automate the workflows to manage the huge number of records and files. We needed a sole system that could work as a database, contact list, document repository, and reference guide.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

DIGIS assigned a product owner who spent some time onsite in our office to get familiar with our processes. They conducted a viability analysis and prepared detailed specifications, which we reviewed and approved. They provided us with the software architecture so we understood what it would look like. Then, we drafted a project schedule broken down by milestones.

They gave us UI wireframes to confirm the logic, and we made final designs based on those. After that, they developed a prototype, which we tested and approved. They identified every bug during testing and fixed them all.

They made integrations with email and messaging services, and they linked the system to social networks like LinkedIn and Facebook, which we use to promote our services.

Based on the test results, they updated the system and made the final build. They were involved in all the stages of the development lifecycle.

What is the team composition?

The team included up to 10 people. They provided us with not just project managers but also a product owner. We also had a technical writer, who put everything into proper English. They assigned an architect, given that it was a complex project. We had a team lead, three developers, and a QA specialist. The QA person also created some automated regression tests, which saved us time when implementing certain functionalities.

How did you come to work with DIGIS?

We screened 18 companies with our main focus being to find one that could learn our process and care about the project. We wanted a small- to medium-sized provider, similar to our company. We found DIGIS on a freelancing platform and looked at their feedback. We requested a quotation, which was agreeable to us. We’re also based in Ukraine so we went to their office in Odessa to meet them in person and signed the contract during this meeting.

How much have you invested with them?

The cost of the deliverables was $200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with DIGIS in August 2016, and the project ended in October 2018. They continue to maintain our system.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I would recommend this company, and I’d give them perfect marks for quality. Everything was as we required and expected, and they adhered to the schedule strictly. The final deliverables were provided on time, and they met the budget as well.

How did DIGIS perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated by phone on occasion, but we mainly used Skype for communication. We also created a Slack channel. We had meetings with the project manager a couple of times per week and with the team once a week when they provided us with a presentation. 

We had a Scrum-like process. We suggested using Jira, but they convinced us that Asana was more flexible. I’d never heard about it, but we started using it and I liked it. They created a board for us in Asana, where they assigned tickets. We started with Skype chats and Slack, and they convinced us slowly that it would be better to leave our feedback directly in the tickets.

They used another tool for time logging but only internally on their side. They extracted the data into a Google spreadsheet and sent it to us. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Everything was organized. We were able to discuss technical issues with all the developers assigned to us, and the quality and speed of work were impressive. They adhered to the project schedule. They are a loyal partner.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I would advise them to introduce more procedures, but that could reduce their flexibility. This is something we weren’t looking for in the beginning; we just wanted to find an agile team.

I only hope that they’ll continue to provide the same level of dedication to the customer after they’ve grown to twice or three times their current size. For now, they’re doing great.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Clients should be well prepared for the communication with the provider. We had an idea and plan in the beginning, but we would’ve probably saved some time if we described what we wanted in more detail. DIGIS helped us with this, but we should’ve tried to describe it better. We had some contradictory requirements coming from our side, but DIGIS had the right experience and helped us resolve this conflict within our team. I saw the system one way, and I eventually found that my partner had a different view. It’s better to be on the same page before hiring someone.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m a senior manager at PwC. I’m responsible for digital services and software development.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire DIGIS?

DIGIS was hired for staff augmentation to support our software development project.

What were your goals for this project?

We were developing an application for managing contract information. It was a CRUD application with additional business logic for validation.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We requested their services after a web search and looking through their staff’s descriptions.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

DIGIS supplied two of their team members to create a distinct feature within the software. Their work included D3.js reports, information listing, rendering PDF.js, filtering logic, and configuring the design of screens.

What was the team composition?

Along with their two developers, we used a tester, a product manager, and two developers from our team. As soon as the product stabilized, we scaled to only one of their developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The product was launched on time and implemented in various scenarios. DIGIS managed capacities and reacted quickly to requests.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Our side managed the entire process. Their developers needed our clear instructions and requirements to handled tasks. Unfortunately, developers were replaced without our consent at the time, so productivity was affected. Thankfully, this didn’t impact the results overall.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their team was concerned about the success of our project. Our business partners were friendly and helpful. If we had a chance of a higher workload, we knew we could scale up if needed. DIGIS provided us with a confidence boost.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Sometimes during our calls, there were instances of background noises. The scrum calls were better when they talked in a private area or had headsets. Although their team is trained from a technological perspective, their staff should focus on collaborative and communication skills.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the co-founder and CEO of Raters Group Ltd. We’re a social network where movie lovers can find movies based on reviews from their friends.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire DIGIS?

We needed to develop our app further including new functionalities, a more robust backend, and a new screen design.

What were your goals for this project?

I wanted to create a unique, well-loved app.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I started looking on Upwork, as I found my previous developers there as well. DIGIS contacted me the day after the job was posted. I reviewed their profile and noticed they were one of the top Upwork developers in the space I needed. We had a call, discussed the project specifics and pricing, and started working together the next week.

Describe the project in detail.

They're optimizing the iOS app’s backend and improving our existing design and functionality. They've implemented an algorithm that recommends movies to people based on reviews from their friends, which involved a lot of design and backend work. They also provide SEO services and obtained an SSL certificate.

What was the team composition?

Firstly, I discussed the project with the project manager and explained what I needed. Based on that, they identified an appropriate designer, backend developer, and iOS developer. Subsequently, I needed an SEO specialist and an admin resource for SSL certificates, all of whom were provided by the project manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We launched a new version last week and it’s doing very well. Since DIGIS came on in November, our user base increased from 270 to 604. The app now looks much more appealing than it did. We’ve become the first platform of our kind.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Despite our lack of documentation from previous developers, it’s been very good. They understand where we’re coming from and speak directly, letting me know if there’s a better way to accomplish a certain goal.  

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their ability to work with both large corporations and startups around the world is outstanding. I desperately needed quality developers that would stick with me, and I’m certain DIGIS will do just that.

Are there any areas for improvement?

They often apologize for not responding right away, but non-urgent requests can always wait I don’t expect instant answers to them. When it comes to urgent requests, they always respond (and sometimes even solve the issue) within five minutes.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a senior contractor manager at Dals Media. Our large media company collects content to publish for our readers. We have multiple bases of subscribers on Facebook and other social networks. I’m responsible for working with the contractors we source for our projects.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with DIGIS?

Our company needed a platform to combine our 27 websites so we could manage them from a single location. It was difficult and inconvenient to pay seven content managers to review and publish content on all our channels using the latest commands. We decided to hire a team to develop a single location that could combine all our offerings. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We sent over all the requirements for our project. Based on a backend analysis they conducted, DIGIS decided on an architectural migration from legacy technology to Microservices. We checked the plan for viability before proceeding.

DIGIS took our APIs to integrate into the server portion. They developed the administrative component and integrated it with the frontend. The two portions needed reliable connectivity in between.

Through the platform, all 27 of our company’s websites run on the same technology and connect to the same backend. It includes tools with comprehensive management capabilities for all our content. 

Each integration goes through our server, and the server storage is all hosted in a single location. The team also set up mirroring to prevent any failures and outages. 

Our contract with DIGIS is complete at this point, but we reach out to them for technical support and bug fixes.

What is the team composition? 

The team included eight developers, a technical writer, an architect, a couple of QA testers and DevOps specialists, and a project manager.

How did you come to work with DIGIS?

We contacted 20 companies we found on Clutch and shortlisted about 6–7. After researching each option and comparing prices and scheduling, we chose DIGIS. They offered great prices and a suitable schedule. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested over $1 million.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from January 2015–August 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We don’t have a single complaint about the quality of DIGIS’s source code and products. They produced a deliverable that aligned with all our requirements. 

How did DIGIS perform from a project management standpoint?

We worked together using the Agile methodology. We split the entire project into milestones, each with a required deliverable at the end.
DIGIS was always responsive. Our communication was perfect. The project manager was available 24/7. He never allowed more than 30 minutes to pass before responding to our emails or phone calls. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

The quality to cost ratio DIGIS provided was impressive. They offered very competitive prices and adhered to the schedule we set. Based on our research, we had expected higher costs. We had the option to speak to the developers directly, who were very helpful and responsive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

In the beginning, we had some misunderstandings that caused the deliverables to be two days late. We discussed the issue with the product and project manager, and they agreed not to allow this again. I recommend they develop a program to account for each deliverable to send and what it needs to contain.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I recommend working with DIGIS.  Anyone considering working with them should discuss the project in detail. Writing down all your requirements, expectations, and requests will help prevent misunderstandings.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m a partner and CTO of Initiativa srl. We’re a system integrator specializing in open source system management and software development.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Do IT Programming Solutions?

We needed Do IT Programming Solutions to help us develop the GUI and the workforce management system.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to help our client manage a complex workflow.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We searched for vendors online and had a few interviews via Skype.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They created a workforce management system to streamline internal processes.

What was the team composition?

Do IT Programming Solutions provided a Java/Vaadin programmer for the development. We supplied a project manager, an analyst, a QA tester, and system administrator.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project was completed according to very strict standards. They built the system to comply with an internal separation-of-duties rule.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Our team handled the project management aspect, and they were highly available throughout.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their team provided a crucial skill set for the project. Additionally, we could always reach them when needed.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Their overall method could benefit from a different approach.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m a co-founder and the CTO of Parkopoly. We provide a car logistics platform that connects dealerships and rental companies to freelance drivers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Do IT Programming Solutions?

I needed development assistance on two Angular web apps and accompanying native mobile apps. They also provided a host of IT services like implementing continuous integration, security audit systems, and database connections.

What were your goals for this project?

I wanted a flexible and agile team that could provide specialists capable of handling our project.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I searched for agencies on Upwork. After a short discussion, I gave them a minor project. I was happy with that results, so I extended the partnership.

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

Do IT Programming Solutions provided a well-rounded team to develop the frontend and backend for several applications. They developed two webs using Angular 1 and Angular 5. In the backend, they used Java with MongoDB, a SQL database, and microservice architecture. They’re about to start working on corresponding native mobile versions for Android and iOS devices. They’re going to use Fuse for the iOS build.

What was the team composition?

We’ve worked with anywhere from 1–6 back- and frontend developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Despite some initial obstacles, we settled in with a team of sound developers that are highly committed to our project.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We use Wrike to create, assign, and track tickets for each task. We have daily scrum meetings with additional discussions if necessary. We’ve improved our system since the beginning of our partnership. Now, we’re more efficient in discussing and prioritizing our workload.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

There was a significant amount of turnover in their staff. We lost one developer to unforeseen circumstances, and we had to replace another due to sub-par performance and communication. I was impressed with their seamless onboarding process; we were never delayed.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

They were very accommodating when we requested a new teammate, but I would’ve liked them to staff our project correctly the first time. Aside from those instances, the rest of the project was good.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m a senior project manager at a company that integrates AI solutions with natural language processing for business use.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Do IT Programming Solutions?

As a startup with limited resources, tight budgets, and pressing timelines, we had to find a smart and efficient way to ramp up our capacity.

What were your goals for this project?

We were looking to create and implement a new UI design for a recently added section of our portal that allows users to create and personalize a profile.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They were recommended to us by our sister company. We gathered a list of potential vendors and went through a well-rounded selection process. It was important for us to choose a results-driven partner for a long-term collaboration.

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

We outlined basic UI specifications, and their team managed development and implementation. They provided substantive advice and resolved technical issues as needed. The team primarily used React.js to develop the solution.

What was the team composition?

We were in direct contact with the developer that Do IT assigned to our project, while our CTO provided guidance and managed code review.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The solution that their team provided succeeded in accomplishing our goals for the portal. The project also established a relationship with the Do IT team, and we plan to do more with them in the future.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We were in direct communication with the developer assigned to our project. Their PM was also available in case of issues. The communication was very smooth throughout the project.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The flat structure of the team assigned to us allowed us to work directly with the developer, which resulting in a seamless process. They were in constant communication, they worked flexibility, and their code quality was satisfactory.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

My only suggestion is to be even more proactive. They shouldn't hesitate to come forward with ideas and proposals on solutions.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder of Kartunix, an online-based avatar creator. You can cartoon yourself as your online logo for your social profiles or for printing it on items such as t-shirts, hoodies, and mugs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Do IT?

I needed a functioning website with little investment. The challenge was to create a gainable vector graphic engine that allowed me to not only create the avatars but also export them in any dimension. Creating this engine was the big challenge. I had a company that did the design, a third-party illustrator to create the avatars, and I was searching for somebody who could put it all together.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed our website. Its database is MongoDB, which is object-oriented and important for our application. We have NGINX as the web server and Angular as the programming language. We have a special library to design the t-shirts, and we’re using various technologies to make it all happen.

What is the team dynamic?

There were four programmers in the beginning. As the program comes to an end, we’re down to one expert who follows the project.

How did you come to work with Do IT?

It was a long search. I found a good design company from Ukraine, and they told me Do IT were young, open, and reliable, so I went to see them in Odessa.

How much have you invested with them?

$25,000–$30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in September 2015, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We launched a month ago. We have 60 different collections of avatars, 10 different sets of icons to print on, and PayPal integration. When we started to advertise with Google AdWords, we had about 400 visitors a day. For just starting, that was great.

The target audience for this type of service is kids between 8–16 years old. My own children think it’s awesome, and their whole school is on the site and buying these items.

How did Do IT perform from a project management standpoint?

We collaborate in sprints, which works well, and we use Trello. We can reach them on the weekends.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They delivered in a very short time. In three days, everything was done. Because of this, I could further develop the idea. Plus, they never stop improving. When it's time to go to the next step, they're open and give suggestions. They’re not only here for the money but also because they want to make it happen. They do things outside the budget because they dig hard into the project.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Sometimes we have language barriers on the phone or Skype, and we have to write it up again. It’s minor, however, because, in the end, they understand. They’re also not good at documenting, so their bookkeeping department needs to improve. Their main service works but the back office is lagging.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My name is Martin Steinbrecher, and I am the CFO of CRMtronic. We provide a cloud-based CRM [customer relationship management] system using the latest technologies and modern UIs, which helps businesses resolve their tasks.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Do IT Programming Solutions?

The idea of our product is to involve AI [artificial intelligence] into basic CRM processes. We integrate top-level analytics, and, while CRM development is challenging as it is, combining it with AI is more complicated. Do IT has been able to understand our business technologies quickly, and has handled any challenges we provided.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The main task was to combine a basic CRM with AI. It was a full software development cycle which included frontend and backend work, design, UX planning, and quality assurance [QA]. The technology stack included AngularJS on the frontend, Node.js on the backend, and MongoDB as the database.

The most complicated part of the work was creating the AI which combines with our CRM. Another challenge was maintaining compatibility with all common browsers. Many companies develop only for Google Chrome and Firefox, but we wanted Do IT to create a product which also worked on Opera, Safari, and even Edge. The tool is being sold to clients.

What is the team dynamic?

I am not sure how large the team was exactly, but it included 6-7 people from Do IT’s side: 2 backend and 2 frontend developers, a designer, a QA resource, and a project manager. At one point, we needed to involve additional QAs for some parts of the project.

How did you come to work with Do IT Programming Solutions?

I got in touch with them at a local IT event which was sponsored by Do IT. We visited their website, looked at some testimonials, and contacted some references.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested about $300,000 for the first part of the scope. There were some additional features which we tasked Do IT with, which increased the total cost.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Do IT in March 2014. We continue to maintain the product using their team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

CRMtronic itself is the best evidence of our success, which was developed with the Do IT team. Our clients have liked the solution.

How did Do IT Programming Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

Based on the discussions we’ve had with Do IT’s managers, we decided to move ahead with the Agile sprint methodology. They handled all project management on their side, while we acted as the product owner. The communication remained clear and lean, with no superfluous discussions.

What did you find most impressive about them?

While they do a good job as a software company, I also like Do IT’s ability to act as a part of the team. They’re not simply committing hours, but also try to understand what our request is, and why we would or wouldn’t need a particular part. Do IT’s project management was very good, and has helped us avoid some mistakes in the development process.

Are there any areas they could improve?

On a few occasions, we would have communicated better with some members of the technical team, but not all of them speak good English. This was a problem at times, but the managers were able to quickly solve it.

The time-tracking system is not perfect. I would like to know exactly why additional hours were used, and how they were spent. We do get explanations later on, but I would rather see the details in a more explicit manner.