Endive Software

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director for ContinuousExcellence. We’re a digital agency, working with a number of small-to-medium enterprise (SME) clients as well as startups in Melbourne and around Australia.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Endive Software?

We were looking for a technical skillset in web and mobile app development, especially in cross-platform app development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We’ve done a couple of projects with them. They worked on a student management portal with us which involved cross-platform app development. It was for both Android and iOS, with APIs to connect to the web platform. The portal was created to manage students and let them respond to things such as questionnaires via the web and mobile-based platform. As an online portal, it had web-based integration with PayPal. We also had web-based integrations with payment gateways, but not within the application.

What is the team composition?

We mostly communicate with a project manager who acts as the main point of contact for my team members. Our internal solution architect interacts with the project manager.

How did you come to work with Endive Software?

We came to know them through our network. We reached out to them and they were quite responsive in our conversations. They provided us with some examples of their previous web and mobile-based development. They’d also done work with SharePoint, which could be an area of interest for us going forward. Based on their portfolio, we decided to work with them.

How much have you invested in them?

We’ve spent approximately $70,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in November 2017 and it's an ongoing relationship.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were looking to them for staff augmentation to allow us to develop more and quicker, which they have been able to provide. It’s made us more successful in front of our clients. In IT projects, you are only as good as the last project you deliver, so successful project delivery is a good outcome.

How did Endive Software perform from a project management standpoint?

The communication was good. We had a standup at the beginning of each day. We received status reports on a weekly basis, and they send my solution architect an end of day email every night. There were enough touch points as far as communication is concerned.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The project progressed well and was completed on budget and on time with the required functionality. We are quite happy with them and would consider working with them again for future projects.

Are there any areas they could improve?

It would be good if they aimed to increase their portfolio beyond web development and SharePoint.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the company director for an app development firm. We have various projects for our clients, and outsource to other companies to build iOS and Android apps.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Endive Software?

We were trying to build an iOS and Android app for a club's chat messaging platform. We were looking for a team who could build it. I’ve worked with two other development firms, but the experience wasn’t that great.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’re developing our iOS and Android apps. We’re now moving onto phase two and discussing which features we need to put into the app.

We provided them our vision and they gave feedback on our wireframes. We incorporated some of their ideas in order to develop a better product.

What is the team composition?

I work with Ajay (CEO, Endive Software) and another person most of the time. The project manager on our team does most of the interaction with them.

How did you come to work with Endive Software?

A friend of mine who worked with them referred them to me.

How much have you invested with them?

$50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

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

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It’s a work in progress and isn’t public yet. It’s been reliable, though and they did a good job. The experience with them has been good, and we’re sticking with them.

How did Endive Software perform from a project management standpoint?

They have a really good project manager and are really prompt and responsive. They make all the changes we want. Most communication is done via Skype, using screen sharing. Occasionally, we speak on the phone. They’re clear with communication.

What did you find most impressive about them?

It’s been pleasant—they’re very professional. They go above and beyond.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Things are good so far.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They’re a good team. Be really clear and focus on the requirements. They’re open to feedback. You can always change things later, but it’s good to begin with clear requirements. Open communication also helps things move faster.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the e-commerce director of a software company delivering custom application development. We’re an IBM Watson Commerce business partner.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Endive Software?

We received a decently sized Android and iOS project from an international customer. We were looking for a competitive and capable partner to alleviate the internal resource shortage we had.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Endive provided native iOS and Android app development based on our requirements. The app serves as an e-commerce platform for the Kuwaiti market.

They used AngularJS, Node.js, and ReactJS for development. Their team had a few experienced people in those areas, but we didn’t have a chance to work with them outside of mobile development.

What is the team composition?

I worked with them directly and QA was done on our side.

How did you come to work with Endive Software?

We were looking for an organization with iOS and Android skills and a common contact in Jaipur referred us to Endive. We had a discussion with their team members and then closed the deal.

How much have you invested with them?

The total cost was around $30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in January or February 2016 and finished the project in mid-June. The project lasted for five or six months.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Endive’s work came out nicely with an only minimal number of bugs. The overall feedback from our own customer was positive. The app has received four-star ratings on both Google Play and the App Store.

How did Endive Software perform from a project management standpoint?

My project manager and I worked with them directly. I found the team responsive and proactive. Passing requirements to them was a smooth process. They were quite approachable even though their team was located throughout different areas in India. I appreciated this as a senior person in the organization.

We used Word documents for passing on the customer’s business requirements. We created tasks and tracked their time using Jira. We used Skype and phone for communication, as well as  TeamViewer for sharing screens.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We always worry about transparency around engaged resources who are working remotely. I commend Endive for their responsiveness and product quality.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t comment on this because we had a resource augmentation project rather than a full scope of work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I’m open to referring Endive and advising clients to use them. They have a team of technically adept people who can do a good job.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m one of the founders of an education company that runs a chain of preschools in Mumbai. We’re venturing into a technology-based platform that will be a completely independent business and available for educational institutions from pre-K and up.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Endive Software?

We needed someone to help us develop our software solution.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’re creating an engagement platform that connects all the stakeholders related to the education sector (e.g., school teachers, parents). We’re looking to reach out to stakeholders and clients in a different way than other companies. We want a platform that will help better the industry’s communication and engagement.

We’re developing a product with Endive that we’re going to market to the business and outside stakeholders. We’re going to be one of the users, but it’s mainly a subscription-based product that will be available for all the schools. We hope to create a sizeable difference because we genuinely believe what we’re creating will add value to the industry.

What is the team composition?

We have a dedicated project manager. I also have a business relationship manager who I speak with or escalate issues to. There are a number of people who are involved with development and QA. They provide information to me at any point. I’ve met the team. It’s fairly transparent and well-managed.

How did you come to work with Endive Software?

We found them on a freelancing website when we received several RFPs for a project we posted. We had 7–8 proposals that we slowly screened. We chose Endive because of their understanding of what we were looking to do and because their proposal was the most comprehensive. They also had experience in the education sector, which was a plus for us.

We liked their project methodology and work on the Agile front. They were the closest to what we were looking for. Their design capabilities were fairly good. Other vendors had their own strengths, but none of them had the scale we were seeking. There weren’t a lot of options for companies who could engage in an end-to-end project.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $18,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in September 2017 and the project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve done a few test cases and shown some prototypes to schools in the United Arab Emirates. The initial feedback has been good. We’re incorporating some of the design feedback into the prototype.

How did Endive Software perform from a project management standpoint?

I’m happy with the project management. There are some quick and slow phases in every project. No project is perfect, but Endive’s development team communicates well during those lapses in order to bring the project back on track. I’m very happy with what they’re doing so far.

The best thing about them is their flexible approach to client requirements. Agile methodology doesn’t lend itself well to working with a third-party vendor in a different geographical location. Endive’s flexibility in terms of understanding the requirements and incorporating changes as part of the project are both really good.

They use an in-house project management tool. We have weekly scrum meetings and also use direct calls and emails.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They offer an end-to-end solution that takes a project from design, to system architecture, to development, and then final QA. Very few people offer the design capabilities that they bring on board. They have an in-house, fully-onboarded design team that’s part of the project.

I like their flexibility. We didn’t spend a lot of time writing expensive documentations on how the system specifications should look. We created high-level diagrams as the starting point for the project. They’ve incorporated internal or external market changes without really altering the project’s scope.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’re very mature as an organization. The designers need to alter their processes in order for them to be able to take on bigger projects. Although they have a dedicated team and a fully-functional setup, the design output isn’t really what I was looking for.

We spent two months closing out on the design, whether it was for wireframes, frontend designs, or app designs. They need to gear up on their design team and create more examples to show to clients. The simple and clear design really took a lot of time to appear. Ultimately, we found what we were looking for. Everything else is perfect.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director and owner of a company working in the IT and telecom space.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Endive Software?

I was looking for a cost-effective, offshore web developer who could provide good-quality work.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Endive used Laravel PHP and Bootstrap to develop my platform that allows people to create reports, evaluate resources, and manage stores.

What is the team composition?

They assigned a project manager who interfaced with me as well as a business analyst. I’m unsure how many other people worked on the project.  

How did you come to work with Endive Software?

I searched on Yahoo and other locations. I contacted Endive and looked at their profile, and then we got started.

How much have you invested with them?

The total cost has been around $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in June 2016. The original scope is finished and we’re currently discussing the second phase. We plan to add more features to the platform.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I don’t have any metrics readily available. Endive has worked with me on any issues and ensured that the platform works well. At the end of the day, the business success of a product lies with the client.

How did Endive Software perform from a project management standpoint?

We had regular calls and I was assigned a project manager as a point of contact. We used Skype for communication.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Being professional and keeping me informed were key aspects. It’s always difficult to understand what’s happening on the other side, but Endive’s approach helped me build confidence.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They should bring more technical business analysts to our calls in order to simplify discussions around requirements.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work for the financial and administration side of Wireless Wonders.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Endive?

Initially, we needed general maintenance on our iOS app. We later needed help developing a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

When Endive first started, they were only in charge of updating certificates on an annual basis and any maintenance that went alongside that. Once we had a good working relationship, we decided to hire them for actual dev work. We needed to upgrade the mobile-based app for the new iOS platform and make it appropriate for 64-bit architecture.

We developed the project brief and actually asked them to do quite a bit of extra dev to add new features to the app that it previously didn’t have. The features were things like favorites in contacts, a chat function, and some cosmetic changes that allow users to customize the color backgrounds and text.

What is the team composition?

I mainly communicate with the account and project manager. There’s a number of technical people who talk with our technical team about the actual coding and functionality of the app.

How did you come to work with Endive?

Our technical team said we needed third party help on the maintenance, and they presented two or three companies they thought were capable. I approached those companies, talked with them, and got quotes, and Endive was the best.

How much have you invested with them?

In total, we spent around $11,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We partnered last May for maintenance work, and the dev project came a little later in the year. That’s finished now, and we’re discussing an Android version and some further iOS updates.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We haven't launched the product yet, so we only have internal users on a pilot trial.  The financial backer for this project is one of those users, and he’s been highly impressed. He thinks that Endive is much quicker and smarter than other companies.

How did Endive perform from a project management standpoint?

They're responsive, and they follow up on everything to make sure things are being accomplished. They give us quick delivery times and almost always deliver even earlier.

We use email, WhatsApp, and phone calls to communicate.

What did you find most impressive about them

They deal quickly with queries, and the in-house team seems capable to deal with anything that we request of them. They'll be our first choice for a third-party development company for any work the app needs in the future.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing comes to mind.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the founder and general manager of a passenger transportation marketplace that uses implemented demand responsive transportation techniques. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed development resources for Shuttle Planet Online service development. We were working on both web and mobile applications.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed to find an experienced and professional team of developers to deliver an online, on-demand, transportation booking service using several API's working together. This meant developing bridges between each API's in our system, while also taking into account that our service is a high anxiety product. Safety, credibility, reliability and proper functioning of the service is imperative.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We selected them among 116 project bidders.

Describe the project in detail.

They developed the initial backend framework in Laravel PHP, along with other programming languages, on which the APIs and systems work and communicate with. They did everything, including payment processing implementation, seat and price calculation, Airport scheduling API's, Google map API, internal matchmaking systems, and application algorithms.

What was the team composition?

The main people who I communicated with most were Rohit and Rajendra [Project Leads, Endive], they were always understanding and adapted to the needs of our company and the service itself.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What outcomes or results can you share that demonstrate progress and/or success?

It's an ongoing project. Half of it will be released live soon, and the first results are visible online already.

How effective was the project management?

Their project management was commendable, especially in their ability to adapt and learn a new business model along the way. The service was also timely; even though the project took longer than initially planned, the development was spot on.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They forged personal relationships with us, making their service more effective. I also commend them for understanding the business development side in terms of the end customer, and they always provided their own input. They were really reliable, which helped instill our trust in them.

What tips or recommendations do you have?

They could work on upgrading to more western UX/UI and limit the amount of work they do at once, as that puts a lot of micromanagement effort on the client.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a manager for a recognized independent software vendor that outsources projects for our business clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Endive Software?

I was working on a real estate app idea for a client, with the understanding that I would earn a commission on successful deals.

The app wasn’t feasible without suitable technology support. I needed to find a capable software development company to bring this idea to life in the form of a functional, effective website that would meet my requirements.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Endive Software acted as the app development service provider for the project. We wanted a universal presence, so they developed it for three major platforms: web, Android, and iOS.

The app connects property buyers and sellers and tracks users’ target audiences, integrating geolocation and payment gateway features. We went with Swift language for the iOS app and Java for Android.

The team also trained our admin team to run the website smoothly.

What was the team dynamic?

I was in regular communication with the project delivery head at Endive, who helped me execute the app idea seamlessly, along with the other team members. I didn’t have a project manager on my end.

How did you come to work with Endive Software?

Endive Software was on my list of references. I did extensive market research, looking at client feedback and years of experience for preferred service providers. Endive frequently came up as a highly regarded web development company.

I also found that they used Agile methodology and were known for transparency in their operations. This made them a good fit, since I suspected that there would be some requirement changes during the course of development. Their reputation, cost-effective approach, and technical expertise convinced me to choose them as my project partner.

How much have you invested with them?

The approximate total cost of the project was $18,000–$20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The overall project duration was 6 months.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app launched successfully and has started earning me business with valuable leads and direct revenues.

Endive Software accurately made my concept a reality with a very productive application at an affordable price. The team’s profound technical expertise in both web and mobile development definitely exceeded my expectations. The app’s design was interactive and purpose-driven.

How did Endive Software perform from a project management standpoint?

Endive maintained clear and transparent communication with me via Skype and WhatsApp. I appreciated the extra effort they made to accommodate my calls and discussions at odd times. It’s evident that Endive trusts its team members and they in turn take accountability for their work seriously.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I had a great relationship with Endive over the course of the project development. They are truly committed to their estimates, and they delivered the project well within the timeline constraints. This allowed me to comfortably maintain my launch schedule. They also stayed within the budget we discussed.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We made some minor alterations in the project scope, and there were minor flaws in the service they provided. But Endive’s commitment, flexibility and transparency overshadow these issues.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director for an international software development company based in the U.K. We specialize in emerging and established frameworks, cutting-edge software development, onshore and offshore outsourced development, business intelligence, and Agile automation testing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Endive Software?

I wanted to develop an e-commerce app for my client but the concept was different from a basic e-commerce portal as we wanted to integrate the solution with a high level of customization. We needed a capable and affordable technology partner that could help us implement our idea.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Endive developed the app not only for the web but also for the iPhone and Android platforms. They built the user experience and high level of customization that we wanted in the app. The technology cluster included Java, the Android SDK, and Swift for the iOS app.

My idea for the app’s design was to make it intuitive for end users. I also wanted secure online payment to be integrated into the application.

What is the team dynamic?

The project started off with 2 iOS developers and the number remained the same for the web and Android development part.

How did you come to work with Endive Software?

Endive was referred to me by one of my partners. I did a fair amount of research and had a good look at their portfolio. They seemed like an experienced web and mobile app development firm that had created admirable solutions for several clients worldwide. They also had a strict code of accountability and transparency in their operations and an estimate that matched our budget perfectly.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested between $10,000 – $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started in June 2016 and I received the final deliverables by the end of the year. The quality of their work is great and we share a great business bond that's not ending anytime soon.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app was launched successfully and it got great feedback on my client’s social media platforms. Endive delivered the perfect solution—a functional and scalable e-commerce app capable of gaining huge traffic. Its intuitive interface and ease of use gave me the utmost satisfaction. They also stayed within the original estimate.

Overall, they’re a great company to work with and I will share an everlasting business relationship with them.

How did Endive Software perform from a project management standpoint?

I was in communication with the head of delivery; he helped me out with each of my queries and concerns even at odd times of the day. He also gave regular updates on the project status and reported any minor delay in the timelines. I’m quite satisfied with their project management approach.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The thing that makes them stand out over the other software development companies is their commitment to their work. The company maintains a highly transparent project development process, which is very important for offshore clients.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t wish to alter or modify any particular area as we have worked extensively on the project scope and the application has turned out to be exactly the way we wanted.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the owner of Urbanallstars, a sports and streetwear store.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Endive?

We needed a new Magento website for the company. The previous site didn’t work out for us because it couldn’t be linked to other marketplaces.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Endive developed our website from scratch. We also sell our clothing on eBay and Amazon, and use a platform called ChannelGrabber in order to stock up between marketplaces. We needed a new Magento site which could link everything in one spot. For design, they asked me what kind of look we wanted to achieve. I wanted the same design as the old website, so Endive followed those guidelines.

What is the team dynamic?

I was in touch with a single person, but there was a team in the background. We communicated through Skype and email.

How did you come to work with Endive?

We went to Freelancer.com and saw some good reviews for Endive, so we decided to choose them.

How much have you invested with them?

The total cost was around $6,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Endive in April 2017. The site is live, but we’re still working to put all of our products up. We’re 75% there. Endive’s job is done, but they will continue to provide support for the next couple months.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We can’t really tell for sure yet. Everyone who’s looked at the site has liked its design.

How did Endive perform from a project management standpoint?

They have a very good team of helpful people. It’s sometimes hard to work with tech people, but this was my best experience building a website so far. The reply times were very fast, compared to other companies, which can 24 hours or more to answer.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re easy to work with. This is our 4^th website, and we’ve gone through quite a few companies. Endive provided the best experience. Nothing felt like hard work.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything negative.