iSpectra

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the public engagement specialist at the US Embassy in Amman, Jordan, which is part of the US Department of State.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with iSpectra?

We offer exchange programs and had an issue keeping our alumni database updated. We have to keep alumni engaged through programs and funding opportunities, but we didn't have a platform to engage with them. We sought for a service provider to develop a mobile application. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

iSpectra has developed a mobile app from scratch for iOS and Android devices. We have a yearly maintenance contract, and iSpectra attends to our needs when we want to update or remove something in the app. We've requested iSpectra to add more features than what was set in our original contract, so we've amended the contract. We've recently started talking with the team about expanding our contract to include marketing services, too. In the meantime, iSpectra only provides us with development and maintenance services. 

What is the team composition?

We work with 2–3 teammates from iSpectra, including Mohammad (Business Development Manager), who oversees our entire engagement. We also work with a team leader and other team members who've trained us to use our app's backend. Although we have teammates assigned to our project, iSpectra also uses resources to help us build our capacity for using the application.

How did you come to work with iSpectra?

Our organization's engagement with iSpectra started before I got involved in the project, so I'm unsure how they initially contacted the team.
How much have you invested with them?

We've spent around $10,000–$15,000 on this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with iSpectra in 2020, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The fact that our app is developed and running is the best KPI that we've been seeking to achieve. The US Department of State has a high bureaucracy that makes it difficult to publish a product. We've taken three years to launch the app and had various issues trying to publish the app on our website. iSpectra has quickly contacted our company's point of contact in Washington and is still in regular contact with them directly. iSpectra takes initiative, and we're extremely satisfied with the team.

Our following KPI will be the number of app users. iSpectra meets all the required KPIs for developing, maintaining, and amending the application. We aren't currently doing outreach and asking users to download our app. iSpectra has taken the initiative to reach out and propose a marketing campaign for our users, but we've paused this idea due to recent political tensions in the region. Overall, iSpectra's service is excellent. The team takes quick action and is a problem-solver. 

How did iSpectra perform from a project management standpoint?

iSpectra delivers work ahead of deadlines at times. We communicate via Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, and email. Our organization has restrictions about the platforms we can use, which determines our communication channels with the team.
Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

I want to highlight Mohammad's work. He's impeccable and offers fantastic service. He continuously supports the project and approaches us when he doesn't hear from us, responding quickly to our requests. I also want to highlight Rana's (Product Development Manager) work.   

What did you find most impressive about them?

iSpectra's biggest strength is their communication with us and our company's IT department. Another strength of the team is the developed solution. We initially shared our challenge with the team, and they strategically thought about how they could solve it. iSpectra has understood our challenge and developed a strategic plan to mitigate it, which is how the mobile app solution came through. iSpectra's biggest strengths are their strategic approach and customer service. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

If they could add more features to the standard contract, it may be helpful to attract more customers to innovate and stay with the company. The first contract with iSpectra was a standard contract, and when I joined the project and asked to add features, the contract amount increased. We had to pay extra fees besides our maintenance fees. 

I'd like it if iSpectra included advanced features in standard contracts since one of the challenges we've faced in the mobile app is that the number of users isn't automatically calculated. I suggest adding easy features, which would be more convenient for clients. However, I've already mentioned this to the team, and they're working on it. 

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?
I suggest working with iSpectra if you want to work with a team that is on top of you and communicates regularly. The team finds solutions to challenges and engages with us happily. If you want to work with a team that finds strategic solutions smoothly and efficiently, I definitely recommend working with iSpectra. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Digital Transformation Analyst of a manufacturing company.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

The company is registered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 2006. It was established to participate effectively in the national efforts toward knowledge-based economy and nationalization of technology.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire iSpectra to accomplish?

• Creat a company websites

SOLUTION

How did you find iSpectra?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select iSpectra over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Referred to me

How many teammates from iSpectra were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

To provide the user interface and user experience along with information architecture of the website to enhance the user experience of the target audience and showcase the services as a service market pioneer among similar entities 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The success of a website project hinges on achieving its goals, which rely upon achieving the satisfaction of the stakeholders, and Ispectra was great and very cooperative in achieving project goals

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They were very agile at making changes the went above and beyond to satisfy the project needs on time even when it was on short notice

What was your primary form of communication with iSpectra?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They were great at managing the projects and delivering on short notice.

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

I cannot in good conscience say there are areas for improvement or something iSpectra could have done differently to improve the project outcome

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Digital Experience Manager of Abdul Latif Jameel United Finance Company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Abdul Latif Jameel United Finance Company is a closed joint stock company licensed by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) to work in financial leasing, productive assets financing, consumer products financing, and real estate financing.

ALJUF works on providing multiple financing options for individuals and SMEs, including but not limited to: Cash financing, all kinds of cars, heavy equipment, and household and electronic appliances, in addition to real estate financing through various financial solutions approved by the Company’s Shariah committee, such as financial leasing, Murabaha, and Tawarruq through our branches’ network widespread across the Kingdom. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire iSpectra to accomplish?

• Building the new website

SOLUTION

How did you find iSpectra?

Drupal website

Why did you select iSpectra over others?

Drupal Expert

How many teammates from iSpectra were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

iSpectra redesigned, rebuilt, and launched Abdul Latif Jameel Finance website to make
sure that it gives all users, both internal and external, a fast, easy, and personalized
experience 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Rebranded website 
• Easy to user CMS 
• User-frindly desgin and experince

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

• They usually met deadlines, but there were a few hiccups here and there but they dealt with it.
• Sometimes they'd give us a heads-up about potential delays, but other times it felt a bit last-minute.
• Overall, the project management team was flawless, they got the job done. They delivered on most of their promises, responded to our needs (eventually), and dealt with problems as they arose. 

What was your primary form of communication with iSpectra?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their fast delivery stood out.

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

• Resource allocation in case of emergencies
• proper hand over to the next resource

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Operation Manager of Bassmat Advertizing Company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Bassmat is an independent creative & digital agency who works with the most exciting brands in Saudi Arabia to deliver new era creative, in new media, for new audiences.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire iSpectra to accomplish?

• Enhance the website user interface and user experience
• Have a reliable CMS
• Increase website speed
• Enhance SEO
• Have a dynamic CMS

SOLUTION

How did you find iSpectra?

Clutch Site

Why did you select iSpectra over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from iSpectra were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

one of our client (Value in Health) who is a Semi GOV orginzation asking us to provide a reliable & dynamic CMS to be used for content population & moderation and the new website will acts as a learning hub for health care sector : the project scope was : 

• Webiste UI/ UX design 
• Mobile-responsive UI/UX design 
• Drupal CMS development 
• Ongoing mainteance and supoort for 12 months.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

fast website as per PageSpeed Insights Core web vitals best practices were fully implemented 50% increased website visitors leading to maximum visibility for organic traffic Optimized the website structure to deliver convenient user experience possible across all platforms & Devices

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

they have the PMO best practices, iSpectra PM was working as per PMI guidelines. the have a scrum master who organized our project in agile & sprint methodology.

What was your primary form of communication with iSpectra?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

high skill capabilities on tech and PM 

level commitment to project time line 

quality of the work

 support and help even after the website delivery was outstanding

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

no. We are pleased with the partnership.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Watheeq Capital is a leading Financial Firm based in Saudi Arabia that offers a wide range of innovative financial products and services, including investment banking, alternative investments, and asset management.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired iSpectra to revamp the entire website, including digital strategy, UI/UX design, responsive web development, Drupal CMS implementation, SEO optimization, and hosting management.

SOLUTION

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

We have selected iSpectra as they have a demonstrated history of many successful projects for leading NGOs, governments, and companies in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE.

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

We had begun the project with a comprehensive digital strategy, including detailed competitor analysis, audience analysis, and opportunity development. Next, the team had delivered a fully-functioning prototype that demonstrates the entire UI/UX. Two months forward, the team had fully developed the website using Drupal. Now, it's managing the hosting and updating the website to ensure optimal performance.

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

Project manager, 2 UI/UX designers, and 4 developers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The new website has enabled the firm to position itself as a market leader and has sought a 90% increase in organic search and a 70% decrease in bounce rate.

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

The project had been managed in an agile approach using Scrum methodology. The team had conducted daily standup meetings, weekly retrospective reports, and consistent and transparent feedback on any encountered issue.

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

iSpectra managed to deliver the entire project on time while exceeding expectations.

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

No.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am Hajar Zumea Project manager at Global Marvels which is an online platform that enables children aged 3-6 years to excel by offering them with an exceptional learning experience based on entertainment, character development, value creation, and behavioral foundations, through GLOBAL MARVELS Curriculum (International Early Childhood Curriculum), which was developed by international academics who specialize in early childhood curricula. Teaching English to non-native speakers in partnership with international companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We want to have a modern CMS that represent our digital image in an impressive way. The new website must follow the lasts design trends and built on top of Drupal CMS. The website needs to be integrated with our LMS (learning Management platform). Also, we were looking for highly skilled technical vender that has deep experience in online payment as we need to have multiple currencies support in the new platform.

SOLUTION

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

We were looking for reliable company in Drupal technology as the new website need to be built on top of Drupal CMS, we found that they have a certified team in Drupal technologies. Also, iSpectra approach was great from the early start of the engagement until project delivery.

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

The new platform was built on top of Drupal CMS and below are the main feature of the solution

• Shopping Cart Model multi products items)
• Multiple Currency Payment Gateway Integration
• Parent Registration:
• Parent Dashboard 

1. My Childs (Add Child): (Normal Registration, Scholarship Registration)
2. Support (Ticket system)
3. Invoices (Past Invoices)
4. Your Opinion

• Admin dashboard:

1. Groups Management
2. Creating Groups and Classes
3. Arrange students into groups and classes
4. Auto arrange students
5. Manage students subscription
6. Reports
7. Integration with LMS

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

We were working directly with the project Manager and technical team lead. Also at some point of the project execution we met with people with different roles.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The new website is launched in 2 releases with the agreed-upon scope of work. The new website has impressive user experience and design multi languages (Arabic & English). Fast performance, easy to use content management & SEO friendly.

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

The duration of the project was 4 months divided in two releases as we wanted to launch the new platform early. We were getting a weekly status report from the project manager and meet every two weeks to review the project completed features.

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

iSpectra was a highly skilled team in technical capabilities and creative design.

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

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Head of Creative Strategy at Independent Food Company. INDPT is a UAE & KSA hospitality company that holds 6 different concepts under its umbrella : SALT, Somewhere, PUBLIC, Parker's, Switch and Grind. With food and design at our center, the house of INDPT exists to reimagine modern F&B, hospitality through transforming the dining landscape.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our original website was designed on a template, it was purely informative and we couldn't customize it the way we wanted to. This is why we needed to redesign SALT's website, create an e-commerce digital experience that would enable us to feature our products without relying on 3rd party integrators.

We needed an e-commerce that would be easy to use for the customer as much as our operation team. We needed easy content publishing and high security standards and our timeline was very short.

SOLUTION

How did you select iSpectra and what were the deciding factors?

We reached out to several vendors for this project. Ispectra's team were the most responsive ones. They had a strong portfolio and their price was affordable.

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

In nutshell, the project scope of work was to design and build Ecommerce Solution using Drupal. 1. User Research and Insight 2. Information Architecture 3. UI/UX Design 4. Drupal 8 Powered e-commerce digital experience

How many people from the iSpectra team worked with you, and what were their positions?

The project manager was our main point of contact during the entire time. However, since we were very picky about the design, we met with the technical team several times for design workshops. I believe the team members from iSpectra were around 6 people.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project is completed within the same budget and scope.

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

We were using JIRA & Basecamp for project management.

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

The team was incredible in the workflow. Very cooperative, very patient, very flexible and willing to help in every area of their domain.

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

N/A

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am Regional Manager for Business Technology Solutions at SBM “Saudi Business Machines Ltd”. SBM is the General Marketing and Services Representative of IBM World Trade Corporation in Saudi Arabia – the Kingdom’s leading provider of end-to-end enterprise information technology and telecommunications solutions.

SBM offers cutting edge enterprise solutions across all industry segments in the Kingdom. Its capability as a total solutions provider is further enhanced with its portfolio of services in networking, systems integration, consultation and implementation, business recovery and operations support.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

One of our strategic government client ECZA “Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority” / Saudi Arabia needs for enterprise-level Drupal CMS & Intranet solution based on OpenSocial framework that is built on top of Drupal. We partner with iSpectra to handle all the project activities including the website & Intranet strategy, UI/UX design, Development, Deployment & maintenance and support.

My client ultimate goal was to have superior web technology, very attractive user friendly designs, while ensuring the website is fully optimized in terms of performance, speed and compliance with Google core web vitals.

SOLUTION

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

We met with several companies and ask them to provide their technical and financial proposal. iSpectra proposal was very clear, straight forward. The deciding factor was their capabilities in Drupal technologies, they have a certified Drupal developers. Also, they have good experience working with government projects.

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

The new ECZA Website & Intranet Portal project is proposed to enable ECZA to publish its news, contents and services using state of the art technology, and will help ECZA employees to connect and receive a top-down communications about their organization, team, or projects and to communicate with others.

The scope of work:

• Website & Intranet Strategy
• UI/ UX designs for both the website and the Intranet Portal
• Development of the website based on the latest Drupal version
• Development of the Intranet portal based on Drupal OpenSocial
• Deployment of the website & Intranet on the client production environment with a a high availability
• Maintenance and support.

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

Around 8 Professional Consultants and a project manager who was the focal point of contact from iSpectra team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project currently at final stage, however iSpectra delivered the project as per the planned scope of work. ECZA is very satisfied with the final results as well as SBM.

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

The project methodology is based on Agile and we are using JIRA & Basecamp for project management.

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

They have a talented team that thinks outside the box. Their design capabilities were unique and creative and their technical experience is impactful meeting the project deadline.

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

iSpectra is well managed and no comments from our side.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

MARCELA de CALA is a luxurious wedding dresses design house that sells exclusive dresses across a number of selected high-end boutiques around the world.

Based in Spain and emerged from the coasts of the Mediterranean where beauty is only limited by a wide open horizon and charming nature, MARCELA de CALA was born in a cradle of charming beauty.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

At Marcela we wanted to have a modern, user friendly & attractive website meant to portray the luxurious wedding dresses of Spanish designer Marcela de Cala. we needed wonderful website that to be aligned with our digital strategy to targets a diverse European market through rich galleries that rely website.

SOLUTION

How did you select iSpectra and what were the deciding factors?

Actually we met with 3 companies and after meeting ispectra, they showcase their capabilities and track record in website design also their price was fair for us.

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

The project scope was to design & develop dynamic website. That is user friendly and easy to use.

How many people from the iSpectra team worked with you, and what were their positions?

The communication was excellent throughout. We worked with a project manager and were very happy with the level of communication.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website design is very attractive, I believe they paid good attention to the design details, they also analyze our market competitors to show Marcela as industry market leader in the fashion industry. Also, I like the used technology it is very smooth and easy to use one. Marcela website was built using Drupal CMS.

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

The project management was clear and straight forward which help us to finish the website on timeline agreed upon.

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

I found iSpectra to be extremely proactive and efficient. Also, Their level of communication and creativity during the project duration was impressive.

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

Based on my experience with iSpectra, they were best fit for us. iSpectra team were very interested to know a lot about our business and how we see ourselves in the fashion industry

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Jordan Media Institute is a non-profit educational institution founded by Her Royal Highness Princess Rym Ali to enhance the performance of journalists and media practitioners in Jordan and the region. The institute, which provides professional education and training opportunities, offers its programs in Arabic in order to raise the level of Arab media and provide foreign media outlets with professional Arabic-speaking journalists.

JMI also seeks to improve media output and build the reputation of the profession locally and across the Arab world through its Master’s in Journalism and New Media. The MA degree consists of two tracks: The Comprehensive Examination Track, designed to produce professional journalists with advanced print and digital media skills; and the Thesis Track, which focuses on developing research and writing skills, in addition to establishing ethical and creative standards for the profession among students. The Master’s program adheres to high-quality standards in journalism education and is based on a balance between theoretical and practical instruction, in addition to the integration of communications technology with digital applications.

JMI is the first Arab educational institution to develop its journalism curricula by benefiting from elements of the digital environment, as well as focusing on building a strong cultural knowledge base among its students.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire iSpectra?

JMI is implementing a project funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York entitled ’Storytelling and giving youth a voice in the media. The main objective of the project is to strengthen awareness and knowledge of Media Literacy for young Jordanians enrolled in public schools aged 14- 16, by providing them with the skills to consume and produce media wisely, ethically, and creatively, to become empowered citizens and active participants in their communities

SOLUTION

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

We issued an official RFP and ask the qualified vendors to prepare their technical & financial proposals, iSpectra was one of the companies that participated in this solicitation process. Their proposal was very detailed, they covered everything in a very professional manner. Then we called for a meeting before the award to meet them and make sure everything is straight. During that meeting, we were impressed with their level of professionalism, so we decided to go with them.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

Designing educational games (electronic) on Media and Information Literacy for school students, where ispectra designed and built a mobile application game that is user friendly and challenging to our target audience

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

From day one we have worked with an experienced team of 1 Project Manager; 2 - QA engineers; one 2D designer, and 2 - Software engineers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project delivery was very satisfying for us and iSpectra services were up to the level and our requirements were well covered.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Among the advantages of our work with iSpectra were the team’s skills, high level of organization, focus on best software development practices, and visible results.

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

We felt like we are one team, the communication from the beginning was between the tech people on our side and the tech people on their side. It was easy, and they were approachable. There was no shield between their technical staff and ours, which had been nice.

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

Not really. The way we work together has been fine from both sides