Lemberg Solutions

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Benjamin Button is the first smart wearable camera for families. Driven by machine learning (ML) and AI, our standalone IoT device can process, store, and select the best parts of recorded content based on user preferences.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Lemberg Solutions?

Lemberg Solutions helped us build the MVP of a mobile app with a REST API interface to gather initial data stacks to feed our ML algorithms. There were many challenges on both the hardware and software side, but the team never let us down. They were supportive the whole time.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed to produce a mobile app MVP that could track important moments from pictures users take and collect critical classifiers for the ML algorithms.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We found Lemberg Solutions through a word of mouth reference.

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

Lemberg Solutions designed the simple backend solution including the database. They helped us with the UX and design for the mobile app.

What was the team composition?

Lemberg Solutions assigned 2-3 engineers along with a project lead to work on our engagement. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I definitely recommend Lemberg Solutions. They’re friendly professionals who are always willing to help. The team delivered an adequate level of quality on time.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Project management was flawless. Communication was smooth and always to the point.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Lemberg Solutions is the embodiment of a one-stop shop. I appreciated their range of complex skills. They can tackle everything from software and hardware to design, development, and small production series. 

Are there any areas where they can improve?

There is always room to improve.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the head of mobile app development at a company that creates digital assistants for drivers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Lemberg Solutions?

We needed assistance in developing our iOS app because we didn’t have enough in-house resources to complete the project quickly.

What were your goals for this project?

Ultimately, we wanted to improve our speed in completing the project and be able to launch the app on time. Our goal was to have the app be of high quality and have an established code process in place for future development.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We worked with them in the past, so we had a few calls with their team to see what support they could offer. We compared them to other companies, and Lemberg Solutions gave us the best offer.

Describe the project in detail.

We’ve been working with Lemberg Solutions’ developers as full-time members of our team, so they are involved in every step of the process. We have meetings, sprint plannings, architecture discussions, etc. Initially, they were only working on the iOS development, but we've expanded their role into the Android development process, as well.

What was the team composition?

In the beginning, we worked with two iOS developers, but we added another and one Android developer to continue supporting our internal teams.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They are still developing the apps with us, but we’re highly pleased with the pace of the project.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Although the developers are offshore, we have daily standups on the phone, and they join any additional meetings if needed. After the onboarding period, they are now working as efficiently as our internal employees. The cooperation between the teams is as good as we could expect. 

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The project has many new technologies, but the Lemberg Solutions team adapted quickly to support us.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

We've started the company a year and a half ago. We are based out of the Netherlands and I recently moved to North Carolina. We've done a few apps and we've used Lemberg on all of them.

What is your position?

I’m the founder of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address with Lemberg Solutions?

There was an article in Reuters about featuring the ten most promising companies involved in wearable technology for the iPhone. Lemberg was one of them. I discussed going into the iPhone wearable market with one of my partners, and trying something with Lemberg. From the beginning, working with them was fantastic. Their turnaround time, from idea to actually having a product is phenomenal. In less than a week, they will have wireframes for us.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement.

They build iPhone-specific apps for us. They do everything from development to implementation to quality testing and bug resolution. At the moment, there are five local people in our team and we work with seven or eight from Lemberg. There is a dedicated account manager for us. I'm not familiar with the technology they use other than iOS.

How did you come to work with Lemberg Solutions?

We initially worked with a family member in South Africa. He became unavailable, and we had unmet deadlines. He recommended Lemberg to us. We met them at Apps World, in Berlin. They liked what we were doing and wanted to be associated with us. They offered to do beta testing and anything else we wanted.

Could you provide a sense of the size of this initiative in financial terms?

We have spent under $20.000 in total.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've given them another app to develop, which will be launched in January [2016], called 21.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any statistics or metrics from this engagement?

We don't have a big budget for marketing and rely on word of mouth for the most part. So far, people are praising the simplicity and functionality of the app. The feedback from the app store has also been positive. We did have some problems with crashes, but it only took about three days to get them fixed.

How did Lemberg Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

I hand-draw all of the ideas I pass on to them, and they ask the right questions. They know that we're novices in the area, but also that our ideas are fantastic. One member of our board is very finicky and if she dislikes a certain color, the next day, the colors will be changed. Lemberg is very flexible with us, though.

We don't use elaboration tools for project management. Instead, we use email, Skype, even Facebook for communicating and exchanging documentation. What I like about our relationship with them is that, ultimately, we've become friends and now we work very well together.

What distinguishes Lemberg Solutions from other providers?

When I first met them, I noticed that, compared to bigger companies, they had a slightly unprofessional look. They looked too homely to be doing these things, but if you’d look at their Twitter feed and their Drupal involvement, you’d see that they get so excited about a process or project, that it becomes contagious.

Is there anything Lemberg Solutions could have improved or done differently?

Sometimes, we do get lost in translation. English is not my first language either, so I will tend to over-explain things and talk longer. Professionally, though, everything comes together.

BACKGROUND

[The client] is a mobile app development company mainly focused on productivity apps for iOS. We have a popular app that helps people to alert others to issues that they find on construction sites, warehouses, or other properties. I am the managing director and oversee the main development portion of the apps we produce. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

We wanted to port one of our most successful apps to Android so that it improves market share a little for us. We had many requests for our app to be available on Android. 

SOLUTION

We spent many months producing an exact specification for the app we wanted on Android. The requirements document was very long, about 70 pages. We needed a quality partner to port the existing iOS app to Android.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

I can't recommend Lemberg Solutions enough. They are outstanding. Lemberg provided us with the perfect balance of professionalism and updates on how the project was progressing. The quality was outstanding with only very minor bugs found.

All bugs were fixed within a day, and once everyone was happy we submitted the app to the Google Play store. We have received a five-star review for the app, which is fantastic news.

BACKGROUND

We're a high-end branding and design strategy company based in New York City. As the owner and creative director of the company, we are always looking for reliable development partners for projects large and small.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

The opportunity with the kiosk app design was to create something that can be used in large and small gatherings and had just enough interactivity to draw people in without being a long-time proposition. The target for the kiosk are attendees at the foundation's events and, largely, intended to attract donations and engagement of the organization while being fun, informational and asking for an easy set of metrics, just their name and e-mail address.

SOLUTION

The iPad app that Lemberg developed addressed all of the goals of the project and effortlessly expressed the vision for the app that we had in mind. Since the technology and platform was already preselected, there wasn't much effort that went into sourcing or testing other solutions.

The service provider was selected from a short list of options we found online and they went to great lengths to prove their value and capabilities, which was greatly appreciated.

Lemberg handled all development and programming work and really understood every facet of the process, which made it easier for us to do our job and not worry that something would not be handled well. During the course of six months, Lemberg stayed the course of the project and didn't flinch with changes and refinements by the client, [or by us, the agency]. They simply responded to everything in a very professional manner.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

The app works great and everyone is happy. That's the best outcome from the project, also the cost and client relations that Lemberg provided were excellent.

We will definitely use Lemberg again for future projects and we will make sure to budget more time and money for them. They really earned it.

BACKGROUND

C@rma is a new start up based on a Web platform. We are a crowdfunding platform connecting individuals and civil organizations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

Our experience with building this type of platform was limited, so we needed a partner whom we could fully trust to advise us. Due also to some previous difficulties, we really needed to be live as fast as possible.

SOLUTION

We have been working together for the past seven months. They are delivering what they promised on time with no major problems. They are training and advising us to make the project more efficient and have been very flexible and patient.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Lemberg Solutions has been the perfect partner. The agile methodology used is very suitable for a startup, enabling us to change our strategy every month based on market trends.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company.

We are an incorporated entity branding agency with about 50 people. We develop corporate identities for numerous multinational companies.

What is your role and responsibilities?

I am the head of the design department.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal for working with Lemberg Solutions?

We received good references for Lemberg Solutions indicating that they adhered to technique. This company has its roots in technique and IT programming, which is exactly what we were looking for. We have our own design department, and we know how to prepare content. We expect precise programming, which is what Lemberg delivers.

They also have an office in London, which is important to us, and it makes it easy to communicate with their team. They also have programmers in Ukraine. Russians and Ukrainians are known as very good programmers. I knew that from my previous experience. Good communication and eastern European talent were two important factors.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their work.

Their programming was for a website with an integrated blog, and the whole system was made in liquid design. It works on iPhones, iPads, and different screen resolutions. They make adaptations necessary to each device. It's a mobile website. There was a Drupal management system in the back. I asked my designers not to limit themselves with any technical limitations. I have to say that Lemberg found very good solutions to challenging designs.

What was your process for selecting Lemberg Solutions to work with?

I looked for several providers on the Internet, and Lemberg was one of them. Then, I had a short list of three. I briefed all three of them on the project and conducted a phone interview with them. I was able to answer their questions and see if they understood the challenge. Finally, we made an offer based on that.

The first project is completed as of late March of 2014. I just briefed them about the new project.

Can you provide a ballpark dollar figure for the size of the work that they completed?

From our side, our costs were about 180,000 francs, which is about 20,000 euros [27,500 U.S. dollars]. I decided last week that Lemberg will do the next project.

Are you satisfied with the results of the project?

I am satisfied. What I found most valuable is that they have a very good issue tracker. They have us access that tool, and we were able to get into their organization, which streamlined communication. Second, there were three programmers on the project, and I talked to them all by Skype on a regular basis to resolve minor issues. That is a very direct way to communicate.

The project manager got involved when there were cost or timeline issues. I appreciated the direct communication. Also, because they are an external provider, I could fly to London to sort things out if needed. They were fine with that idea, and that was one of the major reasons we decided to use them. Their project management is very professional.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Do you have any statistics or metrics to track improvement from the project?

I don’t have any statistics at this time.

Is there anything unique about them that really makes them stand out, compared to other companies?

I find them very proactive in their attitude. Their prices are very competitive, so we have a good balancing act between London and Ukraine. This arrangement is a better fit for the customer.

Looking back on the work so far, is there any area that you think they could improve upon or that you might do differently?

No. We had very clear interfaces and communication.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company.

Woisio was founded in November of 2011. Our mission is simple: Deliver an online platform and experience that brings out the voice of people that people would like to listen to.

Woisio.com is an online media platform that tries to solve today's search first, watch/listen/read later problem via an innovative crowd driven methodology that tries to funnel the most relevant and high-quality content to local channels that we call stages.

What is your role and responsibilities?

I am head of operations for Woisio, and currently I oversee all the in-house and outsourced projects, and I'm in charge of all purchasing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address for the work with Lemberg Solutions?

Living in a mobile-driven online world, we needed to have mobile applications for Woisio. But, it was not an easy feat.

We needed an app that was nothing like other apps in the marketplace today. It needed to play videos and songs, but it also needed to show blogs. Also, it needs to be in sync with the servers all the time since Woisio has a flowing timeline and channel lineups changed every 15 minutes.

Aside from on demand content, Woisio also hosts live content hence the app needed to play not only that content, but also remind the users of the showtimes, and when they become live. Our app also needed to host and deliver comments real time.

SOLUTION

What was your process for selecting Lemberg Solutions?

We have looked through online sites to find the best vendor for the job. Lemberg Solutions seemed to fit the bill perfectly. They have had previous experience in media delivery apps, and all their previous work seemed to work effortlessly. Their price seemed very reasonable compared to other high-quality software houses.

They also had great reviews and recommendations. The final differentiating factor was how professional everyone at Lemberg. From sales to project management, everyone seemed to know what they were doing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the results of the work?

We couldn't have been happier with the results. Lemberg was able to deliver everything we asked from them and more. Never throughout the entire process were there doubts or concerns, and the final product was very high quality.

They covered the agreed scope and deliverables in the agreed schedule and budget. Another great and differentiating thing about Lemberg is that even though we have added many new features throughout the process; they were very good at scoping the additional features and integrating them to the updated timeline effortlessly.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company.

We are a British preshow marketing agency for exhibitions and conferences. Our clients rely on us to plan successful marketing programs for events. Most of our engagements are short and very time intensive. We cater to the oil and gas industry.

What is your role and responsibilities?

I am a senior designer with project management responsibilities. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal for the work with Lemberg Solutions?

We needed their help as an outsourced Web designer. Our agency lacked the proper resources to get the work done for our clients. We researched a few different British firms that could handle our workload.

SOLUTION

What was your process for selecting Lemberg Solutions to work with?

They were expert Web designers that could follow our strict and busy work schedule. They knew how to program with Flash and helped with a little design also. I was impressed after speaking with their team and a few references.

Can you describe the scope of their work?

They have worked with us on a few very big engagements for our clients. Most of these projects last two to three months with intense work schedules. They are basically on call to help with any design and development we need.

Lemberg Solutions was brought in to provide design help for the touchscreens that were used by attendees for the last two projects. Lemberg Solutions designed the system using Flash and updated it a year later.

Can you provide a sense of the size of that initiative in dollar terms?

It was about $30,000 per project.

When was the last project completed?

It was finished in 2012.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

How did Lemberg Solutions perform throughout the work?

They are great, they are one of the few companies that can handle our short project schedules. Our clients cannot wait for anything, and they are right on top of it with us. 

When working with Lemberg Solutions, what is unique or special about them compared to other IT vendors?

They are very competent with the technical side, and have great project management skills too. Very few firms are so strong in both areas.

Looking back on the work, is there any area that you think they can improve upon or you might do differently?

There is nothing I can complain about now.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company.

We do Web applications and mobile applications. We’re a software development firm.

What is your role and responsibilities?

I am the lead developer at the firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your business objective going into the project with Lemberg Solutions?

They have particular areas of expertise in different areas of mobile. We were able to bring on an auxiliary team to help collaborate to get our project done faster and more efficiently.

When bringing them on, was it because you didn’t have the resources in-house, that you didn’t have enough man-hours, they had kind of additional expertise, or just offered more cost-saving?

I’d say primarily augmenting the expertise, combining our expertise with their expertise.

How did you originally find them and choose them to work with?

Just on the Internet.

SOLUTION

Could you tell me a little more about the scope of the project and what parts they’re involved in?

We’ve worked with them on a couple of different projects. Initially, we’ve worked with them on the Web on some different components where they could help take off some of the work on the mobile. They have more expertise in things like device communications.

What technologies do they usually work with you on?  Is it LAMP Stack or iOS and Android?

iOS-based work, so Xcode objective C.

How long have you been working with them?

We’ve been working with them on and off for the past few years.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

How satisfied are you with what they’ve produced over those years?

I’m very satisfied. They are great guys, and they definitely have particular areas where they [do well], and we like to collaborate with them.

Is there anything that you find to be unique or special about them compared to other people that you’ve worked with?

They’re good problem solvers.

Is there anything that you’d do differently a second time around or things that they could improve on?

I think the name of the game with all this stuff is proper planning and sense of agility.  I think there are challenges that come up in any project and market success is being able to solve that stuff and not get derailed.  I don’t have any particular criticisms.