Magora

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a director at a data company. We specialize in B2B data and help our clients target B2B professionals in all sorts of job roles globally.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Magora?

We needed support to build a tool that would help us clean our internal company data records.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Magora has built a data cleansing tool for us. The tool uses Google queries to help us clean up data and produce a website related to the data we've been given. Initially, the team researched because we weren't sure if it was possible to build the desired tool because of our data's state. Magora created 2–3 algorithms to identify dirty records and broken characters and used the results of Google queries to determine which website would best match the inputted record. The team ran the code and then used the best algorithm to start building the system.

What is the team composition?

We work with one business developer, two teammates from accounting, and one teammate who supports development and design.

How did you come to work with Magora?

I found Magora on Clutch. I was looking for a UK-based development firm that could help us and stumbled across Magora's profile on Clutch. I saw their reviews were good and contacted them. Magora's business development team contacted me quickly and discussed the project.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent roughly £50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Magora in September 2023, and our engagement is ongoing. We're expanding the tool we're building and may work with the team on other projects.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We wouldn't have been able to take on some client projects without the tool Magora has built. I project this tool will probably win us an excess of £200,000 worth of business going forward.

How did Magora perform from a project management standpoint?

Magora's project management is what I most like about working with them. We've had various project stages and used several systems to keep development stories and tickets alive, which we review on a regular basis. For each sprint, we have a list of clear objectives. Magora effectively keeps me on track, and we typically communicate via email, although the team has also offered to use Slack. We use Jira to keep track of tickets and have weekly video calls where Magora shares their screen, which is nice because there is no pressure to log into a system or correct a ticket.

I've worked with other development firms and found it challenging to communicate with them. Usually, when I talk to developers about a project like this, they go for the highest number of results. The great thing about Magora is that they focus on accuracy and have correctly not chosen certain development paths to ensure we're hitting the project's main aim.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Magora is very organized and makes us feel like they're an outsourced development department instead of a company doing work for us. The team is very easy to work with and goes the extra mile. Magora knows the end result we want and lines up sprint tickets. Midway through the sprint, the team might return and say they’ve made a discovery and ask what we think. Magora incorporates their findings into the current sprint, and the result is an improvement. I'm impressed by their willingness to go the extra mile.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything Magora can improve on.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I recommend having a clear idea of your problem and a justification for your particular solution. Most development companies want to know what the problem is and try to solve it. However, obvious nuances to how you'll operate need to be communicated if you suggest a solution. For example, Magora initially had a series of questions about why we wanted to approach this project with fewer results but higher accuracy. Once the team understood that, they knew it was the mainstay of the project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the Project Manager of an advertising & marketing company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

A creative design agency

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• We hired Magora with the goal of developing the backend for mobile app, focused on improving financial control for teenagers. The objective was to equip users with effective financial management and prevent wasteful spending.

SOLUTION

How did you find Magora?

Referral

Why did you select Magora over others?

• High ratings
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Magora were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Magora, acting as a product consultant, played a pivotal role in creating a personalised finance mobile app. Magora proactively integrated user feedback into the product scope during the discovery phase. This strategic approach ensured the app aligned closely with user preferences and needs, showcasing Magora's commitment to user-centric development. 
Using extensive app development expertise, Magora ensured users could seamlessly track and manage budgets, gain insights through expense categories, set personalised savings goals, and receive real-time transaction alerts. This suite of features reflected Magora's dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions in modern finance.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Measurable outcomes included the successful deployment of the mobile app on both iOS and Android platforms, positive user feedback, increased downloads, and industry recognition for innovation.

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

Magora exhibited effective project management, delivering timely items and promptly responding to our needs. Their proactive approach during the discovery phase, incorporating user feedback, was particularly commendable.

What was your primary form of communication with Magora?

Virtual Meeting

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

Magora's ability to seamlessly integrate backend development with a design-forward approach and responsiveness to user feedback stood out. Their commitment to innovation and user-centric solutions was impressive.

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

While the project was successful, continuous communication on specific project milestones could have enhanced transparency. However, overall, Magora's performance was commendable

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of Lyfe, an at-home health testing service. We provide sexual health tests in the US through our e-commerce platform and app. We have a laboratory and warehouse in Florida, where we distribute kits in the US nationwide. We also have great retail partners like Walmart for distributing kits in physical stores and online. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Magora?

We hired Magora for their software development services. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Magora and our company had a discovery phase where we aimed to understand what we required. This lasted for a couple of months, and we had many calls between ourselves, their team, and our partner laboratory. We worked on gaining good insights into the market and figured out what we needed to build at what cost. 

From there, the development phase started. This took three months, and then we were able to launch our product. It was an MVP and a no-code solution. Before we went into full native development, we decided to test the product in the market through this no-code solution. 

Although it was a no-code solution, a lot of additional things went into it. Magora created an API to allow the app to communicate with our laboratory. This was where most of the coding and development happened. The Magora team collaborated closely with our laboratory to make this happen. Since it was a new technology, it took quite a bit of work. 

At present, we’re still engaged with Magora. We plan to use their services for the development of the native app. We’ll start a new discovery session for this phase of the project. We aim to expand into the UK and Europe, and we’ll be using Magora for discovery in November or December. 

What is the team composition?

We work with around four teammates from Magora, including Ekaterina (Account Manager) and Alex (CPO). 

How did you come to work with Magora?

A friend referred Magora to me. I had a brief discovery process with them during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, we were looking for a technology partner to help us produce a COVID-19 workplace testing app. 

We didn’t pursue this project with them, but I came back to them with my new idea because they were so helpful, insightful, and professional. Compared to the other companies we approached, Magora was more approachable and flexible in terms of our needs. As a result, we hired them for this recent project. 

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve invested around £25,000–£30,000 (approximately $30,000–$36,000 USD). 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started this project in February 2023, and it’s ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The MVP has gained traction and garnered quite a bit of success, so we’ve been happy with the process. There have been some bugs and issues with the API, but these are rectified quickly — one issue was even resolved within 24 hours of popping up, for example. Simply put, Magora works quite quickly when a technical issue arises. 

Overall, I rely on Magora’s design expertise. They deliver good designs, and I’m impressed with what they produce. Their design team has exceeded my expectations, and I’m truly happy with the quality of their work. 

How did Magora perform from a project management standpoint?

Magora’s project management is great. They meet deadlines, and Alex and Ekaterina are truly helpful. They’ve given me great insights throughout the journey, and it’s been a great process. The API development has taken a little longer than expected, but it’s worth it because we now have this idea in place. We’ve created an IP for our company, and we can now generate more business from it by adding other laboratories to our API. 

To communicate, we mainly use Slack and WhatsApp. I speak a lot with Alex through WhatsApp, and he’s always quick to respond. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their enthusiasm is impressive. When talking about my project and vision, it’s important for me to find the right people who believe in the product and my business. I see that in them — they can see the product’s potential and what I’m trying to achieve. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there aren’t any. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be clear about your goals. Do your research and have everything outlined before you engage Magora. That way, they can work effectively with you and give you the best price. They’ll also have a quick turnaround time. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the COO of Casual Films, a video production company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Magora?

We hired Magora to create a platform that could improve our efficiency in video production. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We began with a discovery phase and then went into production. They created all the documentation and wireframes we needed. Their resources also designed the front- and backend of the platform.

This partnership is ongoing because we’re constantly adding new features and improving the development process as we go along. We’ve broken the project down into several sprints, and we’re currently working on a monthly rolling contract. The Magora team develops the product and discovers new features. They mainly use JavaScript. 

What is the team composition?

We work with a core team of four members, including Mikhail (Frontend Developer), the project owner. 

How did you come to work with Magora?

I discovered Magora when I was researching for a development project that didn’t make it to fruition. I found them through Google, and I engaged them because they were quite transparent. They didn’t overcomplicate the process and were upfront about what the project required and how they worked. On top of that, their portfolio had a high standard.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested around £300,000 GBP (approximately $363,000 USD). 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the engagement in July 2021, and it’s ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our organization now runs on the platform that Magora has built — eight teams from six countries are using it in their day-to-day operations. This has made many aspects of our business a lot easier, including finance, reporting, creative development, and client interactions. It’s a true end-to-end solution and a real success. 

Meanwhile, bugs and crashes are expected in any development project. The Magora team is always quick to resolve them, and the quality of their output has improved over time. They’ve worked truly hard to iron out bugs. In other words, they’ve been responsive and flexible. 

How did Magora perform from a project management standpoint?

Deadlines have slipped a bit, though the scope of work doesn’t change. However, they still deliver without charging more. Their cost stays the same, and the team goes above and beyond in terms of hours worked to ensure the scope is delivered. Mikhail has been excellent. He’s thorough, diligent, and always available to answer questions as we move through the project. For tools, we mainly use Jira and Slack. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I like how we can get to know them as individuals. They’re accessible, and it doesn’t feel like I’m working with a faceless team. I’m involved with the teammates working on the project, and I like the closeness in our collaboration. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

It would be nice if the team could be consistent throughout the engagement. For context, there’s been a couple of personnel changes that set us back a little bit.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Take your time in the discovery phase. In our case, it was my first time doing any development work, and I was keen on seeing tangible results as quickly as possible. Magora was accommodating in making that happen, but looking back, I wish I’d taken more time in the discovery phase. I could’ve dove into the wireframes and talked through the features in more exhaustive detail.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Chief Business Officer of Easy Report

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Providing own built business intelligence software

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• on the development of a new chatbot messenger for Easy Report

SOLUTION

How did you find Magora?

Referral

Why did you select Magora over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget

How many teammates from Magora were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We recently had the privilege of collaborating with Magora on the development of a new chatbot messenger for Easy Report customer. This messenger, powered by Magora's expertise, helped by seamlessly integrating with the NLP engine of Easy Report.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Quality and Timeliness (5/5): The quality of the messenger's development was outstanding. Magora conducted thorough testing to ensure that the NLP technology and data integration functioned flawlessly. Despite the complexity of the project, they delivered the messenger on time, allowing us to stick to our project timeline and launch strategy.
• Design and User Experience (5/5): Magora's created a high quality messenger. They crafted an aesthetically pleasing and intuitive design that perfectly complemented the advanced technology under the hood. The result was a messenger that not only looked great but also provided users with a seamless and enjoyable experience.
• Post-launch Support (5/5): Magora's commitment didn't stop at the messenger's launch. They continued to provide outstanding support, ensuring that Easy Report ran smoothly and efficiently.

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

• Expertise and Innovation (5/5): Magora innovative approach to integrating NLP engine with the messenger was impressive. Their innovative thinking set the foundation for a product that is on the cutting edge of business intelligence technology.

What was your primary form of communication with Magora?

Virtual Meeting

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

• Communication and Collaboration (5/5): Magora's team was not only technically proficient but also demonstrated a deep understanding of the intricacies of our project concept. Their ability to grasp the essence of Easy Report's mission made collaboration exceptionally productive.

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

In conclusion, partnering with Magora for the development of the messenger was a decision we will never regret. Their expertise, professionalism, and dedication to delivering a high-quality product make them a top-tier development partner.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the project manager for a medical device startup. We specialize in manufacturing medical devices and software as a medical device (SaMD). 

Our company offers services to various clinical centers known as hubs. We provide training, assistance, and support for our procedures, which primarily involve biopsies and prostate cancer treatment.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Magora?

Our application has been in use for over six years. It collects various data about patients and procedures. We were searching for a provider to help us with a new application.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

Magora took the time to thoroughly evaluate and confirm the business needs by meeting with various stakeholders and interviewing the team during the discovery phase. This ensured that the project aligned with the organization's goals and objectives. They dug into the main pain points and what we needed to prioritize. It was an exciting phase, and the collaboration went very well. 

We initially planned to create a mobile app. Still, we opted for a web-based app for better cost-effectiveness instead of developing separate iOS and Android apps.

We are currently using a PHP backend and Android/iOS frontends. However, we are facing the challenge of managing three different code bases. One solution proposed is to retain the PHP backend while optimizing it. Additionally, the team recommended implementing progressive web development, whereby the app opens in the browser upon launch.

What is the team composition?

We worked with 3–4 people from Magora's team. Initially, we communicated with a sales representative. Later, we collaborated with two business analysts, and once we began the project, we were assigned an account manager.

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

Andrew (Business Development Manager) consistently ensured the project ran smoothly by regularly checking in. Alexander (System Architect) and Mikhail (Frontend Developer) were exceptional in their respective roles. They provided valuable insights and consistently performed at a high level. Overall, we were pleased with the entire team's performance.

How did you come to work with Magora?

We found Magora on Clutch. Among the different providers we interviewed, Magora stood out. We were particularly impressed by their discovery phase approach. 

How much have you invested in them?

We invested £5,000 Pounds (approximately $6,400 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with Magora from April–May 2023.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Overall, Magora exceeded our expectations. We can attribute the project's success to its fixed price and schedule. As a small business, we must clearly understand the project's cost and delivery timeline. Therefore, we greatly appreciated the fixed price and the team's utmost professionalism. We received quality deliverables and great insights from the team. 

More seasoned colleagues paired up with junior members of the team. Magora's team provided valuable insights, and we were pleased with the overall outcome. 

One of the final requirements was a comprehensive proposal for the new application, which we reviewed with the team. Unfortunately, we couldn't proceed due to limitations with our business and budget. 

How did Magora perform from a project management standpoint?

The communication was good. We defined the communication channels at the beginning of the project, and everything was very fluid. 

We utilized Teams for daily communication and Jira and Confluence for project management. Everyone was happy in the end. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

We were very impressed with the business analysts and their insights about our business. They rapidly became familiar with our procedures and staff, allowing them to comprehend our challenges fully.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don't have any areas for improvement at this time.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

My recommendation is to take a look at Magora's reviews on Clutch and reach out to those who have left a review to gain insights into their previous experiences with the company, including their strengths and weaknesses. Doing that may require a few days of effort, but will be beneficial.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an executive of a mobility solutions company. We manage relocation for multinational companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Magora Systems?

We needed help with custom software development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We initially engaged a small team of developers to learn and work on our core system. Since we had a good experience, we increased the size of the team significantly to do custom software development. Magora Systems has built new systems from scratch and helped us with DevOps. However, most of the development is within an existing system.

We’ve given them documentation, but they've largely learned through the code. They work on our case management system that manages international relocation assignments. The team uses PHP, JavaScript, and relational databases hosted on AWS. Additionally, they’ve helped with design work and built another system.

What is the team composition?

We work with 15 team members, including developers, product owners, QA specialists, and support people.

How did you come to work with Magora Systems?

A consultant that was working with us recommended them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between £1 million–£5 million (approximately $1.2 million–$6 million USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January 2021, and our relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve built out functionality that’s been delivered into production used by our business, and it’s been successful. We haven’t had any crashes, so their work is good quality. Overall, they’ve exceeded our expectations.

How did Magora Systems perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management is good; they’re on time and within budget. They meet with our users and use Jira as a tool. We communicate via Slack and daily meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re a stable and reliable team.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’re still building their knowledge base; they continue to apply their knowledge of systems in the business as they grow.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You get out what you put in, so engage with them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the COO at Casual - a video production company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Magora to build us a web app to consolidate all our systems and processes developed over 16 years. The goal was to create a one stop show for both our staff and clients that allowed for end to end project management for our productions.

SOLUTION

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

We hired Magora due to a really strong discovery session. The really grasped what we were trying to do, and provided great insights into how we could approach the project.

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

Discovery was followed by 13 individual sprints, each focussed on a different part of the build. Each sprint involved planning, development, testing and quality assurance.

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

Product Owner Account Manager Developers x 4

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

A really positive response from staff and clients alike. Having a centralized system for all project information has increased efficiency and cut down on errors and omissions.

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

Always available through Slack with super fast response times. Our product owner went to great lengths to speak over the phone any time it was required.

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

Magora's dedication to finished the job was very impressive. As with any development there were several roadblocks, but Magora went to great lengths to fix them, without adding additional hours to the scope.

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

Slightly more QA would have been useful in places.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the senior digital project manager at a digital transformation company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Magora Systems?

We hired Magora Systems to help us develop a healthcare product.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Magora Systems developed the MVP of an iOS and Android mobile app focused on telemedicine. It helps manage information about diseases, surgeries, dental interventions, and hospitals. Users can log in to the app to book appointments and search for services, hospitals, and general practitioners (GP). It is also integrated into GP surgeons' and hospitals’ data so that people can track their medical records. Additionally, it helps users find the medicine they need.

Initially, we provided Magora Systems with the client’s briefs regarding the required design, branding, and functionality of the app. Then, they developed the app from scratch.

What is the team composition?

We worked with a core team of five developers from Magora Systems, including a technical lead, senior developers, and mid-level developers. We also communicated with the account director.

How did you come to work with Magora Systems?

One of our internal product managers recommended them. I checked their reviews on Clutch, and they were great, so we contacted them and started working with them.

How much have you invested with them?

The original project cost $300,000, but the client requested additional features, so the total was around $350,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked from November 2021–April 2022; it was a six-month project. Still, I would hire Magora Systems again for further development and future projects.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our client was happy with the MVP developed by Magora Systems, and they’re now trying to get more investors interested in the product.

How did Magora Systems perform from a project management standpoint?

Magora Systems delivered everything on time on the first iteration, so we experienced no delays. We managed the project using Jira and YouTrack, where they shared reports. Their team constantly shared information about the project and tracked their work hours.

We worked using a scrum methodology, so we had daily calls via Zoom and communicated via Slack and email very clearly. Additionally, Magora Systems is based in London, so we met in their office twice.

What did you find most impressive about them?

A really good aspect about working with Magora Systems — and one of the reasons I would go with them for our next development project — was that they had a really well-established process. Although I didn’t meet this person, they had a product owner involved who helped with the scope and documentation, allowing developers to kick off the project faster and understand everything.

Usually, other providers don’t bring product owners unless the client pays extra. Of course, the cost of this resource surely was included in the project cost, but Magora Systems’ approach in including support from the start was excellent. They didn’t simply take our requirements and run with them; they truly made an effort to understand everything by doing research and asking the right questions.

Additionally, Magora Systems was very transparent. Whenever we requested changes, they never took a hard stand. Instead, we had good, transparent, and honest conversations about what they could and couldn’t do, never overestimating themselves and always delivering on time.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. Everything was good.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a developer at a small travel company located in Norway and is the project owner of the project. Our company has 10 employees and sells trips to beautiful locations in Norway.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Magora?

Norway is a complex geographic country, with a lot of fjords and mountains. A lot of trips offered by the company is therefore complicated with a lot of train, bus and boat connections.

To be able to offer the best experience for the customers of the company, we wanted to develop a virtual guide, to make the trip easier and more delightful for the tourist.

As the internal developers of the company did not have the capacity to do this work an external company was needed to help out with the development of the application.

What were your goals for this project?

Create a mobile application to engage travellers and diversify their experience when booking a trip at our company

SOLUTION

How did you select Magora?

We found Magora by searching online. We contacted a few different companies, but Magora seemed to be the most professional and easiest to communicate with.

Describe the project in detail.

We started off the project with a lot of initials meetings. Discussing the scope and mapping all the ideas. The result of this was a detailed BPMN and user stories that could be estimated and evaluated by the developers.

By creating this, the scope of the project was clear and ready to start the development. After each development phase both our company and Magora did a QA on the current work. When the QA was completed the project was deployed and released.

What was the team composition?

We were assigned a project manager to support us and serve as the main point of contact throughout the project. We also had a business analyst as well as a designer that came up with the initial design of the application. The company also provided a QA team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app was launched early june 2020. It is still yet hard to see if the app was a success or not because of the impact of the Covid-19 situation affecting the world at this time. Resulting in very few, if any, travellers. The app with expected content was delivered in time, and we are pleased with the result that was delivered. Hopefully we will be able to test the app in more detail 2021.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The project manager that we were assigned was easy to communicate with and provided us with detailed updated. We had regular meetings to ensure we all were on the same page. Overall impressed with the people we worked with.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their planning skills and business analyzing skills have been extraordinary and detailed. The common understanding on what should be delivered or not was perfectly clear during the entire corporation.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The development process slowed pretty heavily when bugs were found in their own QA process. But they always delivered in the end. Overall pleased with the process.