MLSDev

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

We are a startup. We are releasing a new product that connects art students and the public. People can browse what art students post. 

What is your position?

I'm the CEO and CTO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address with MLSDev?

We need help to develop all the functions needed to facilitate and create a new site that enables a student to upload their wares. Also, we want the public to browse the system and make a purchase. We need our partner to make that experience interesting and smooth. We need a way to update the experience on a regular basis.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement in detail.

Approximately 80 percent of their work is programming on the back-end. We provided the initial UML [unified modeling language] and design. We needed lots of new designs. During that time, MLSDev provided their proposal for the designs.

How did you come to work with MLSDev?

I used Elance and I hired five or six companies before. A year ago, we had another project that I started. That ended up after I gave that project to the other company in Ukraine. They kept contact with me to see if another project came in. They're persistent.

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

It was from $50,000 to $100,000

What is the status of this engagement?

It's ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any statistics or metrics from this engagement?

The project is in the early stages, so we don't have stats or metrics yet.

How did MLSDev perform from a project management standpoint?

We are satisfied with their programming work. Their user interaction smoothness was fair to good. For ongoing maintenance, I'm yet to know the results because I haven't released it yet.

What distinguishes MLSDev from other providers?

The sales guy and project manager is independent. We started off with one project manager, which didn't work. We had a regular meeting and we decided to change the project manager, which is good because it's difficult to resolve an issue with the PM himself. The new one seems genuinely concerned with my site success.

In hindsight, are there areas in which they could improve, or things you might do differently?

I assumed that their range of understanding of the basic infrastructure API [application programming interface] functions would be a little better. I was expecting slightly more – like a speediness in getting the concept. They need to be faster especially around the API integration.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

Level Up is a mobile payment platform. In addition to having the Level Up app where users can link a credit card scan it at merchants to pay for things, we also sell branded versions of the Level Up app to regional brands and nationwide brands who are looking to have their own mobile payment experience.

We work with brands ranging from two locations up to 20 something. We work with places like Sweet Green and Steak and Shake.

What is your role and responsibilities?

I ran the project management team. We were responsible for the design, development, and delivering of the applications to the clients. We have a two-month design process where they're working with our designers during the development phase, a QA [quality assurance] process where we test the apps at the client location and then a launch process where the app starts getting used by real customers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal for working with MLSDev?

In making all of these apps there's a fair amount of development work in all of them. Our in-house development team needed help. We contacted them to help us with the styling and developing of those apps. Each project that has MLSDev involved also has a developer here assigned to do the initial styling. Our developers do the code review and we build the app and move into QA.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their work.

It was for iOS and Android development. They have had to pull in designers on their side to help with the files we're sending over.

What was your process for selecting MLSDev?

We did a bunch of research. We tried a sample project out with a couple firms. MLSDev came on a recommendation from a former employee. We did a sample project with them. They did a great job. They asked good questions and were on top of things.

Can you give a sense of the size of the initiative?

It was from $50,000 to $200,000

When was the work completed?

It's ongoing work. We're bringing in new projects and send them to them. We've been working with MLSDev slightly more than six months.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Do you have any statistics or metrics on the project?

Not really. It's been behind the scenes work. We try to get the project developed on a schedule, and they've always been good at keeping to that. 

Are you satisfied with their performance?

Absolutely. They asked some great questions as we went through the process. It's clear they think about these projects on a level beyond what we saw with some of the other firms we tested out. 

MLSDev is proud of their work and are concerned with the quality of work they turn out. The code is very good, but I'm most impressed with their approach.

What differentiates MLSDev from other partners?

One of the challenges when you're working with overseas companies is the language barrier. They do a fantastic job with that as well.

What advice would you give to future clients of theirs?

Think through the entire project thoroughly. If you don't MLSDev will. They will do a good job with that. They will catch everything that you don't. They're sharp guys, and they're good at what they do. That said, you don't want them to be doing that. You would rather have MLSDev working on the design and development. Try to have a fully formed project to start so that you can set them loose at what they're good at.

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

I don't think so. When we first engaged, our relationship changed a little bit because we had a different volume of work. They've rolled with the punches pretty well.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

We help elderly people to communicate in an easy way using their television. We are developing a small box that turns their TV into a TV connected to the Internet.

What is your role and responsibilities?

I’m the co-founder of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal for working with MLSDev?

They are helping us develop the core product software.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their work.

All the software development is outsourced to MLSDev. They developed the first prototype and we continued using them for our core product development.

What was your process for selecting MLSDev with which to work?

We found them on Elance.

Can you give a sense of the size of the initiative in dollar terms or a personnel work-hour figure?

It was $120,000 for the whole project.

When was the work completed?

We started in November 2014. It’s ongoing work.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It’s too early to tell because the software is not in use yet. We are satisfied with the deliverables so far.

Are you satisfied with their performance?

I’m not a technical expert, so I don’t really have a proven track in that. I can’t say from an IT [information technology] point of view if they are really good or faster than others. But, as a normal guy with no IT experience, they are very clear. 

They are developing quite fast. They are always on time. They are responsible and very available as well. They are very patient and quite clear. I would say the collaboration with them is very successful right now.

Is there anything unique or special about MLSDev that really makes them stand out compared to other online marketing companies?

Not really.

What advice would you give to future clients of theirs?

You can rely on them. They are a stable team and open minded and flexible. We are using Open Source developed by the European commission and they weren’t aware of that but they integrated that in the project. We used a tracking software to follow their work on a daily basis and they adapted very well to that.

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. Currently I’m very happy with what they have done. We can always get better. They weren’t specialized in what we wanted in the first place, but they adapted themselves quite easily.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

My company is a side project startup. The company was launched last year, and so we are working on our first product offering.

What is your role and responsibilities?

I’m a sole entrepreneur.  

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal for working with MLSDev?

The first phase was a proof of concept. The second phase was to create a working prototype, and the third phase is going to be more of a polished user interface with the goal to be listed in the App Store.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their work.

Mobile app development for iOS was the main service provided. They’re also doing some user interface work. They’re doing search functionality and contribution functionality. It was more of the technological piece in the initial project stages and now MLSDev is focusing more on the UI [user interface].

What was your process for selecting MLSDev with which to work?

I used Elance to source firms. I found dozens and dozens of companies, and I engaged two firms. What impressed me with MLSDev was they really sought to understand the requirements. It was a very personalized response. It wasn’t just a canned message, as many are.

They’re very honest with saying things might not work out the way I planned. I appreciate that candor. The other companies were promising the world, but not being honest about technical and budget limitations. 

Can you give a sense of the size of the initiative in dollar terms or a personnel work-hour figure?

[It was] $10,000 to $50,000.

When was the work completed?

The second phase was completed at the end of 2014, and we started the third phase in February 2015.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It is too early to give metrics because we are just working on a minimal viable product. We won’t have real stats until we launch the application in the App Store.

Are you satisfied with their performance?

I am satisfied with MLSDev’s performance. They engage with a project manager. They brought a developer into the project very early to understand the requirements, and they have daily meetings if the client wishes to monitor progress closely. 

Their project management system allows clients to refine the product constantly without worrying about the developers disappearing for a week and not handling the work correctly.

They use a great online repository for project management and tracking. They provide an optimistic and pessimistic project plan and then record actual results against it. They have a customer service representative who checks in periodically to see how things are going. I really appreciated the comprehensive nature of their service and love that they don’t just blindly do what I request. They challenged my assumptions and gave suggestions. They weren’t just trying to sell me more work.

Is there anything unique or special about MLSDev that really makes them stand out compared to other online marketing companies?

Their strong project management and ability to question the client is unique. They apply a scrum methodology, which is optimal for my project.

What advice would you give to future clients of theirs?

I would encourage clients to take the daily meetings if they can and not be afraid to listen to options. Come with an open mind and solicit feedback from MLSDev. They have a strong team and a lot of experience.

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

I gave them some minor feedback, and they corrected it. There was a misalignment between the billing cycle and the hours logged. It didn’t affect the final price and was a minor issue that was fixed right away.

BACKGROUND

I work for a British startup that is creating a new Smart Manufacturing Platform product. I cannot disclose the details of the product and my firm because I am under a non-disclosure agreement.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

My goal was to develop something new and innovative that would be the best Smart Manufacturing Platform in the world.

SOLUTION

They have provided a full-time development team for the software coding piece. They work mostly on coding, but also on design for the system. I found them after doing many interviews and developer interviews with companies from around the world.

I decided to work with MLSDev because of their coding skill and strong communication in English. The work is completely ongoing since I'm happy with the top team they have provided.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

I am very satisfied with the quality of their work. The unique thing about them is their commitment to their work. They have worked in a war zone and have had to shift offices during the extent of my project three or more times. They had to relocate to a new city to ensure the business and delivery survives and continues.

We are still ironing some smaller issues with the development portion, but they still have done a great job overall. I would probably give a perfect score after these issues are solved. Their schedule has been reasonable considering we have to move completion dates often due to the nature of the product. I would definitely refer MLSDev to others and am satisfied with the cost.

BACKGROUND

I started a new company to offer potential customers cheaper deals at local restaurants. This program helps businesses and the customers. I am the founder.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

I needed a designer to help me bring the mobile app to life. I decided to contact Russian companies because I was born in that region and can speak Russian.

SOLUTION

I wasn't satisfied with my initial designer because he was always missing and his initial work wasn't acceptable. MLSDev ended up fixing the issue and then eventually finished the design.

MLSDev also refused to take care of the Android development piece. Their Chief Executive Officer eventually stepped in and tried to solve the problem. He was unable to fix the problem so we eventually abandoned the engagement.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

MLSDev wasted 3 months of our time and after three months they declared that they didn't have the resources to complete the project. I am not satisfied with the service and results.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company.

My company is a U.K.-based limited digital company. I work with various contractors to deliver a variety of digital work for clients based in the U.K., which tends to be a mix of mobile and Web work.

What is your role and responsibilities?

I’m the managing director.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal for working with MLSDev?

I started working with MLSDev because my previous contractor had let me down on a project, and I had a fairly urgent piece of complex mobile app development work that I needed done. I found them via Elance, so it was a bit of a risk working with them, especially given the project’s importance. It was a fast turnaround project, then I basically started working with them on an ongoing basis because they were successful on the first project. I then subsequently ended up giving them practically all of the mobile app development that I was winning from one specific client in the U.K.  

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their work.

It was all mobile app development work. My client is a Web design agency in the U.K., MLSDev was doing all of the design and user interface work. We were literally provided PDF files for all of the designs. They were doing more of a slicing, dicing, and coding job, rather than having to do any design work themselves. It was a mix of Android and iOS development.

What was your process for selecting MLSDev with which to work?

I use Elance quite regularly, so I found them there.

Can you provide a ballpark dollar figure for the size of the work that they’ve done for you?

The average project was between 200 and 300 work hours on their end. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the results of the project?

MLSDev did a great job for me. What I really liked about working with them, was that they refused to rush. So, despite the fact that I had a client who was in a hurry, and I was in a hurry, and everything was urgent, they always made sure that all of the I’s were dotted and the T’s were crossed. As a result, the projects tended to run very smoothly.

They also differed from a lot of the other freelancers I’ve worked with in that they provide their own project manager. With previous projects, I had to stay quite heavily involved; however, when working with them, I was able to do a kickoff meeting, and then very much hand it over. I only had to get involved if there were any issues along the way. So, that worked very well for me.

We worked on a variety of projects, some of them were quick turnaround engagements, so sometimes it was a bit frustrating because they were taking so much time to dot the I’s and cross the T’s. Once we got going, they got the work done. They never missed a deadline. There was a project that we had to work on through Christmas, and they were able to bring in additional staff for that and work some fairly unsociable hours for me to deliver the project. They were just generally all-around good people to work with.

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

I’ve had some absolute disasters working with Elance firms before, but I’ve not had any problems with MLSDev. Their code has always been excellent. Whenever my client’s developers have reviewed their code, they’re been very happy with it. They’ve also been quite ruthless as well, in terms of taking on another agency’s work. So, if they receive an app that’s half done and the code’s crap, they’ll be upfront about it and tell you the code’s crap, and tell you what needs to be done to sort it out. I trust them implicitly on that.

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

They use a project management tool to allow you get an insight into how hours are going. They also introduced me to a new way of costing projects as well. I’ve always worked with clients on a fixed-cost basis, so understanding what the project was and then giving a client a fixed cost. They introduced me to a new way of working whereby they give a variable cost estimate, or offer the client a higher fixed cost if they need that. That worked very well for us on the projects we worked together on. Sometimes, we selected the fixed cost and, sometimes, we went with the variable cost. In fairness, sometimes it worked out cheaper on the variable cost than on the fixed cost.

So, they’re good. They’re nice guys, and I’ve built a bit of a relationship with them. I’m no longer working with that client because they didn’t pay their bills properly, so as a result I’m not doing so much mobile work. At some point in the future, I’m sure that will pick up again, and I’ll be back working MLSDev.

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

I can’t really think of any frustrations I had with them. I think there were a couple of areas where we had some miscommunications along the way, but to be honest, that’s to be expected when you’re working with a company based in the Ukraine and who don’t speak English as their first language. Once we got past those, and once we got the working processes ironed out, it was all good.

They were based in the area of Ukraine where all the fighting happened, so it’s been a difficult year for them in that respect. I’m sure they’ve all settled down now. Thankfully, all of the projects I had with them were finished, but we were in the process of planning new projects with them, and we had to start working out contingency plans in case the office had to be closed due to warfare.

BACKGROUND

[We are] an angel and venture-backed mobile social media startup. I am the co-founder and CEO. [It] is available on the Apple App Store and on Google Play. College students verify their .edu email address to join a local community of students. [It] provides a single feed for a college campus that features expiring posts, either text or with photo, and users can post anonymously or with their profile shown. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

Their work centered on building and refining a complex geo-social media app. Our project requires a very responsive development team to meet changing requirements with frequent deliveries.

We started with in-house iOS prototype development in the summer of 2012, and in the past two years have completed more than 300 builds in iOS and Android. The challenge is to provide an app that will take a share of attention from Twitter, Snapchat, Tinder, Facebook and Instagram. The quality of the experience and the reliability of the platform are key to success. 

SOLUTION

MLSDev began work with us during the first quarter of 2013 by providing an Android version of the iOS App, and since then has managed parity for Android with the evolving iOS App and frequently changing Server APIs [application programming interfaces]. In May of 2014, MLSDev also took control of development of the iOS App. Now, MLSDev is the sole App developer for the app, with comprehensive responsibility for app architecture and release management for both iOS and Android. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

CEO Anton Sakharov is an articulate and trustworthy partner to me in the development of the app. Through Skype video calls and email, he has provided knowledgeable daily direction of our app development, executed by talented iOS and Android developers who deliver overnight in many cases.

Comprehension and speed of delivery are excellent with MLSDev. His counsel to me includes advice on server architecture, UI/UX [user interface/user experience] design, and the future feature roadmap. I consider Anton and MLSDev our partners. Their overall performance is nearly as immediate and competent as an in-house team, and at a substantially lower overall cost of development.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company.

[Our company] is an online platform that fuels social grade funding. It’s a grade achievement application meant to encourage students to get paid for good grades. It is mostly for secondary and college students.

What is your role and responsibilities?

I’m the founder. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal for working with MLSDev?

My goal was to have an outsourced partner that could develop and deliver my concept from concept phase to working platform, including all back-end programming. 

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their work.

They’ve done mostly development. They did do some design. The original design concept, we already had, but they did improve on it substantially. They didn’t do too much consulting on this project. They did offer some features and some workflow suggestions and ended up making improvements along the way.

What was your process for selecting MLS Dev with which to work?

We used Elance as the vehicle and I narrowed it down. I had dozens of bids for the projects. I took the top dozen and then had Skype conversations back and forth with the sales team and development team. After communicating with them, it was clear that they not only understood the scope of the project and looked capable of executing it, but also actually embraced it and came up with some supplemental ideas to go along with it.

Can you provide a ballpark dollar figure for the size of the work that they’ve done for you?

I would say the scope of the overall development would be in the $25,000 to $30,000 range. I don’t remember dollars, and I think I’d be guessing at hours at this point. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the results of the project?

The majority of the development is completed, but there is ongoing features and new processes that are implemented more monthly now instead of daily. I am thrilled with their performance: quality work, clean code, and easy access. I’ve done a lot of outsourcing in a lot of different parts of the world. This was ground up development and they did a great job.

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

I can tell you from launch the number of bugs that we get from our customer portal is under one per month. When it comes to getting errors returned, it’s less than one a month.

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

The most impressive thing with MLS is that they don’t only implement what you give them. They come back and suggest other items that might enhance your concept or your wireframes. I would give them a list of tasks for the next development phase, and they would come back and assign a time to it, but they’d also say what about this feature? We think it would work as well.

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

About three quarters of the way through the project, we switched project management platforms. It wasn’t negative. It was more like a hiccup. I just got used to looking at it one way, but then I had to look at it in a new way. It wasn’t a loss. Just a different way of looking at it.