OpenSource Technologies Inc.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder of PunchBugg. We offer a gig economy mobile application where users who need a task done can publish a job request and have a neighbor in their town accept the job and complete it for them. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with OpenSource Technologies Inc.?

We needed to partner up with someone to develop our mobile application.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

OpenSource Technologies Inc. has developed our iOS and Android mobile apps. Initially, we didn’t have a blueprint for the app; we told OpenSource Technologies Inc. our idea, and they developed our app from scratch. 

OpenSource Technologies Inc. has developed two mobile apps for us. One is targeted users looking to complete a job, and the other targets vendors who want to post a job request. Any user can download the app they want. 

Some of our apps’ functionalities are a search bar and a chat for parties to talk back and forth. Additionally, OpenSource Technologies Inc. has developed a marketing plan to launch our app. However, we haven’t been able to implement it due to internal processes that we still need to figure out. 

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with six team members from OpenSource Technologies Inc. At the beginning of the project, we worked with Manish (Founder & CEO) and Mark (Director of Business Development). Mark started to develop our marketing strategy, and then Shaili (Digital Marketing Consultant) took over.

We’ve also worked with two developers, and Manish has helped us deliver our questions and changes to the development team. Lastly, we’ve worked with a social media manager.

How did you come to work with OpenSource Technologies Inc.?

I approached my sister with this idea in 2020, and we realized we needed to partner with a developers team to build the app. I searched online and found a lot of companies outside of the country. Since we don’t have a tech background and have never worked with a development firm before, we wanted to work with a company that we could meet in person. 

We chose OpenSource Technologies Inc. because they’re a local company, and their office is 40 minutes away from my sister’s house.

How much have you invested with them?

We've invested around $100,000 with OpenSource Technologies Inc. so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in October 2020, and our partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The apps developed by OpenSource Technologies Inc. are functioning, and they both are available on Google Play and App Store for download. We haven’t done an official launch yet, but we’ve asked close friends to download the app and received positive feedback. 

Our friends gave us the advice to add ID verification to the app, and although another company developed this functionality, OpenSource Technologies Inc. helped us install the software. 

How did OpenSource Technologies Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

OpenSource Technologies Inc. is responsive. We have close communication through emails and text messages. Additionally, my sister has a weekly Zoom meeting with Shaili.

Moreover, OpenSource Technologies Inc. has been really patient in answering our questions and has tried to manage the costs for us since they know we’re personally funding this project. 

OpenSource Technologies Inc. delivers work on time and is easy to work with.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m most impressed with OpenSource Technologies Inc.'s flexibility to work. All their team is very hands-on; they roll up their sleeves and get into the work. OpenSource Technologies Inc. has been a true partner for us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything for OpenSource Technologies Inc. to improve. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I recommend bringing an initial prototype to OpenSource Technologies Inc. when you start working with them. You must have a clear idea of what you want. We didn’t bring a prototype to them, so our project took longer. If you only have an idea, OpenSource Technologies Inc. is great at developing into a functional product. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a nonprofit advocacy organization, whose mission is to end hunger globally. I managed the contract with OST, as the Deputy Director of Digital Communications.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire OpenSource Technologies Inc.?

Our team was going through significant changes and transitions as it related to staff capacity, website migration/redesign, systems migration, and change in branding and messaging.

OST helped us to go through this very rocky process, by managing our tech stack, including website management, microsite creation, web hosting accounts, and google analytics.

SOLUTION

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

We received bids from multiple vendors, and decided on OST because of their breadth of experience and high reviews. After the initial call with Manish, it was clear he and his team had the right experience, skills and disposition to help us during this time.

Describe the project in detail and walk through their service package.

OST was integral to helping us manage our full tech stack for the past year and a half, as we underwent significant overhaul in our website management system, website redesign, messaging change, rebrand, and more. They helped us on every aspect of these processes, from system overhaul to daily website updates.

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

We worked primarily with two leads, that managed our website CMS. But we also engaged their google analytics and ad marketing leads, as they helped us with our digital campaign ads.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We found huge success working with OST. They were integral to helping us with multiple projects that were ongoing.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective. They were very responsive, and helped us with most of our tech-related needs in a robust and efficient manner.

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

They were fully engaged, giving us quick turnaround on our asks no matter how small or big.

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

I can't think of anything they need to improve on.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a wholesale heavy equipment brokerage. I’m the owner, CEO, and CFO. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with OpenSource Technologies Inc.?

We had a lack of technological support and were having problems with hacking. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They provided me with website and software development support and cybersecurity. They learned our industry and helped update and fix our infrastructure. We had previously hired another company to migrate our website to a CRM, but they’d fallen short. OpenSource Technologies picked up the pieces and made sure everything was in working order. 

What is the team composition? 

I have two main points of contact: Manish (CEO) and Vikas (Project Manager). There are at least 2–3 other people that work with them as well. 

How did you come to work with OpenSource Technologies Inc.?

My IT provider recommended them to me. I sat down with them and explained my industry. They quickly teamed up with us and our other vendors. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent close to $125,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in January 2019, and the website launched in March or April of that year. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve seen a reduction in business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this has given us more time to evaluate our software and make sure it works properly. We’ve been able to increase our productivity as a result. 

How did OpenSource Technologies Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re fantastic. They’re detailed and always write everything down. The process is highly organized. I can reach them 24/7 if needed which is very important. The team is diligent and always ensures that work gets approved by the proper people. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re on point, detail-oriented, and work efficiently. There’s never a delay. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they’re very conscientious. The team is always calm, cool, and collected. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Sit down and have a detailed conversation. Have an outline of what you need and make sure to be clear and concise. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of TrueVine Photography, a commercial photography company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with OpenSource Technologies Inc.?

We needed to build a new website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I let them know exactly what I needed within a website. Along with building the site, they help me with uploading and updating content.

What is the team composition?

Mark (Business Development) was the manager of the project. We also worked with two other people who worked closely on the site.

How did you come to work with OpenSource Technologies Inc.?

I see Mark once a week in our networking group. I was able to see the work they do through presentations at the group. It was time for me to upgrade my site, and I knew I could trust their company.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $4,700–$5,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from October 2019–March 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The site is responsive and works well. It attracts a lot of clients. The feedback has been phenomenal. It’s been a huge positive for our business.

Throughout the engagement, the team remained patient with me. Mark was extremely attentive, sending me frequent reminders.

How did OpenSource Technologies Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

From a project management standpoint, they were phenomenal. Mark was always on me, making sure everything was available. The entire team worked well with me, even with setting me up on a payment plan. We communicated through phone and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The timing of the project. When they said they were going to get things done, their team got them done. Their creativity was also noteworthy. They did a great job putting everything together, and if I didn’t like something, they would make the change without any additional charge.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Not that I could tell. Everything moved smoothly.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I just gave them a referral today. I discussed the ease of communication and their payment plan. I seem to be referring people to them every week.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the manager of a grocery store that recently went online.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with OpenSource Technologies Inc.?

We wanted to sell our products online, so we needed help in building our website. We also wanted to create an app.  

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

OpenSource Technologies is creating a WordPress website where people can place online orders for pickup. The team helped narrow down the best categories to create browsing options for shoppers.

What is the team composition?

There are currently three teammates assigned to the project. Manish (CEO, OpenSource Technologies Inc.) is my main point of contact, but I’m also working with a designer and an engineer.

How did you come to work with OpenSource Technologies Inc.?

Someone in my family had worked with them before and recommended them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $50,000–$100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in March 2017, and the project is still underway.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

OpenSource Technologies’ work has been very helpful for business. Thanks to them, we’ve enjoyed greater visibility. The website has seen increased traffic, and we’ve had many people place orders for pick-up.

How did OpenSource Technologies Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

They typically solve issues within 24 hours, and they’re responsive. We communicate via email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Out of all the companies I’ve worked with, they’re the most communicative, and they provide the highest quality of work.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There were a few occasions where I needed to remind them of tasks that they’d forgotten about.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Once you set the budget, they’ll make it work. You can also trust that they’ll be responsive.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the chief operating officer of 27th Investments. We manage and operate five different corporations in different industries.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with OpenSource Technologies Inc.?

We started our relationship with OpenSource Technologies when trying to start a mobile app for 27th Investments for our investors and clients to have access to information. They moved into website design and setting up servers. Increasingly, they’ve been involved with other kinds of things.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped with app design. Their team built an app that you can download on your iPhone or another design. Full-scale app development was supplied, from design to information to client interaction. They also did all UI/UX and helped publish the app through the iOS App Store and Google. After the app was running, we started working with their marketing department as well.

What is the team composition?

There was one person that was always the point of contact with any issues that may have come up. Each department that they had for app development had a person who took care of the development as well as the actual work and design. I communicated with that person as well as their project manager for each department.

How did you come to work with OpenSource Technologies Inc.?

They were recommended by somebody I know.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $50,000 and $100,000. There’s also a monthly marketing spend.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project began in September 2018 and is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We did a lot of in-house testing and the app functioned how we wanted it to function. They also did a great job with the website, which had a more complex backend. Some issues came up, but they immediately fixed it. They put their own ideas and opinions on things. They don’t just rely on information coming from us.

How did OpenSource Technologies Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

Whatever issues we had, it would get resolved almost immediately. It’s very easy communication. They’ve been extremely accommodating. Everything was delivered on time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their knowledge of technology and ability to communicate were impressive. There’s never been a question of whether they could do the work.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t complain.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They should contact them and tell them exactly what they need.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the agency principal at 309 Enterprises. We’re an authorized agent for the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with OpenSource Technologies Inc.?

It’s vitally important for me to have a web presence. Most of the people who use my services need to transfer a vehicle title, which is required in our state. My company does that transfer, but most customers don’t know who I am until they come for their title transfer appointment. We need a good web presence and a comprehensive site to make sure I show up on top of search results.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Their team handles my SEO to ensure that we show up on the top of SERPs. Along with that, they designed my website to be best optimized for SEO. Because my business expanded rapidly after they designed my first site, they created a new website for me that’s about 500% larger than the first. The site is designed for consumers but can be used for businesses with commercial vehicle needs. 

The layout of the solutions includes links that connect our company to the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles. That gives customers the resources to collect all the required forms on their own before they even need my help. They also suggested that I include functionalities that allow for those with sight or hearing impairments to understand our content.

That comes in handy for the registrations I provide for handicapped drivers. They even went as far as developing a privacy policy for my team. They’re still on contract for site maintenance and SEO. 

What is the team composition?

I deal directly with two main points of contact. However, they also work with content writers and other specialists on our account. 

How did you come to work with OpenSource Technologies Inc.?

I was introduced to them through my local chamber of commerce. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $20,000–$40,000 with them. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in February 2019, and our collaboration is ongoing.  

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Traffic and phone calls increased as soon as they started handling my SEO efforts. Initially, phone calls increased by about 30%, and foot traffic increased by 20%. 

The new site is easy to understand, providing users with a step-by-step plan of what they need prior to arriving here. Now, whenever someone searches for a key phrase relating to my services, my site is now showing higher and higher.

They make quick updates to the site and adjust their keyword strategy rapidly. At this point, I’m noticing my phone ringing more because people are now very aware of what I offer. That was really impressive.   

How did OpenSource Technologies Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

They were patient and focused when following up with me. My main point of contact was incredibly understanding. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They went above and beyond my expectations for them, pointing me in the right direction for tasks outside of their scope of work. We’re a small business that’s not focused on tech. They wanted to learn more about our business, which was pretty niche. Their team took the time to understand my business and kept devising ways to work with customers. That led to many changes in my SEO strategy. Throughout, they really had a lot of patience with me. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’d recommend them to anyone. In fact, I’ve already referred them to two other businesses. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Choose them for their quality work.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I own Bango Systems, an e-commerce company that sells wholesale goods all over the country. We work in a bunch of different capacities, selling different types of goods, and so on.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with OpenSource Technologies?

We had our website custom developed on the OpenCart platform by another team. They did a great job of it, but we needed some functionalities that the other team we’d worked with just couldn’t handle. I presented a current issue we were having to them, and they came back saying it was impossible to fix, and they couldn’t think of any other ways to do it.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We’re working with a supplier with a huge website and millions of products on it. We don’t carry every product our supplier does; only a few of them. Our supplier couldn’t give us a CSV export or an Excel file with all of the SKUs and an inventory level. What we required was to scrape that supplier’s website, download all the information relevant to us, (leaving the information that wasn’t) including product descriptions and pictures, and update it every couple of days with the new products added that met our requirements.

That also required that we setup a custom scraper to grab inventory levels, and that was not something our supplier was making easy for us. We could get the inventory levels if we wanted, because they were just listed on the website, but we couldn’t get them in the form of a CSV. OpenSource did tons of engineering work to set up two separate servers to go in and pull in all of this information, perform the backend work, and post it on our site. They put it on our site with no issues. It was a huge project, and they pulled it off flawlessly.

We still use OpenCart, and OpenSource built inside it using PHP and Java.

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked directly with two people from OpenSource: the project manager and their head engineer. I know that the head engineer runs a team, but I haven’t dealt with anyone there, aside from a couple of times to answer some questions.

How did you come to work with OpenSource Technologies?

I started looking for a new team that could take over what our original development team had put together for us. Looking for a provider to take over existing work is always a nightmare, but I found OpenSource and reached out to them.

They’re an OpenCart preferred provider. I did some googling for those kinds of firms and reached out to them, but I didn’t get a good feeling from anyone until I talked to OpenSource.I scheduled a call with them about the custom functionalities I wanted to build, and I appreciated that they had US reps working US hours, which is rare. I was able to talk to someone then and there. After considering my problem, they came back telling me that they had to learn the specifics, but that they thought it was doable.

Most companies I talked to previously asked me exactly how I wanted the problem to be solved, but I’m not technical enough to put together a plan. OpenSource laid out exactly how they thought it should be done, which was refreshing. They didn’t sugarcoat it though. They told me that what I was asking for was pretty serious, and required two different servers to be set up and all kinds of scripts to be run. But, they came together and built that complex system perfectly for us. They did it on time and slightly under budget, too.

How much have you invested with them?

The total cost has been in the $40,000–$50,000 range.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with OpenSource in February 2019, and the collaboration is ongoing. The one functionality piece we gave them has worked so well that we’ve been working with them since, on the same website. We update, fix, and move things around to make the experience better for our customers. I don’t see us coming to a halt with them anytime soon.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The site was not pretty when they started working with us, in the sense that it was slow, annoying, tough to work with, and didn’t perform properly. It was a good base to start with, but it was a bear to use for our customers. Before we started working with OpenSource, we were doing $25,000–$30,000 per month in business. Now, we’re doing well over $90,000 per month. That’s a big step up in only a couple of months, and we credit a good amount of it to OpenSource. Some of that is due to the marketing we’ve done a company, but none of that growth would’ve been possible if our website still sucked, and our website doesn’t suck anymore.

How did OpenSource Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?

To say it as simply as possible: I feel like I’m their only client. Having hired a lot of contractors to do a lot of things for me over the years, I find that to be unbelievably rare. When I send a message or call OpenSource, they immediately respond and handle whatever I’m asking for. They project plan whatever I asked for within hours, not days. If I ask for a task, they come back with a plan in three hours and are ready to execute.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Everything about them is noteworthy. I can go to them whenever I have an issue or new idea for the site, and their answer is always yes. They always come in with a reasonable quote, and their support is amazing. I’ve leaned on them during a lot of Saturdays and Sundays, and during midnights, when the site went down. We’ve done a lot with them, and it’s been a great relationship so far.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I have no complaints about them. We’re always working together, and they’re always responsive. Their support is amazing, and we’ve continued to work with them on an ongoing basis.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

The biggest adjustment for me was telling them what I wanted. I’ve worked with different contractors that wanted me to tell them how to do what I wanted done. With OpenSource, I just tell them what I want, and they put a plan together for me and do it. That’s amazing, and it’s the best part about working with them, but it threw me in the beginning. I was giving them overly technical directions, which didn’t confuse them, but it wasn’t the way they did it.

I advise clients to tell them what they want, not how to do it or how to get there. Just tell them what the end goal is, and let them put the plan together to get you there. They will, every time.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the general manager of Buy Door Hardware Now. We sell commercial hardware online throughout the United States.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with OpenSource Technologies?

The team is our web development partner.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

OpenSource Technologies updated our existing website to the new OpenCart version and migrated it to a new server. The ongoing partnership has been limited to backend development.

What is the team composition?

The owner oversees work done by the manager and three developers.

How did you come to work with OpenSource Technologies?

We found them through the OpenCart website.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $15,000–$25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 2014 and the partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The experience was stressful, but they were professional and pushed through the hurdles. We’re happy with the team and continue to use them.

How did OpenSource Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?

The team provides responsive service in a timely and professional manner. We usually have teamwide emails, calls or Skype.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team’s strong communication skills distinguish them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

OpenSource is very knowledgeable in many areas.  We’ve used them to develop our website, add google reviews, SEO keyword work, and our email system just to name a few.  In terms of possible areas to improve, I wish they knew a little more about the merchant processors and all involved in the credit card checkout process.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

When it comes to technology services, tasks can be broad.  What seems simple sometimes becomes very complicated.  You must be very precise about explaining what you need and then let the experts decide how to get you there.  Know that costs are usually based on time.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the web and digital manager for a nonprofit organization in Canada. We operate in the think tanks space to influence policy.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with OpenSource Technologies?

We knew OpenSource Technologies was familiar with our Drupal site infrastructure and our organization, so we turned to them for support. Primarily, we needed them to create a template we could use as a new format to illustrate some narratives in our work

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our website is built on a Drupal framework. I put together initial wireframes and handed them over for OpenSource Technologies to review. We discussed how we wanted to them to implement it. They copied the current theme we'd been using and developed a module based on these materials. Using this method made it easier to integrate back into our system once it was complete. 

Upon design confirmation, they quoted us a price, and we moved forward with the engagement. We kept an open line of communication back and forth. After they’d complete an aspect of the site, they'd return it to me for revisions. We continued using that feedback loop until the project was finished. 

What is the team composition? 

We worked with 2-3 people from OpenSource Technologies. 

How did you come to work with OpenSource Technologies?

We selected OpenSource Technologies for this project based on our previous relationship. When we’d partnered together in the past, they had performed timely work. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January or February of this year.  OpenSource Technologies completed this component of the site in May 2018. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

OpenSource Technologies created a template that helps us illustrate the efforts our organization is hoping to accomplish. We would like to use it again for other formats and pieces of work. In-house members of our organization are enjoying the way it turned out. They've made positive comments on the fresh new look and feel. 

How did OpenSource Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?

Our frequency of communication ranged from daily to weekly. Since they're located offshore, the language barrier caused some miscommunications with colloquial speech. Sometimes, I had to elaborate on my explanations to ensure clarity. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

OpenSource Technologies works on a quick turnaround time. The director completes my requests within a day or two of when I contact him. His teammates are equally prompt to respond and deliver. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

OpenSource Technologies uses a centralized approach. A lead developer or manager disseminates information to the rest of the team. At times, they'd have to pull in one of their designers or developers to answer my questions about the design or backend. Sometimes I had to wait a few hours to hear back, but that's to be expected from this method. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I encourage future clients to be as detailed as possible about what they want OpenSource Technologies to create. Outlining every single detail will ensure that the finished product won't be missing any components. Everything should be covered and documented.