Pyspring

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

‎LACNIC is a non-profit NGO managing what is known as the IP space. I am a software engineer for the organization. I am in charge of developing applications for both internal and external users.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Pyspring?

We were working on a small application that would serve as an open data portal. The aim was to have people and machines post and update data into one central database, exposing it in as many forms as possible.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Pyspring handled all the development for our solution using Django web framework, which was an essential requirement for us. They showed very good expertise with the technology. We had overall knowledge into how we could use different modules, but Pyspring was crucial in implementing the solution within our timeframe.

How did you come to work with Pyspring?

We had a high technical restriction regarding the technologies to be used. From our list of candidates, Pyspring stood well regarding portfolio, budget and time.

We had had experience with other software developers, but this was the first time we'd hired a group specifically for Django work; we typically develop in Java. We made a list of 6 candidates, most of them in the same country as us, and, after some Skype calls, Pyspring was chosen as the best option.

How much have you invested with Pyspring?

The cost of Pyspring's work was around $2,000 for our first phase of development.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Pyspring in August 2016. Development concluded at the end of November. We had a small project, given that our methodology requires us to build solutions in multiple parts. I plan to have Pyspring build additional modules for the software within 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

We don't have any specific metrics, but Pyspring had a good response time. Deliverables were finished in time, and everything went as planned without any deviations. The quality of service overall was very good.

How did Pyspring perform from a project management standpoint?

We are different from Pyspring's usual customers, who are typically non-technical. Project management was handled by us, given that we knew what steps should be taken, and had a full list of specifications on our side. Pyspring's team only had to fill in the gaps and produce the development modules we needed.

What did you find most impressive about Pyspring?

Pyspring provided good quality, good response times, and finished the work quickly. We use the scrum Agile methodology and weren't sure if this would be suitable for Pyspring's team. They adapted well and worked in the same way as our team.

Are there any areas Pyspring could improve?

No. I've had a very good impression of Pyspring's team.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Our organization is a financial services company that provides data and technology solutions to the municipal bond market. We provide a directory for the industry. I am the founder.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with pyspring?

We're a start-up, so we were building the first iteration of a web platform for software as a service business to cater to the municipal bond market.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Pyspring were the only technologists that we worked with. They were involved in taking our ideas and translating them into software. We provided them with certain use cases and descriptions of how we wanted the site to work, and they did both the front end and the back end work to bring that concept to life.

How did you come to work with pyspring?

I got a referral through a mutual acquaintance, a development shop in Los Angeles that I had worked with in the past.

How much have you invested with pyspring?

We’ve spent around $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We first started working with them in 2012. It's been ongoing. It’s not a full-time project for them, but we’ve had continuous development every year.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

The only feedback is probably just from us, primarily. Since working with pyspring, we've been able to bring some sponsors onto the site who like the functionality we offer to the marketplace. From our perspective, we appreciate how pyspring uses cutting edge tools and technology to solve a problem, both on the front end and the back end.

How did pyspring perform from a project management standpoint?

We broke down all of our software development into mostly two-week chunks or sprints. Typically, the way that we managed that process was by providing them with some guidance regarding what we were looking to accomplish in the next sprint. Then we would have a conference call. We'd meet to discuss what we had put together and then they would start working on that project. They'd do an initial deployment, and then we would talk about it again. There was quite a bit of organization and dialog during those two weeks. Then, we'd start the process over once we got all the bugs worked out with the first iteration.

What did you find most impressive about pyspring?

One of the biggest things is that they're a full site developer, so they do front end and back end development. I didn't have to piece it out and have someone work on the front end and then have someone else work on the database. They did it all; everything from deploying it on a cloud service and setting up the database, to doing the graphic design and everything on the front end.

Are there any areas pyspring could improve?

No, nothing comes to mind.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founder and CEO of Authenticate-Me.com. Our startup provides a 3-pronged approach to securing the supply chain. This mechanism authenticates the supply chain of goods being sold, whether at stores or via the Internet. We cater to manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with pyspring?

The reason I approached pyspring was to develop our website and the back-end office setup of our mobile app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I explained to pyspring what we needed, which was a website and the mobile app. I don't have a lot of technical expertise, but I went over the concept of what my business was trying to offer. Based on what I told them, they put together a sample product. They also provided excellent feedback and proposed a timeline for the different phases of the project. As time went on, they modified that sample as we discussed what I really needed. We continued working with them over the coming months, making some modifications as well as getting the mobile app up and running. Pyspring helped us publish the app within Apple’s requirements, which are quite in-depth. The app is now in the play store and on the app store.

How did you come to work with pyspring?

The reason I went with pyspring is because I had a great deal of confidence in one of its owners. I’ve known his family, specifically his father, for a number of years. He told me of pyspring and the other clients they had done work for. I went and looked at the websites of those clients and I was really impressed with the product.  

How much have you invested with pyspring?

We paid around $40,000 for their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the project in July of this year. Without a doubt, I will continue to use pyspring to build my platform as I progress and build my business clientele.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

We have a great product. I love how easy it is to demonstrate to potential clients. You don't have to be an IT whizz or anything. It is very easy for a client to ultimately go into the back-end office and input the data needed in order for them to put it to use. They were right on time, if not ahead of time, when they finally delivered the final product.

I don't have any measurable successes because we are a startup and still in the process of getting this business up and running. Pyspring gave me a platform where I can demonstrate how the system could actually enhance a client’s supply chain security. I’m now in the process of engaging our potential market. Currently, 10 clients are using the system. It’s been positive in the sense that I have engaged investors as well as potential clients.

How did pyspring perform from a project management standpoint?

The communication was very fluid. Even though we’re in 2 different countries, the communication remained constant through Skype and other types of media. We were constantly discussing the project, including any shortcomings or any potential modifications I needed.

What did you find most impressive about pyspring?

Again, I would say that they were particularly good at maintaining an open channel of communication. It didn't matter what time I would contact them. Obviously, I wasn't calling them at midnight or anything, but we were outside business hours. I also appreciated knowing that I didn't have to worry that somebody was going to hold my app hostage. In my line of work, I’m very familiar with security issues and that really was one of my biggest concerns. That’s not a concern I have with pyspring. From the get-go, they knew exactly what the requirements were when they put together the contract. I had no surprises whatsoever. If I did have any surprises, it was when I gave them new requirements. They were extremely accommodating. What I would have considered a challenge was treated like a normal issue. These guys are typical of the IT world but extremely intelligent in putting something together from what a client conveys verbally.

Are there any areas pyspring could improve?

No, I personally can't think of anything that I would ask them to do differently.