Ringo Solutions

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of a very small company. I received some funds for a startup, a mobile app that would help children know how much money they’ve saved.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ringo Solutions?

I had the idea for an app and needed to find a team that could help me implement the software.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I gave them my idea, and Ringo Solutions handled the IT aspects. They used a Scrum method for programming. The first step was to describe the processes and identify what had to be done to create the first version. The team was very nice and explained current methods and trends in IT. I have a finance background so I’m not familiar with this field. It was very helpful for me to identify some cases connected with technology. As the product owner, I told them what should be done and what the interface should look like. I had contact with the programmers who were implementing the software. We met very often, sometimes twice a week, to check the progress of their work.

They converted my idea into processes and flows to plan the system as a whole. They were responsible for code development. They took part in UI design which was provided by well organized and focused work specialists. For me, Ringo presents continuous involvement, lots of ideas, openmindness, and honesty in sharing their opinions even if they were unpleasent.

I did some market research and found that most young people use Android, so we used this platform. They also developed a web page for normal browsers. I asked them if we could also do the iOS app, and they told me it’s possible. When I checked their portfolio, I didn’t find a project connected with iOS since the market in Poland is mainly on Android.

How did you come to work with Ringo Solutions?

I talked with a friend who also has a financial background. He had collaborated with other companies and told me about Ringo. He said they have a great team of people that specialize in Java and mobile applications. I met with the team, and we discussed what they could offer me.

How much have you invested with Ringo Solutions?

We spent 80,000 zloty [$21,395].

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in January 2017, and the work is done. Initially, we were sending the application by email, but that’s not a good way of distributing it. We are now preparing the app for the Play Store.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

This application is available by email or web page as “MyMoney” in Polish. When you go to the page, you download an Android app. You can also register and use the web platform. The application is available on mobile and normal browsers.

Often, kids don’t know exactly how much money they have. The app allows them to choose savings goals like buying a bike, mobile or something else. Parents can administer the whole system. They can add some targets, put money in the account, and change the allocation of that money from one target to another. I asked family and friends to test it with their children. The feedback was generally good. I’ve also told colleagues in the financial industry about this software, just to spread the word. Currently, there are about 200–300 accounts on the platform.

How did Ringo Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

I had a main point of contact and also communicated with the chief of programmers. They gave me access to their project management software, tinyPM. It was small but quite useful for me. When we met together, we planned our week on tinyPM. It was small and easy but quite useful for me. When we met together, we planned our week on tinyPM. I have online information about tasks. I knew when they were done, and I knew whenever a problem came up. If I call them with a problem, they have a solution by the next day. It was a great tool. We sometimes met at their office because we are in the same town.

What did you find most impressive about Ringo Solutions?

It was an easy-going relationship, and I didn’t have any hesitations to call or email whenever I needed. There was a person who could translate Polish into IT language and vice versa. I have my idea and my way of thinking, but they also share their ideas. Ringo Solutions offered lots of ideas on how to improve or expand the features of the system. Here in Poland, that’s not normal, so that was good.

Are there any areas Ringo Solutions could improve?

They could probably change the way they communicate. I’m not sure if it’s really a problem because we work well together.