Ulan Software

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a website solutions provider for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses. Using our website builder tool, they can create websites and other online products without knowing how to code. They can adjust any parameters, visible objects, or code if they want to, and this helps them save time. We work mostly with agencies and freelancers whose customers are our end clients. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Ulan Software?

Ulan Software is responsible for the platform’s development, and they do all the coding work behind the platform. This huge project costs a lot of investment, so we’re looking for the shortest way possible to deliver it to our end clients. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We first specified the most important functions of the platform to Ulan. They then proposed ways to implement them, and in 2016, we started working with end clients using the platform. As we worked with those clients, our approach became a bit different because we were able to determine other necessary functions. 

At present, Ulan is developing the platform using MongoDB, Cassandra, Vue.js, Node.js, and PHP. They also work on continuous integration while writing all the code behind the platform. Moreover, the project is done using the agile methodology, so we have biweekly iterations. It’s a test-driven development process, so we work with testers and business analysts (BAs). Ulan Software is also involved with designing the platform itself, though we have a separate team that handles the design of our end clients’ websites and online shops. 

What is the team composition?

We work with 7–11 developers on average, and that number has changed over the years. 

How did you come to work with Ulan Software?

I, along with our CTO and co-founder, decided that we wanted to use the Vue.js and JavaScript tech stack for this project, so we started looking for software developers with experience in those technologies. Their price was another important factor. Then, we found Ulan Software via LinkedIn, and we hired them. 

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve invested around $5 million. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started our partnership in October 2015, and the engagement is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We and our customers are satisfied with Ulan Software’s work and the platform's functions. The software can now do many things. For instance, users can add or remove pictures, create subpages, and add widgets or social icons to their website using the software — everything is drag-and-drop. Overall, the software literally has thousands of functions. 

Our project has also been mentioned and nominated on the official Vue.js website, and that’s a nice achievement. We’ve received plenty of traffic because of that nomination, which is important because this product has plenty of competition. 

How did Ulan Software perform from a project management standpoint?

We’ve worked with them for so many years, and that’s because we’re satisfied with their services. At present, we treat the Ulan Software team as part of our own team, and we’ve had a great relationship. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their understanding of the product requirements and expectations is impressive. They have a good understanding of the true functionality of the software and what we expect to have, and based on those, they deliver. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Having a slightly bigger team would be nice. That being said, our own team is involved in the project; we’re not only buying the software from them. On top of that, it’s difficult to distinguish our mistakes from their mistakes when problems occur. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Always discuss the most difficult topics and expectations upfront, and if you have any doubts, put them in the contract. In other words, you should state your needs and expectations clearly and strictly to get the most out of the engagement.