Unique Software Development

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an executive at a music technology company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Unique Software Development?

We hired them to assist in developing our mobile app. Specifically, we wanted them to build a scope of work and project manage the building of the technology for our mobile application.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Unique Software Development was tasked with taking the ideas of what the app would do and pricing them out to determine what we’d pay. They were also tasked with putting the team together to build out the mobile technology. Our app project is a social network for the music industry that will use FinTech-type technology. 

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with Matt (CEO) and met two other Unique Software Development teammates. 

How did you come to work with Unique Software Development?

I found them online. Unique Software Development was one of 3–4 service providers I found that handled big projects. I engaged Matt online, started talking, and then met with him. He liked the project, and our conversations felt like they were going in a good direction, so we started a partnership when he wanted to create a statement of work (SoW). 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested $5,000 on a retainer. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in September 2022, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

How did your relationship with the vendor evolve?

Initially, I wanted to prepare briefing documents, but Unique Software Development kept pushing this step and wanted to have sessions to discuss the project. They seemed very enthusiastic about it and estimated it would cost $1.6 million. However, they soon started ghosting me; I would text Matt, and he wouldn't respond for a week. Then, he'd show up with an excuse. 

Looking at reviews from previous clients, I've discovered that other people have had this issue with Unique Software Development. Still, I decided to give them another chance, and we set a schedule for after Thanksgiving 2022 to buckle down on the key components of the technology. 

Last Monday, we had a meeting to finalize the scope of work so that I could understand the timeline of the app's build. On the day of the meeting, the team was nowhere to be found. Since this wasn't the first time they've done this, they've been very unprofessional, especially when dealing with a project of the size they've projected. 

I've also found out Unique Software Development has lied about the costs and difficulty levels of certain areas of development. Matt mentioned adding analytics to the app would be expensive and complex. However, while listening to an audiobook, I discovered that the process is simple, cost-effective, and necessary. As a result, I've lost a lot of trust in what Matt has said. 

Moreover, I've discovered that Unique Software Development uses an offshore team. Their onshore team does about 20% of the work — the project management portion — then they outsource the rest and overcharge for their services. We're at the beginning of the app development process, and although we've signed some letters of intent, this situation has left me in the dark regarding the engagement. I'm unsure if I should transfer my app's development to a new firm. 

Describe the impact this engagement has had on your business.

Due to Unique Software Development's lack of professionalism, our project has been halted, and I've had to renegotiate even though I thought I already had a development firm. Time is the most valuable asset anyone has; we've wasted a lot of time thinking we were on a good path when in reality, we're stuck. 

We had scheduled the app's launch for 2024, and it will take about eight months to build. Additionally, I have big investors and a whole team waiting on the technology, and Matt's nowhere to be found. We can't get back the time we've spent on this engagement, and we'll probably have to move our launch date back further. 

I'm glad this is happening now when we haven't gotten into a major contract, and there isn't more money involved. However, this situation makes me concerned, given how much Unique Software Development knows about our company and idea.

How did Unique Software Development perform from a project management standpoint?

They're unprofessional and disappear without notice. When I tried to reach out to Matt to ensure he was set for the meeting on Monday, I texted and emailed him without a response.

Is there anything that the vendor did well or that you would consider a strength?

Matt is very compelling when talking about technology and explaining the process. 

In what specific areas can they improve?

They should improve their communication and be truthful. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I advise you not to do business with Unique Software Development.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of a creative agency — PixelSmith & Co.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Unique Software Development?

We needed software and hardware solutions from one company. We initially pursued the solutions with a couple of different companies.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Their team managed to provide software and hardware solutions together. They developed a consumer-facing kiosk for in-store promotions, which was touchscreen enabled. Their team created the whole software system that enabled customers to select and print labels to place on bottles. All of their code was done in SQL.

After we finished that project, our client wanted to create a web app. Unique’s working on that solution too.  

What is the team composition?

I know 5–6 people who have worked on this project. However, they have a larger team of about 20 people working on it.

How did you come to work with Unique Software Development?

I searched for local developers because we previously had bad luck with 3–4 development agencies. I called various agencies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and then had a couple of conversations with Unique. It was easy to separate them from their 2–3 competitors.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $50,000 on this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the project in September 2020, and it’s almost finished.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Their work has far exceeded our expectations. A couple of other agencies attempted this project but couldn’t accomplish it. We, on the other hand, have a successful web app and kiosk. We saw them operate last week, and we’re happy.

How did Unique Software Development perform from a project management standpoint?

Before we awarded them the project, they provided a scope of work that answered more questions than we had. They use communication channels and project management software. Their communication and project management skills are far superior to any other agency that we’ve used. Their attentiveness and workflow impress us too.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We knew that their team was capable because they asked us the right questions before we committed to working with them. We were impressed by their workflows before the project had even begun. It’s also not easy to find an agency that effectively develops software and hardware. They’re able to provide software and hardware advisors.

Are there any areas they could improve?

From the client-side, their backend system for project management is a bit complicated. There’s a little bit of a learning curve. However, we understand why that’s necessary because these projects require detail.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I only wouldn’t recommend them because I want to keep them for myself. Give them a brief and then let them take the project from there. They don’t need much help sealing the deal and showing their knowledge.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and president of a digital marketing agency focused on website builds, PPC, SEO, media buying, and site maintenance. We cover all aspects of digital marketing. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Unique Software Development LLC?

We’ve been partners for many years. Our team was in an overwhelmed position and needed to subcontract some of the work. Instead of going to individual development contractors, I started going to Unique Software Development LLC for help.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’ve provided everything from custom coding, CMS work through WordPress or Drupal, and other development projects. For instance, they worked on a few Juma sites for me as well. Our team always handles designing products internally before passing it off to them for the builds.

Any customization within components or layout efforts was handled through them. We often worked in tandem, as one group at this point. Our teams had a health back-and-forth with design and development work. Over the years, our processes have grown to complement each other more and more.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with at least 12 people in total. That includes developers, project managers, and their CEO.

How did you come to work with Unique Software Development LLC?

We were working with an energy company in Huston that was using their team as their developers. In that situation, we were collaborating together regularly. I had to work closely with their CEO to ensure work was completed at the owner’s request. We created a business relationship there due to our development process similarities. Our teams understood each other’s roles and built a relationship out of that shared understanding. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent over $1,000,000 with them over the course of our relationship.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 2014, and the collaboration is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our two metrics are timeliness and their ability to minimize unnecessary back-and-forth communication. They succeeded in both of those areas about 90% of the time.

How did Unique Software Development LLC perform from a project management standpoint?

They were phenomenal project managers. We’ve developed a strong relationship over the years, but they have systems and controls in place to support all their partners. The company lives by their processes and has great staff members.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’ve developed a cost-effective, systematic relationship. I’ve worked with many companies in the past, and their team has outperformed them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Because I’ve worked with them for so long, they’ve evolved to meet our needs more effectively over time. They’ve adapted to our systems and contributed to our success.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I’d recommend working closely and communicating with their staff. Set up lines of communication early to make sure that your check-ins are smooth and simple. Sometimes it’s necessary to take the owners out of the conversation so those directly working on the project can be more involved.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

When I worked with Unique Software Development, I was the VP and general manager of 5miles. We operated a mobile marketplace app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Unique Software Development?

Our company became the official jersey logo patch sponsor of the Dallas Mavericks. Before this, we’d focused on the mobile environment and our website itself didn’t get a lot of traffic. So, we needed to update and redesign our website in time for the launch of the partnership. We were on time and budget crunch.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They retooled the website, which had been largely ignored for years. They worked on the UI/UX, visual aspects of the site, and its functionality. It had to be connected properly with our back office. 

However, most of the development work was done out of China, so it wasn’t just a website makeover. The coding had to be fixed, reconnected and updated to ensure everything worked properly.

Our web-based functionalities had to be reincorporated and reintegrated. This includes enabling users to upload items, make offers, and communicate with sellers. 
 
What is the team composition?

I had an internal project manager and she coordinated with their project manager. Matt (CEO, Unique Software Development) was integral early on when it came to learning about the requirements and analyzing our business goals. 

We had as many as 10 people from Unique Software Development working with us at one time. They also assigned a couple of UX designers, and we had as many as five engineers working on the project.

How did you come to work with Unique Software Development?

We wanted to introduce AR and VR technologies to our mobile app to offer an improved product for auto dealers. One of my staff found the team and started a dialogue with them. Once we started talking with them, we said we could also use help with our website.

How much have you invested with them?

We started working with them in December or January of 2018 and it was completed by early March of 2018 in time for the release.

What is the status of this engagement?

The whole project came in at about $60,000.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I was so satisfied with their work. They helped us stay under budget, and they delivered results on time. They are a very creative shop with talented individuals. They have a phenomenal work ethic. 

Everybody up to our CEO was satisfied with what they’d done. We also got really good, positive feedback from the Dallas Mavericks organization, as well. 

I appreciate how quickly they were able to analyze our requirements. We didn’t have to spend a lot of time explaining what we do. The team moved very quickly through that process and got to work.

Their CEO is not only a visionary, but also a great analyst. He’s able to think ahead, and he learns your business quickly. He knows what we need and how he can fill that need. 

How did Unique Software Development perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very good project managers.  They kept up with our team in Dallas, but also kept up with the team in Beijing.

At first, the Beijing team wasn’t sure about bringing another team on, but they ended up being pleased with Unique Software Development as well.

They used a project management tool to track every requirement and give weekly updates. We were never lost. 

They made sure we stayed on track to reach our deadlines under budget. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

We loved that they were fast and super creative. They came in at a budget, but they also burned the midnight oil working with our engineers in Beijing. 

They’re a nimble, fast team. But, what sets them apart is their ability to analyze your business. I was impressed by their creative approach to solving our problems. 

For example, there’s one model my partner and I had spent months researching and analyzing. We asked Matt about it. The same night, he sent us a presentation extrapolating on a blurb from the model.

They had already done all the mental exercises and pre-work to say, “We can do this for you, and here’s everything you’re going to need.” My partner and I were floored. 

I turned to my partner and said, “This is why I like working with these guys. They move fast, understand your business and needs, and they’ll get you the product you’re looking for.” They cut through all the early, back-and-forth work to provide the price and the timeline for what you need. 

If you’re a startup and need to move fast to launch the product, this team is the best choice because they’re able to help you stay in the speed of a light development cycle. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Since I wasn’t the project manager, I can’t identify anything they need to improve on. I don’t have any areas where I could say “you dropped the ball” or “you never called.” 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Anyone that’s wanting to work with the team should embrace their creativity. They should share their business goals and be open to their ideas. 

For example, I had a very challenging engineering problem. By the time we left the team’s office, they had given us five solutions. 

Potential clients should also embrace a small approach. They don’t have a lot of staff like bigger development and design shops. But, they’re a very capable, nimble team that’s going to deliver every time. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a funeral related app and website company. We publish obituaries from across the nation. I'm the COO, and I oversee all our operations, technology, and content.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Unique Software Development LLC?

We needed to improve our development capabilities. Another company built a prototype for us, but they weren't fulfilling all our needs. That's why we switched to Unique Software Development LLC.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They provided a frontend that gave us everything we wanted. They set up the UX, social sharing, and a smooth, clean scrolling process. They built a completely new site from scratch, beginning with a prototype and moving into the entire application. They used Python for the frontend, but I can't remember the name of the framework for the backend. They eliminated our need to manually input the information by creating a scraping element. They simplified our work significantly.

What is the team composition?

At its largest, we worked with a group of eight to ten, overseen by their president.

How did you come to work with Unique Software Development LLC?

We heard about them through word of mouth. They understood the project, the scope, and the potential, and they made us feel at ease.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent roughly $250,000 so far, and we will spend more with them next year.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the engagement in October 2018. Our work is ongoing, and we hope to collaborate with them for as long as we can.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They hit every timeline perfectly. When they set up a sprint, they always nail it. We don't have to track their progress at all. Our internal team likes everything they deliver.

How did Unique Software Development LLC perform from a project management standpoint?

Their communication is unparalleled. They went out of their way to contact us every day to show their progress.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their development, communication, and ability to meet goals are all impressive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Development can twist and turn along the way, but they did everything that was necessary to meet our timelines. I don't think there's anything they should improve.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Use them. Every project I've seen them deliver is excellent.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Antoinette Tuff LLC. I’m also the founder of Kids on the Move for Success.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Unique Software Development LLC?

I needed an experienced web development firm to update the websites of both my businesses.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Unique Software Development LLC rebuilt my websites from the ground up. Matt (CEO, Unique Software Development LLC) and his team held a brainstorming session with us to ensure that everyone started the project with the same understanding. Together, we strategized and mapped out the design of each website. A UI/UX designer was assigned to our account to work with me one-on-one.

They took HTML codebases and transformed them into WordPress platforms. They also designed a new frontend interface, integrated videos into several pages, and implemented SEO principles. In addition to providing development services, their team helped us create web content and branding materials. More recently, they created short training videos so I can learn how to edit each site’s backend myself.

What is the team composition?

Matt was our primary contact, but their UI/UX designer took on a lot of responsibility as well. We’ve worked with a lot of people from their team throughout our relationship.

How did you come to work with Unique Software Development LLC?

We found them through Thumbtack; an online service that matches customers with local professionals.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent roughly $50,000–$100,000 thus far.

What is the status of this engagement?

The initial design and development process took place from March–August 2018. However, they perform maintenance and ad hoc tasks regularly.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We use Google Analytics to track how their deliverables have affected the business, and we’ve seen a significant increase in web traffic. As a supplemental service, they help maintain the website for a film made about my life. The site received so many clicks around the film’s premiere that I’ve received notice from its hosting platform stating that we need to extend our allotted data limit.

How did Unique Software Development LLC perform from a project management standpoint?

Matt stayed in contact with me throughout the development process and would field any questions. We used Zoom for conference calls. Making sure their clients are satisfied is one of their top priorities. The whole team is professional, patient, and capable of providing excellent customer service.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They considered our concerns and offered a viable solution. While our previous platform functioned adequately, Matt suggested making the switch to WordPress as that would be easier for me to update. As a result, they delivered a crisp and professional website that’s cost-effective.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The time-zone difference took some getting used too, but they didn’t let it negatively impact the project.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Give them enough time to navigate a creative space properly. That’ll allow them to take the brand to the next level.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder and director of sales marketing for OneCussion, a new educational platform that helps to empower leaders to facilitate better protection for athletes. We do that through a concussion preventative educational service.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Unique Software Development LLC?

We hired Unique Software Development to develop an easy-to-use application for users to access our course material and receive it in a user-friendly way.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Matt (CEO, Unique Software Development) assigned his team to build an athlete recovery app for iOS and Android, as well as our online storefront educational platform. The app was to track and monitor users who recently experienced a concussion injury. Unique Software Development converted our website from Squarespace to WordPress. Their team transferred over all of the content, and we worked with them on wireframes and integrating newer content. They offered their expertise when it came to choosing the necessary plugins. We needed different functionalities to create user profiles, a content hub, and the storefront.

What is the team composition?

Along with Matt, we worked with five developers and designers.

How did you come to work with Unique Software Development LLC?

I recently moved to the area and was at the dog park. As the night was closing in, I noticed two other people there and we started chatting. I discussed the project and how I was trying to find people who’ve suffered concussions and wanted to tell their stories. Little did I know, those two worked for Unique Software Development and were highly interested in the work. The stars aligned.

How much have you invested with them?

The project cost $2,865.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Unique Software Development in August 2018, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The products are still in development. Aside from minimal bugs and cleaning up pieces of content, it’s practically ready for commercial launch. There’s been excellent feedback from board members.

How did Unique Software Development LLC perform from a project management standpoint?

I’ve got nothing negative to say about Unique Software Development. Their attentive team is full of experts. We communicate through phone calls and emails. I live relatively close to their office. During meetings, we discuss ideas and overviews. Matt was always present and hands-on. He offered insightful guidance.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Unique Software Development is incredibly forward thinking. They’ve got their eyes on the future. It’s a fun working environment there. Employees are delighted with the innovative projects they get to work on. What makes Unique Software Development special is that they’re passionate towards our cause. Matt takes his skillset to amplify what we’re doing to make the project as effective as possible to hit our mark.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’ve had nothing but an outstanding experience with Unique Software Development.