Zwiffer Inc

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CTO of an online platform that facilitates content sharing and discovery.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Zwiffer Inc?

We needed an external firm to build our iOS application and help us optimize its media processing functionalities.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We started building the app using React Native before hiring Zwiffer Inc. As the development process continued, we began to shift workflows and design features for a native iOS platform. We provided Zwiffer with the necessary wireframes and they took over the project. The app is extremely media intensive, as it enables users to create content. The Zwiffer team worked to stabilize the platform and make sure that each video loads promptly. They made it possible for users to apply filters, resize videos, and create thumbnails. Considering our internal team consists of mainly JavaScript developers, we weren’t aware of all the tools available when building something for iOS. They helped us understand the platform’s possibilities and optimized the app’s memory usage. Their expertise was also required to fix several significant software bugs.

What is the team composition?

We interacted solely with Matthew (President, Zwiffer Inc).

How did you come to work with Zwiffer Inc?

We found them online after searching for reputable vendors.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $40,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

This project took place from July–September 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Zwiffer Inc built the features that we asked for and delivered a reliable app. The scope was fulfilled within the required time frame and budget.

How did Zwiffer Inc perform from a project management standpoint?

Matthew fit right into our development process and functioned as an extension of the team. He attended our weekly stand-ups and used the company Slack channel to communicate. We assigned him tickets and he’d provide updates as new information became available. There was never a question about what he was working on or when each task would be completed.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Matthew was willing to work on anything we sent his way. He eagerly tackled even our more difficult problems and delivered viable solutions. It was a pleasure working him.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. We’re quite happy with the work they’ve done.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

As long as the project requires skills that they possess, they’ll be able to deliver. We’re pleased with what we’ve received, and I assume they provide the same level of service to every client.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder of Sportacle, an app that brings together soccer players of any level, whether it's guys that do it for fun, weekend warriors, or guys that take it really seriously. The best way we've come to describe it is like a Tinder for soccer but without the dating part—just bringing people together to play soccer based on their area. They can get in touch with each other, set up games, and organize soccer matches.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Zwiffer?

We needed to develop a social media app for iOS and Android to connect people interested in playing soccer together.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Sportacle is basically a social media app for soccer players. We initially had some ideas, and then once we started discussing them with Matthew [Founder, Zwiffer], he gave us his feedback. He has a lot of industry experience, so his feedback meant a lot to us.

We ended up focusing just on soccer, so it's like a social app where if you're in a town and you want to play soccer but you don't know anybody who plays, you can use the app to figure it out. You make your profile, and then you can look for public games; if not, you can create a public game and people can join in on it. Basically, it's a pick-up soccer app for both iOS and Android.

What is the team dynamic?

We were assigned two developers and a designer. Matthew acts as the project manager.

How did you come to work with Zwiffer?

I used to get on Codementor, which is a website where you pay a fee and can get help from other programmers. I was starting to learn how to code in Swift, and I just happened to come upon a bunch of different programmers, including Matthew.

Once I got a hold of him, he was basically the best programmer, in my opinion. He was the most knowledgeable and he answered any questions I had efficiently and effectively, so I stuck with him for a while and he gave me some good lessons on iOS programming. I went through a lot of mentors on there and he was by far the most knowledgeable one, which made me trust his work.

From that, I ended up wanting to outsource the work and Matthew was my first choice. I had gone through other programming contractors outside of the US because of their low prices, but I got an even better price from Matthew and a higher quality product.

What is the status of this engagement?

I got Zwiffer involved early in 2017 and it's an ongoing collaboration. It's still not complete yet, but we're very close.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The updates on the project’s progress have been really good. Matthew has been able to meet with me for video calls where we go over what's been done so far and discuss where we need to go from there, any problems we have, and things that need changing. The consistent feedback has been the best part.

How did Zwiffer perform from a project management standpoint?

We didn't use any special scheduling programs. However, they did give me a schedule ahead of time which we talked about and came up with together. We can be a pretty difficult client because we like to be very involved in the process.

With regards to the timeline, everything has been perfect, especially with all the changes and opinions that we give to them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The feedback during the progression of the app has been one of the best things. They've been able to show us what's going on and what things we should consider changing, adding, or taking out.

Are there any areas they could improve?

It's hard to say at this point, but if I'd say anything, it would be about the availability of their team. For the most part, that has been pretty good—I just had an issue with that once.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a solutions analyst and project coordinator at Extreme Social.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Zwiffer?

We needed help with iOS application development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our iOS app captures video imaging data from various IoT (internet of things) devices. The app is intended to upload this data to different internet spectrums, including YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, among other platforms. We’re currently working on an Android compatible version.

What is the team dynamic?

I’m not sure how many resources were assigned to our project.

How did you come to work with Zwiffer?

They were referred to us by a friend who said they could handle our iOS app development. I spoke with about three different people in the industry, and everyone highly recommended Zwiffer. We did a lot of research, provided them with the project scope, and they then provided us with a statement breaking down costs, milestones, requirements, payment structure, and a termination agreement. We signed the contract with them, and they began development.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together during June and July 2017. We will continue collaborating with them once we’re ready to move into phase two.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They helped us out with a series of metrics that we didn’t even realize existed in terms of further app development. They are being performed in another area that applies to our app, and it was great that they brought this to our attention. Everything else will be determined in the next phase of the application.

How did Zwiffer perform from a project management standpoint?

They met all of the deadlines, and communication was great. There were no messages that went unanswered for long periods of time, and they always responded quickly. Our experience with Zwiffer was amazing.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They didn’t seem like outsiders to us. They helped determine needs we didn’t even realize we had, and addressed them on a one-on-one basis. They were part of our team even though they had their own company. Zwiffer was a great addition to our family.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I have no suggestions for improvement.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Our company is a leading provider of digital television entertainment services. I am the technical director for mobile applications of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Zwiffer?

We needed help continuing to expand parts of our internal mobile initiatives.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Zwiffer's principal was brought in as an individual consultant for our iOS platform. We have worked together on utilities for our video monitoring solutions, as well as bug fixes, miscellaneous enhancements, and related entities in our existing apps.

How did you come to work with Zwiffer?

I found Zwiffer by chance. I had a discussion with their principal and found him to be a knowledgeable iOS developer. He was able to bring additional experience to the table, and ran with what we were doing right out of the gate, with little knowledge transfer needs.

How much have you invested with Zwiffer?

We have worked on an hourly basis with Zwiffer for 15-16 months. The total cost was above $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Zwiffer around 18 months ago. Zwiffer has finished at least 3 different initiatives. Our collaboration was ended due to internal reasons, although I would have loved to continue working with Zwiffer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Zwiffer has worked on internal apps for our company. They have proved to be extremely useful, being used by 30 different people monitoring our live television streams.

How did Zwiffer perform from a project management standpoint?

Zwiffer used the project management systems we had in place. There were no issues.

What did you find most impressive about Zwiffer?

Zwiffer's contact worked independently, so I didn't have to monitor him 24/7. Tasks were assigned remotely and communication was great.

Are there any areas Zwiffer could improve?

I can't say anything in this regard.