Alian Software Inc.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a publishing firm and an educational website called Like Study.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Alian Software?

I’ve worked with Alian Software on several projects.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Right now, we’re working on an e-learning website that students can log into to study English. Alian Software designed developed the website, and they’ve been doing both the front- and backend. Initially, they started out with Linux, and then they moved over to C++.

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with more than 3–4 teammates.

How did you come to work with Alian Software?

I had worked with a few other Indian companies, and I found Alian Software on Upwork. I decided to work with them because they understood my financial situation.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $50,000–$75,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I began working with them in about 2016. We stopped the development for about a month in February when the pandemic began.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re satisfied, and they’ve given us good results. There a few bugs now, and everything has turned out okay so far. It’s been a long journey, but it’s been worth it. I’m very happy working with them.

How did Alian Software perform from a project management standpoint?

There’s a time difference between us and we’ve had a few miscommunications. Sometimes they do their work ahead of time. We mainly communicate via Skype.

What did you find most impressive about them?

It’s hard to find a partner that can help you realize what you have in mind into technology, but Alian Software does that. They also solve all the minute problems that come along with the process. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I have no complaints at the moment. I’m getting a good deal out of this engagement.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be respectful and patient. They are very respectful if you respect them. If you tell them there’s an emergency, they will work through the night to get it done. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of a SI company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Alian Software Inc., and what were your goals?

The website was very antiquated and ran on an outdated technology stack. The new website was not just a rewrite but a complete new envisioning of the brand and web presence of the non-profit. We hired Alian as a trusted partner to help us envision and built this next generation web solution for the organization. Our goal was to increase donations on the site by enabling deeper engagement with the site visitors.

SOLUTION

How did you select Alian Software Inc. and what were the deciding factors?

After going through a rigorous process to vet several vendors we found online, we decided on Alian Software as they were the most knowledgeable in the technology stack and had a long track record of successful projects.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

The scope of work was to deliver 5 microsites and a main site. The main site represented the organization as a parent entity and the microsites each represented a business unit in the organization. The requirement was to build a fresh new site with API integrations to the backend CRM system as well as other integrations that were necessary per microsite. The technology used was WordPress, PHP.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

The vendor was well represented, with a senior account manager always leading all interactions. Every meeting had a blend of account management, business analysts and developers on the call.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The sites were delivered on time and within the specifications. Overall, the donations increased as visitor participation also increased.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

Daily standups, weekly account management calls. Tools: Skype.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their knowledge and skills. Their commitment to our success. They did not step away from the project until it was absolutely done and signed off.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

They performed beyond expectations.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and head of a creative studio.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Alian Software Inc.?

I engaged various vendors but wasn’t satisfied with the quality of their work.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Alian Software designed and developed my website on Excite WordPress. After I gave them the wireframes, their team created design samples using Photoshop Illustrator. I reviewed the samples, and we went back and forth until I was happy with the design.

We then went into the development phase. They provided guidance, and I regularly gave feedback.

Alian Software worked on three other websites too. For example, their team built a Magento website for one of my clients. They also provide maintenance.

What is the team composition?

I have a main point of contact but also work with the creative head, a project manager, a QA teammate, and an SEO teammate.

How did you come to work with Alian Software Inc.?

Alian Software was highly rated on a freelancer’s platform.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent less than $10,000 on their services

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together between September­–December 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’m happy with their creative work, which was great. They were total professionals. When we ran into issues, their team found alternatives to meet my vision. I loved working with Alian Software.

How did Alian Software Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

Communication was perfect. I was constantly in contact with Alian Software. Their team was receptive, well-mannered, and accommodating.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Alian Software was creative, professional, and knowledgeable. Their team was transparent, unlike other vendors I engaged.

Are there any areas they could improve?

When I conveyed my feedback to Alian Software’s co-founder, they quickly improved.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work at a Web Design and marketing company as a project manager for website development.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Alian Software Inc., and what were your goals?

We hired Alian to create our in-development sites based on designs created by our design team using Elementor with Wordpress. We have a small team, so our goal was to use them to do a lot of the more difficult and time consuming development work so that we could work on the details with our clients.

SOLUTION

How did you select Alian Software Inc. and what were the deciding factors?

We had been using Alian Software to complete smaller projects for us, and due to our satisfaction we decided to use their team as a core part of the process.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

We hire Alian to help build and edit our Wordpress development sites using Elementor. We submit new projects with all notes and information through invite-only projects on Upwork. I communicate with one of their project managers to assign these projects to specific developers and use the platform to discuss project details.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We have worked with about 10 individuals, both developers and the individuals managing the team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

We have created a system to have their team build out development sites we create based on designs. They have consistently produced good quality work with minimal need for edits. When we do have edits, they are sure to do a thorough job updating the site to our specificaitons.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

We create projects and hire developers through Upwork. Additionally, here we can comment and communicate about specific projects through this platform.

When we need to communicate in more detail or need to check to communicate about developers to hire, their project lead contacts me through WhatsApp. They are consistent with timelines, and provide realistic ETAs for projects.

Their communication is great any time they run into an issue or may have a delay in the timeline.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Working with Kaushik and the rest of the team is almost effortless. With the system we have set up, it is easy to create and share projects and communicate our needs. They are incredibly helpful and adaptable, and always create something that leaves our clients satisfied.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Certain developers do not have as good of an eye for design as others, but with a little direction and clarification they always do a wonderful job creating the vision for the website! Overall, I do not think this is detrimental to their team.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CTO of a Patient Communication company, we cater to health care providers in various disciplines. We facilitate 2 way texting, appointment reminders and confirmation requests, and lots more.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Alian Software Inc., and what were your goals?

We wanted to move into the Mobile space, but had no one with Mobile development experience. We needed someone who would be able to design and implement a cross-platform app.

SOLUTION

How did you select Alian Software Inc. and what were the deciding factors?

We put out a proposal on Upwork, and received a few offers. We interviewed Alian Software, and were impressed by their agility and flexibility to roll with changes we would throw at them as needed. As well, the communication was very good

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

The app communicates with an API we built on top of our Cloud System. It needed to mirror functionality we had on our Web platform, but do it in a Mobile way. The app was built in React Native, for both iOS and Android.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

There were several people who worked with us: a graphic designer who mocked up the pages we requested, a software developer who implemented the app, and a project manager who facilitated all the work.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Our clients were duly impressed with the initial version, and we were very impressed with the quality of the work done, and the flexibility to deal with all the changes along the way. We are continuing on with the next stage of the app, looking forward to great products being delivered.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

We communicated by chat quite efficiently, and all deliverables were top quality

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They had access to all the top quality people needed to implement the app, and managed all their resources most effectively

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

It is always a challenge to work with outsourced resources, and even so, Alian exceeded my expectations.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the owner of an e-commerce site that sells fashion accessories.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Alian Software Inc.?

We needed someone to develop an e-commerce website for our company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We brought them on board to develop the entire platform on Shopify. They did the design and included a lot of customization for our store.

What is the team composition?

There are at least 2–4 people on the team, and I have had one point of contact.

How did you come to work with Alian Software Inc.?

I found them online. I think the team is very professional. The most important thing for a small enterprise like ours is the cost, and they are pretty cost-efficient.

How much have you invested in them?

We have spent $5,000–$6,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We first engaged with them in mid-July 2020. It took a lot of time for me to finalize certain things because I was particular about a few things. I am still working with them now.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The delivery has been pretty decent, and I don’t really have any complaints. The team is doing a fine job; they are pretty good at what they do. They're very approachable but are also very particular about the product as well.

How did Alian Software Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

They have kept up with our deadlines, which is very important for us. They were very professional and communicated happened in specific channels. At first, they wanted us to use a Slack channel. I thought that was very professional because smaller vendors don't always do that.

I can contact them any time, and they will either pick up the phone or call me back right away. Considering that I don’t really have a team, they are my extended team.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I'm willing to work with them again, which shows what my views on Alian Software are.

The team is very receptive, and they will probably get the idea very quickly because they have a lot of experience. They had a lot of ideas for me and it worked out well.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I am not really sure. I am sure there is always room for improvement, but I haven’t faced any trouble. If they keep doing what they are doing, everything should be fine. I have heard stories about other companies that things aren’t done on time, so I was pretty skeptical at the beginning, but I think it has all turned out well.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You should know what you intend to do for any conversation that you want to have because working with an offshore team can be difficult. It isn’t like you’re going to their office and they can deliver it to you directly there. To make the most out of every conversation, you have to have clarity in your thoughts.

BACKGROUND

Please give a brief description of your company.

BPDS is a Web and print marketing company. We help small businesses with their website development and online marketing, print marketing material development, and identity design, logos, and business cards.

What is your role at the company?

I am the Owner and CEO of the company.  

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was the business challenge that you were trying to address when you approached Alian Software ?

We had an overflow of work and we live in a small area with very little skilled labor force. We needed an inexpensive programmer and website developer to help us complete our website projects. Getting the work done overnight can be very beneficial.

What were your company’s business goals for the project?

We wanted to immediately start funneling work to Alian Software, develop a good working relationship with a few team members, and integrate them into our project tracking system, so they can login and see our notes and their tasks for the day even when we are off duty. It is working out very well so far.

SOLUTION

Can you talk about the scope of the project?

Alian Software provided us with Web design and development including difficult custom programming.

What was your process for selecting Alian Software with which to work?

We had tried several outfits in and outside of Elance. We landed on Alian Software through Elance.   

Can you give us a sense of the size of the project in dollar terms or personnel work hours?

They provide us with about 30 to 35 hours of work a week

When was the project completed?

We have been working with Alian Software for more than a year and the relationship is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the results of the project, and are there any metrics you can share?

Even though we have multiple projects going at one time, Alian Software gets the job done quickly and efficiently. We have a hard time keeping up with giving them work to do.

How did Alian Software perform?

They have performed great with the work they have completed. Their development work is excellent, our clients are happy, and we continue to lean on them more as they get more integrated with our company. I manage the projects, my wife and business partner is the art director and the liaison with Alian Software. She reviews their work and makes sure they stay on task. Their work is solid, and when it’s not, they fix it, no hassle. They communicate well and are honest with their hours.

When working with them, was there anything unique or special about them compared to other companies with which you may have worked?

We found it very unique that they were able to keep their promises and meet the specified deadlines on time.

Looking back on the project, is there any area that they could improve or you would do differently?

Nothing significant.

BACKGROUND

Please give a brief description of your company.

We're a social media and analytics service focused on sports.

What is your role at the company?

Founder and president.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was the business challenge that you were trying to address when you approached Alian Software ?

We needed help with graphic design and especially with project planning.

What were your company’s business goals for the project?

We wanted to create an anticipated project timeline and budget. We also needed to develop marketing materials. Both were required in order to pitch potential investors with all the relevant information in a professional way.

SOLUTION

Can you talk about the scope of the project?

The project planning process required around 4,000 hours during the span of a year. Alian was probably responsible for close to 500 of those hours, possibly more. It's hard to tell because they donated time without letting me know, so their investment could be higher than what I'm aware of.

What was your process for selecting Alian Software with which to work?

I've been working with Alian for several years. Originally, I must have met them through an online hiring service. I started working as a management consultant for a startup incubator, and there was a lot of demand for cheap yet highly skilled labor. We tried some firms from North America, but the quality of work was so poor that I ended up asking Alian to step in since I knew they did a good job from my previous experience with them.

Can you give a sense of the size of the project in dollar terms or personnel work hours?

Our current investment cost is about $80,000. I think we've paid Alian a little less than $10,000. I also know for sure they invested $2,000 in free labor, but it may be more than that.

When was the project completed?

I believe we finished mid-September of 2014.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the results of the project, and are there any metrics you can share?

We're now in the marketing process. So, there are no results as of yet other than the people who have reviewed the materials, which were all very positive. Hopefully, we'll find out what the market things within the next couple of months.

How did Alian Software perform?

Excellent. They have great communication and are very accommodating. Of course, they know their stuff very well.

When working with them, was there anything unique or special about them compared to other companies with which you may have worked?

They are extremely friendly. They don't get upset when working on ambiguous projects that require lots of editing. Their cost-to-value ratio is off the charts.

Looking back on the project, is there any area that they could improve or you would do differently?

I think we have our process defined pretty well. I'm not sure how much we can improve on that specific part of the launch phase at this point. There are a lot of other things I need to work on, but the relationship with Alian is pretty smooth.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CMO of Consequent Solutions

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Consequent Solutions is the strategic partner for Specialty Pharmacies, Pharmacy Benefit Managers, and Pharmaceutical Companies looking to enhance patient adherence and maximize the success of specific therapies

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Alian Software Inc. to accomplish?

• We required a complete redesign of our web assets. Our existing website, created several years ago, was outdated and no longer represented us effectively. The project involved numerous demands and specific needs, and Alian Software Inc. was the only company capable of accommodating all our requirements.

SOLUTION

How did you find Alian Software Inc.?

• Online Search
• Clutch Site

Why did you select Alian Software Inc. over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Alian Software Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Alian Software played a key role in revitalizing our web presence. One week after our initial conversation, we provided them with a detailed brief, including a site map I created. This map outlined the connections between pages, their value, user flow, and the specific needs of each page.

The first phase focused on designing a website that better reflected our brand identity. This involved extensive design work and multiple iterations to achieve the desired layout and aesthetic.

We also needed a website with advanced functionality, including the ability to gate content based on the user’s industry or profile. Alian Software developed a backend system that allows us to provide tailored, in-depth content to users based on their industry vertical.

Currently, we’re in the final stages of the project, adding the last touches before the website goes live. The core work is complete, and we’re excited about the results.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting that the new website better aligns with our brand and offerings. Internally, the response has been equally enthusiastic, as everyone appreciates the refreshed design and functionality.

Quantitatively, it’s challenging to provide precise metrics due to multiple ongoing projects and external factors, such as a recent loss of user accounts, which complicates tracking. However, comparing the last two weeks of data to the same period last year, our metrics show significant improvement. Given the cyclical nature of our business, this is particularly impressive. That said, more accurate data will be available once the new website has been live for a longer period.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

All deliverables have been completed on time. While there were minor delays, these were primarily due to our requests to revisit certain aspects of the design. As the project progressed, we identified additional features and enhancements we wanted to incorporate, which extended the timeline slightly.

What was your primary form of communication with Alian Software Inc.?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Alian Software Inc. has anticipated all my marketing needs without requiring explicit requests. Initially, we considered using a preexisting theme for the website but were uncertain about its suitability. Maksym discussed the options with me, explaining that while the theme could be used, it might result in a heavier and less efficient website. He then proposed building the site entirely from scratch, tailored to our needs.

Although I was initially hesitant about a custom build, I found the backend they developed to be intuitive and user-friendly. For instance, they recently implemented a case study feature that automatically generates a dedicated page for each case study, streamlining the process significantly.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Alian Software Inc. could have done differently?

There’s nothing Alian Software Inc. needs to improve on—they’ve been exceptional. The project would have been far more challenging without their expertise and support.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing Director of Nifty Marketing

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We specialize in Full Stack web development, website design, Graphics Design, Digital Signage, SEO Specialists, Digital Marketing, all the way down to Marketing Consultation.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Alian Software Inc. to accomplish?

• We partnered with Alian Software to conduct a thorough technical review and assess the requirements for rebuilding our website. Our objective was to modernize its functionality and user experience while ensuring it meets the rigorous standards expected in the asset management industry.

SOLUTION

How did you find Alian Software Inc.?

• Online Search
• Clutch Site

Why did you select Alian Software Inc. over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Alian Software Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Alian Software conducted a comprehensive evaluation of our existing website, pinpointing opportunities for enhancement in design, functionality, and security. They presented a clear, actionable plan that included a phased rollout of features and the integration of a client portal. By prioritizing features based on our specific needs, they struck a perfect balance between delivering an exceptional user experience and maintaining robust security measures.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Thanks to their thorough analysis, we now have a detailed roadmap that outlines a clear and strategic approach for rebuilding our website. Their recommendations have established the foundation for improved user engagement and a more intuitive site structure, tailored to meet our clients’ needs. This positions us to streamline our digital interactions and elevate the overall user experience.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Their project management was exceptional. They provided consistent updates at every stage and delivered on time as promised. When adjustments were required, the team demonstrated flexibility and maintained open communication, ensuring the process remained smooth and efficient throughout.

What was your primary form of communication with Alian Software Inc.?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The depth of insight they brought to our project was truly impressive. They demonstrated a clear understanding of the nuances of our industry and translated that knowledge into practical, actionable recommendations. Their focus on both functionality and security set them apart as a highly professional team that not only listened to our needs but also delivered results that exceeded our expectations.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Alian Software Inc. could have done differently?

Nothing.