Appello Software

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Im the business owner and CEO of a company called, Artchitech. We provide designs for clients who what to build anything from automobiles, commercial building or residential houses.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Appello Software?

Appello Software designed a mobile-friendly e-commerce website with C++. They will also design an app soon. We decided to proceed with Appello Software has because they had fresh take on the current market.

What were your goals for this project?

One of our goals was to showcase our work in a neat and presentable app that we can show our clients as our portfolio of designs are what our clients need to see.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We had spoken to a few Software and mobile service providers who were able to create what we wanted, but the team at Appello was able to give us more. They walked us through the emerging tech of AR and how it could benefit our business.

We knew from there, the team at Appello not only took time to understand our business, but was willing to educate and inform us of the tech advancements that could possibly give us a leading competitive edge.

Describe the project in detail.

It started with us wanting an e commerce website, then progressed to a mobile app as we saw the value of having one. The process was clear and we were informed and guided of next steps on a weekly basis.

What was the team composition?

We were provided with a PM who was our main point of contact with technical queries and project meeting and updates. It was great to have another contact available (a client relationship manager), to check in on us after meetings to ensure communications and expectations were clear.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Seeing our designs presented on a web page was great. Text and illustrations were simple and sleek which very pleasing to the eye.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very organised and effective. We continue to work with the team at Appello and look forward to the weekly meetings.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their team collaborations and understanding. They have a team who are equipped with a wealth of knowledge in many industries. It's also nice to deal with an Australian based business with local people.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Everything has been excellent so far, we a very impressed and delighted by the progress.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the co-founder and CEO of Foxo Technology. For the last two years, we’ve been building a health communication tool for clinicians to communicate within their institution or beyond their institution to other organizations. It is much like Slack, WhatsApp or Microsoft Teams, but purpose-built to help with integration into information systems for doctors. It also has purpose-built environments for clinical communication and collaboration.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Appello Software?

We’ve been building our company for about two years and are about to go commercial. We required a native version of our app to be built.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had a hybrid app which was available for Android and iOS, but the performance and the general feel wasn’t there. Doctors, our target demographic, have higher expectations, so we needed to add that extra polish onto our app.

Thus, we searched to find a partner to help us get there. The project was primarily to rebuild the app to current specs. Since the project is coming to an end now, we have some further development work that we will be engaging with them to enhance the product on a few last sprints. The app was in production, I got some feedback from some users that it wasn’t where it needed to be. We needed it to have that elastic feel.

What is the team composition?

I worked with four people in total. We had a project manager, two developers, and a QA person. We worked directly with the project manager as well as the developers.

How did you come to work with Appello Software?

I did some searching online. I came across Appello Software and did a lot of interviewing and reviewing. I looked at company ratings and reviews—it might’ve been the Clutch review that really sold it for me. Communication was constantly stressed, which was absolutely critical for a very complex product like ours. I was also looking for someone that could understand our problem, our technology, and our requirements. I didn’t want to work in cycles—I’ve worked with a number of offshore agencies and it’s extremely frustrating when you get a product back that isn’t what you required.

I put communication as the number one priority as well as their ability to execute and get the job done to budget and specifications. I think to have that experience of knowing where the downfalls with recruitment agencies are and where to put your focus, which is communication, helped and Appello’s reviews on all of that were consistent with what I was looking for.

How much have you invested in them?

We had a fixed price which was $43,000 AUD (approximately $29,620 USD), but the final sprint that we are about to work on will amount to $50,000 (approximately $34,442).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from September 2019–January 2020. It was about a five-month project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It’s exactly what we required. We didn’t go to them asking them to develop something new for us; it was really more to redevelop our product but better using different frameworks and knowledge, which they did. They know exactly what they need to do. The requirements of what we asked them to do were delivered on time and to budget.

How did Appello Software perform from a project management standpoint?

They were excellent. The project manager was our gateway to the team and we could transmit ideas to him. We also had a dedicated Slack channel for the project through which we could communicate directly with the engineers and we would recommend that to everyone.

We’re a technology company with mostly engineers, so it made sense for our tech guys to talk to their tech guys, which significantly helped with production time, QA, and knowledge. We also used email at some level, but we used Trello and another time tracking platform as well which they would use to make notes. Google Docs and spreadsheets for documentation and some project management.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was looking for someone that would be available to answer questions, refine, and make sure that we were on track the whole way. Their communication was outstanding.

Their flexibility to work within our requirements was impressive. They’re very flexible in terms of the framework and language that we could work in. The team is diverse enough to pivot towards our requirements in another language they don’t typically work with.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I want to be very clear that this wasn’t a problem, but if I had to say one thing, I would probably say that their English may need a little bit of work. However, I’m hesitant to say that was an issue because we still managed to communicate seamlessly.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You should have very clear requirements. We knew exactly what we needed and that made it very easy for both parties to be happy at the end of the day.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a company that provides homemade food for individual chefs. Home cooks or chefs make a meal at home and post it in the app with a simple description, the number of portions, and with the option of having it delivered or picked up.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Appello Software?

I needed someone to build an application and have a solid marketing strategy.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The team at Appello Software worked on the design and development of the app for iOS and Android. They used a tool that develops for more than one platform at a time. On my end, I created the sketches, which they followed for the design.

Since we started the development together, Cameron (Executive Director, Appello Software) and I have been working on a marketing strategy.

What is the team composition?

My main point of contact is Cameron. I’ve worked with several others, including two designers, two managers, one backend engineer, and one frontend engineer.

How did you come to work with Appello Software?

I was browsing online and already had a good idea of what I wanted. I looked online for the best developers in Sydney and ended up going between Appello Software and two to three other companies. I sent an email to all of them.

While the other vendors took the time to answer my email, Cameron was extraordinarily responsive and called me straight away. I liked that attitude. I also appreciated the simplicity of Appello Software’s work because it matches the simplicity of my app.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent around $60,000 AUD (approximately $41,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement with Appello Software started in August 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re launching in Sydney this month. It’s currently in the testing phase, where we are looking into bugs and other fixes. Their team followed my designs and guidelines very neatly. When the app launches, we’ll release the marketing strategy.

How did Appello Software perform from a project management standpoint?

The team at Appello Software performs well and keeps an organized structure. Most of the time, we manage everything through Trello, Slack, and email. We had meetings when necessary.

When there is something else to discuss or if we need to have more conversations, we engage in a phone call. Since day one, we’ve had a clearly defined roadmap that we followed and worked through the deadlines. They’re also responsive.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their simplicity and elegance they put in their work makes them impressive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they’re doing very well.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Clients need to have a clear vision and strategy that’s simple to follow because it makes it much easier for everyone. You’re hiring a developer or agency to help develop your idea, but it needs to be clear so that they can help you with that.

If you’re doing everything from scratch, it might not end up exactly how you want it to be. My interpretation of something might be different than my developers. To keep it all tied together, have a clear vision of what you want from the start.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a startup in the automotive space, focusing on building a repairs marketplace. Our MVP is newly completed, and we expect it to begin generating profits by the end of 2019.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Appello Software?

Our goal was to set the foundation for our product with a long-term partner. We needed to create the MVP, conduct user testing, and get the product to market. It was important for us to build a strong relationship with the company that we worked with.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We brought in Appello Software to develop the application-based marketplace on the web. Its intention was to target the general public, insurance companies, and automotive insurance providers. We wanted to establish an Australian presence that links repairers directly with customers to provide insurers a dollar-for-dollar snapshot of the market.  

What is the team composition?

The team consisted of 5–10 people. The headcount varied depending on our needs. We sat in on phone calls with Cameron (CEO & Founder, Appello Software) and a few developers. Depending on which team member was best suited for the task, we spoke to a multitude of different people from their side, including front- and backend developers. 

We originally had a project manager, but she was unable to continue working midway through the development. When that happened, our project was handed over to a developer. 

How did you come to work with Appello Software?

I found them while doing research online. They had good reviews, and their website answered all the questions I had about their capabilities. I emailed them. Cameron got back to me, and we went from there.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $60,000 AUD (approximately $41,000 USD). 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the project in June 2019, and the project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We haven’t had a chance to track metrics yet, but I’m very happy with the functionality of the final deliverables. The MVP was built in just three months. It likely would’ve taken other developers twice as long to deliver the same level of quality. 

How did Appello Software perform from a project management standpoint?

Everything went very well. For project management, they used Trello. I was able to track the time that was being spent on different projects. They were wonderful to work with, but there were some communication issues midway through the project. The initial budget was set for about half of what we ended up spending. When our original project manager became unavailable, there were some miscommunications and the budget was blown out. 

Aside from that issue, the team was very responsive, stepping in to fill the shoes of our first project manager. I was happy with how they handled that.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They made things simple for us. Especially as clients without any development, their straightforward approach was remarkable. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

The communication around budgeting was difficult, but that wasn’t their fault as much as the circumstances. I don’t think they need to improve on anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

With fixed costs, you’d be better equipped to handle delays or cost changes. That way you can track expenses and address issues as they pop up, instead of letting something get out of hand over time.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of High Skill Training. We work with construction companies around Australia, providing education and training for the purpose of becoming qualified in the industry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Appello?

We were looking to build a smoother online system to serve us from initial training through to delivery, gathering data in the area for both client-side and internal access.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Appello developed our online portal, which allows our trainers and staff to access information more easily rather than going through the manual system. Much of the information we now process is entered through the portal Appello designed for us.

We communicated often and made a lot of improvements along the way, and I had various compliance people making adjustments. I took the idea back to the drawing board after several months because it didn’t match my vision, but I believe we’ll be launching next week.

What is the team composition?

I mainly worked with two people from Appello in the beginning, and I’m working with only one at the moment. However, there’s a team of a few people working behind the scenes on their end.

How did you come to work with Appello?

My project manager recommended them. She researched them and told me they seemed the most suitable for our needs, so we went with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent over $25,000 so far and we expect to spend close to $50,000 by the project’s end.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Appello in February 2019 and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’re making the process very user-friendly, especially for someone like myself, who’s not very good with computers. All of this is rather new to me and it’s been a nice experience. I’m finding that the changes Appello is making are very helpful. They understand our industry, and they made the adjustments we needed in order to be compliant.

How did Appello perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very reliable and gave us frequent updates on how much time each process would take.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their communication is incredible, as is their attention to detail. They understand what their client wants to achieve.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The communication between myself and my general manager wasn’t very clear. I think he had a different idea of what I was looking for, but everything was corrected once I took over.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

The person with the idea should communicate with them and review the project from the beginning. Ensure the communication is clear. Appello will try to meet your requests, but you have to give them the right information.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founding owner of Branch Enterprises 101.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Appello Software?

I was looking to build an app to resurrect the art of dressmaking. The app would allow users to both design their own dress and locate dressmakers in cities worldwide. I had worked with a programmer for the past five years, but they were never able to fully deliver. We decided to part ways so I needed someone to help me build the app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Appello Software designed a cross-platform mobile app for us. Their team took over where our initial programmer had left off. They went through the app making changes, which luckily maintained it’s key functionality despite some technological issues. There were mistakes on the front- and backed of the app that their team fixed for me, including old and outdated technology. 

What is the team composition?

I met with Cameron (Chief Executive, Appello Software) but I worked most directly with a project manager. There were other members of the team, including people who tested the app and an account manager, but I primarily interacted with 2–3 members of the Appello Software team. 

How did you come to work with Appello Software?

After I parted ways with my old programmer, I had no idea who was available so I went on Clutch. I read through a number of company profiles and ended up interviewing three companies. Appello Software stood out because they were self-made, so I decided to work with them.

How much have you invested with them?

I have invested about $7,500 AUD (approximately $5,100 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

My engagement with Appello Software ran from April–September 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app only launched less than 48 hours ago, so we don’t have too much feedback yet. I am incredibly satisfied with their work. I believe in the app and so does the team at Appello Software, which means a lot to me. Their encouragement is huge to someone like me, who is doing this on their own.

How did Appello Software perform from a project management standpoint?

I am in regular contact with our project manager, he sents me weekly updates by phone or email. Appello Software’s communication is transparent and concise, they really make it user-friendly. I’m not a tech-savvy person and I learned a lot from them.

They also provided me access to their road-mapping software. I could see what was happening currently and what was next on deck. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Appello Software’s simple approach sets them apart. They weren’t talking numbers or monthly rates at the beginning, instead, they focused on my idea. They set their sights on what I needed from day one. Their genuine focus shows they really care.

They really wanted to get this project right. Their team is open and honest. I always felt that Appello Software was interested in what I had to say. They answered all my questions and delivered amazing results.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they did a really great job. They should keep doing what they’re doing and hopefully, they’ll continue to learn and grow.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Tell them exactly what it is you want and trust them to tell you what’s required. Appello Software is so keen to understand that you can feel free to be open and honest.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the founder and SEO of Serendipia a co-living and co-working startup in San Francisco.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Appello Software?

After doing much research we decided to engage with Appello due to their strong technical and design expertise on mobile products. They helped us build from scratch our mobile app for internal management and our community. They designed wireframes, UI designs and did all the development in a timely manner.

What were your goals for this project?

We are a business scaling with more than 1000 people staying with us at any time. So for us what was important was to quickly develop our mobile app without any issues. Appello delivered beyond our goals.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

After researching other development companies in Australia, Europe and North America Appello really stood out by their apps that you could download from the App Store and see the quality they have. So this was a really decision for us.

Describe the project in detail.

We wanted to develop an app, and admin booking system for our co-living and co-working houses. Managing multiple properties and tenants is not easy, so developing mobile app which allows people to checkin- share to community and connect with other guest was what we needed. Since building the app, we have automated the expereince for our staff and guest.

What was the team composition?

We worked directly with one of Appellos project managers, UX/UI designers and the strategist team. Some meetings happened with all members, including engineers when we needed to make sure logic behind designs were clear.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Instantly when the app went live, we had no bugs or issues which was great - It allowed our team members, and guest to starts adding profiles and using the app. Also, the quality is exceptional. Appello has demonstrated that they can execute on challenges without any delays.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It has allowed our business to grow into 2 new locations, minimising the work needed by our staff to check in new guest or manage internal processes such as clearing, ordering and planning events with guests.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Cost transparency and communication to deliver exactly what we wanted.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None that we seen.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of an app called MyCity. It’s an events app that allows people to add and look up activities in their area. The event categories include food, entertainment, sports, festivals, and more.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Appello Software?

I brought on Appello Software to develop the app from start to finish. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

After a discussion of business goals, Appello Software developed the iOS/Android app from scratch. The app is simple but effective. It features a mapping system, as well as a deposit function—a deposit is required to verify that it’s a real human adding an event.

Although the app is completed, they’ll continue to provide troubleshooting support. We’re also considering adding new features.

What is the team composition?

My main point of contact was Cameron (Chief Executive, Appello Software). I worked with a few others, as well.

How did you come to work with Appello Software?

I read Appello Software’s positive reviews. After speaking with Cameron, I had a good feeling about the company. These guys really stood out to me, and I’m glad I went with them.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent around $34,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began in January and wrapped up in August of 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project has gone very smoothly, and working with Appello has been awesome. The app is in its very early stages but I know that I couldn’t have done it without them. My friends and family love the look of it.  

They still help me maintain and manage the app, although it’s technically finished. I’ve already spoken with Cameron about adding another feature, and that addition will make it perfect. We’re also considering some future marketing efforts.

How did Appello Software perform from a project management standpoint?

They were exceptionally responsive. They email me back straight away. They’d also explain all processes to me on the phone—I’ve never been left in the dark about anything. This includes the budget, which we set at the very beginning. They didn’t charge me any more than our agreed amount so I knew exactly what to expect.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have outstanding communication. With any issue, they immediately work to resolve it.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything. Everything went very smoothly.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Do a little bit of research and iron out any questions you might have before you go into a meeting with them.  

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My business partner and I are the co-founders and operators of Moksha Insights, a social media platform that has a marketplace attached to it.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Appello Software?

We’re a tech startup in the seeding stage, so we hired Appello Software to build a prototype for the app we’re developing from scratch.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Appello Software designed our font and logo, and they’re currently developing a clickable prototype. They consult with us on our brand and brand positioning.

What is the team composition?

We’ve been in contact with five Appello Software teammates, including a branding and logo designer, a wireframe developer, and a project manager. My team also works closely with Cameron (Chief Executive, Appello Software).

How did you come to work with Appello Software?

My business partner knew Cameron through a previous job. We shared our ideas with him so that we could hear his perspective on the prototype we wanted to build, like what was possible and what the potential costs were. Cameron provided honest feedback. We liked how transparent Cameron and his team were; they seemed very trustworthy.

How much have you invested with them?

We will invest around $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our work together commenced in June 2019, and we’re still in development.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Appello Software is creating exactly what we envisioned. Their work designing the logo and UX has gone smoothly. They use their combined experiences to steer us in the right direction.  

How did Appello Software perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re fantastic in this regard. We’ve been surprised at just how responsive they are. We use Trello boards, which allows my team to engage in the process, provide feedback, and upload documents.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’ve been impressed by Appello Software’s transparency. They are honest about what they’re capable of doing and how they plan to do it. The team is open to further development as well; they will take the partnership as far as we want them to.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’m not experienced enough in development to know what they could’ve done better, but from a purely customer service and transparency perspective, I honestly can’t think of anything I would want them to do better.

Any advice for potential customers?

If you are clear about what you want them to build for you, then they will deliver. Also, be open to them sharing their expertise and experiences.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Kitchen and Cook, a luxury kitchen goods company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Appello Software?

I founded Kitchen and Cook earlier this year, and I reached out to Appello Software to help me design a website. Since more and more people use their phones, it was important that the site be mobile-friendly.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Appello Software designed my mobile-friendly website with C++. We have plans to work together to develop a mobile app, first for Android and then for iOS.

What is the team composition?

Most of my conversations have been with the CEO. He manages everything.

How did you come to work with Appello Software?

I met the CEO a couple of years ago, and we’ve stayed in touch. I heard he started his own company, so I read his reviews on Clutch.co. When we met in person, he was professional and inspiring; I could tell he was passionate and hard-working, so I decided to hire him. I haven’t regretted my decision at all. 

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Appello Software designed my website from February–May 2019. I recently got back in contact with them to start working on the app.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’ve seen a fourfold ROI of around $80,000. Site traffic and interest have also increased, with no bounce rate. The results speak for themselves. 

How did Appello Software perform from a project management standpoint?

Appello Software was extremely fast and responsive. Even with the time difference, we’d often get replies within the same day, and we never waited more than twenty hours for a response. We spoke over the phone and Skype.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Considering they’re a newer company, I believe that the services they provide are quite superior to those of other vendors. Appello Software has a fresh take on the current market. I had an idea of what I wanted, but Appello Software gave me more to think about than I could’ve ever imagined. This was my first time taking up a business and doing anything web-related, and Appello Software was extremely helpful. When I wasn’t sure about some aspect of the project, they were very thorough and walked me through it.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there aren’t any that I can think of.

Any advice for potential customers?

Appello Software knows what they’re doing, so you should trust them. Even though I had a vision, they helped me see through a lot of flaws in my thinking. They guided me toward making my website as successful as it is.