Droids On Roids

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

Electric Objects is a small startup in New York City. We build custom hardware for digital frames. We write the software for it. You can buy an Electric Objects digital art frame that you hang in your home, and then you have a screen that you can display original artwork that Electric Objects commissions from artists or any other electric art or digital art that you find on the Internet.

What is your position and responsibilities?

I work as the Android engineer. I work on the software that runs on our digital art frames and I do work on the client app that we provide for people to pair with the device, and then it also acts as a controller for displaying new art on your screen.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address with Droids On Roids?

We've contracted with them for a couple projects. The first one was to improve the library. There were some bugs in it, so we hired one of their developers to flush out the library and provide support for us. 

We integrated it into the software that we put on our boards – on the art screen that we're shipping. They did such a great job that we brought them on to help us build out the first round of our Android app for clients. This is the app that you would download on your Android phone and then pick out artwork to display on your screen.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement in detail.

We realized they had a lot of Ruby [on Rails] developers, so we've been using them to help our one full-time Ruby developer with projects that he doesn't have time to complete.

How did you come to work with Droids On Roids?

We found them through this open source project that one of the developers worked on. Back in January [2015], when we were still working on getting the first version of the Electric Object, we started a KickStarter project. 

We were working on getting the first version shipped out to our backers in early March. But, this is in January and our system performance was pretty bad. It was slower then what you would expect on the laptop. We were looking for open source solutions to help out with this. We found this library that Droids On Roids had done online and contacted them for help in January 2015. 

Could you provide a sense of the size of this initiative in financial terms?

It was $50,000 to $200,000

What is the status of this engagement?

It's ongoing work. The Android work is finished but, for Ruby, we have a developer that is helping us build out some features on our Web back-end. We started contracting with them in March.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any statistics or metrics from this engagement?

I don't have any hard numbers. Our user base is pretty small. The fact that we have an Android app on the Google Play store and people are able to download it is a pretty big accomplishment. We wouldn't have that yet if they hadn't helped us.

How did Droids On Roids perform from a project management standpoint?

We've been super happy. The original library that we brought them on to do has been great. It works wonderfully. Our system performance is pretty much as good as we can get it without improving our hardware. That was really awesome. 

The Android app that they helped out with is really good. As a startup, our requirements shift frequently. They were flexible and able to get stuff done in time to meet as soon as our API [application programming interface] was ready. They were really communicative. Anytime the developers had problems, they were quick to let us know. That's great because it keeps them able to move forward. It was almost like having an extension of the team that was working Polish hours instead of New York hours.

What distinguishes Droids On Roids from other providers?

The quality of the developers Droids On Roids has is super high. I think they were some of the best that I've come across.

Is there anything Droids On Roids could have improved or done differently?

I'm having trouble thinking of anything to criticize.

BACKGROUND

I am the CEO for a startup in the Los Angeles area involving the pop culture industry. We are creating a mobile app-based business with an iOS core product.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

We needed a complex application built that ties to our back-end API [application programming interface]. We needed someone who could work fast and launch in four months without delays.

SOLUTION

We found Droids on Roids by doing online research and narrowed our selection to five firms. I personally interviewed all five companies and selected Droids on Roids. It was clear to me that they were true technologists and not fluff coders. I trusted them the most right away because of their competence and professionalism.

I hired them to launch my mobile application with complex integrations to our API system. It was not an easy project, but they launched on time. It took about four months of work full time and cost less than $50,000. We will work with them on ongoing maintenance, which will be sporadic and part time in nature.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

I am very satisfied with my choice of working with Droids on Roids. I would rehire them again in a second. Droids on Roids is better than 90 percent of developers out there because they finished my project quickly without much stress. I must stress that we had a deep integration with a complicated API. I have only good things to say.

I think they are much better at launching applications from scratch than maintaining applications after launch. I will see how they do with updating my application. I'm nervous that they aren't organized in a way to do quality maintenance quickly. I will see how they respond to that challenge.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

We’re a startup company. We make mobile apps that enable children to learn how to code through fun game play and storytelling. 

What is your role and responsibilities?

I’m CTO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal for working with Droids On Roids?

We have been iOS exclusive, and we wanted to work on an Android version of our product.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their work.

The first release was very straightforward work. We had to change game engines halfway through the development because of compression issues. We shifted to using one of their main mobile developers to create the concept. They really helped us know what steps we should take to be time and cost efficient.

What was your process for selecting Droids On Roids with which to work?

Our process was basically budget driven. They seemed to deliver the highest quality for our budget, and they came very highly recommended from a few Swedish companies who don’t give positive references easily. 

Can you give a sense of the size of the initiative in dollar terms or a personnel work-hour figure?

[It was between] $10,000 and $50,000

When was the work completed?

The first release was in October of 2014. We’re thinking of doing another project, and we’ll probably go with them again.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Do you have any statistics or metrics to track improvement from the project?

I don’t have any metrics specifically. We get great user feedback on a daily basis. 

Are you satisfied with their performance?

They are on call 24/7. If we have something that needs to be fixed, they’re definitely the group for it. I haven’t been disappointed at all. In terms of their efficiency and transparency we never went above the quote they gave us at the beginning of the project even if the numbers and the hours ran a little bit above. The best part about working with them was they worked late hours in order to cater to the time difference. They’ve been nothing but professional in everything.

Is there anything unique or special about Droids On Roids that really makes them stand out compared to other online marketing companies?

One thing I’ve always found missing with other companies is the honesty and delivering on budget. This is something Droids On Roids hasn’t done just once, but six or seven times. They have total transparency with a big sense of humor. It’s been fun working with them.

Looking back on the work so far, is there any area that you think they could improve upon or that you might do differently?

In retrospect, we would have had a game developer on board when we were first talking about the product especially going into development that would have been really useful. Droids On Roids found us a game developer, but it would have handy to have that earlier on.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

We’re an HR [human resources] software provider, and we sell our software as a service in the cloud. It’s a recruitment software used to recruit candidates for open job positions. Job applicants download our app, fill in a job application, take a scientific, validated assessment, and then results are available for review. Employers either hire or bring in candidates for an interview.

What is your role and responsibilities?

I’m the chief operating officer. I handle some of the day-to-day operations and oversee all product development and client services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal for working with Droids On Roids?

We had an iOS app already built and we wanted to enhance that app. We also wanted to build an Android mobile application clone to it that was an equally robust experience for the user. We had to build that from scratch. We engaged Droids On Roids to do that.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their work.

They developed the actual core mobile Android app, but they did more than just develop an app. We also worked with their designer to design the look and feel of the app. They also worked with our back-end person to make changes to the back-end of our database and to our code to make sure the app was functioning correctly. They developed the API [application programming interface] and documented it as well.

What was your process for selecting Droids On Roids with which to work?

We went to five Android app developers mostly through my network on LinkedIn and the CTO’s network. Two were in India, two in Poland and one in China. We put forth a proposal. We laid out a statement of work and asked for bids to complete the project. It was sort of built to spec. Droids On Roids had at an affordable rate, not the cheapest, but not the highest. I did my due diligence and felt more comfortable working with them than the others.

Can you provide a ballpark dollar figure for the size of the work that they’ve done for you?

[It was between] $10,000 to $50,000

When was the work completed?

It took about six weeks to build the app from scratch. The project was completed successfully in the fourth quarter of 2014.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Do you have any statistics or metrics to track improvement from the project?

It is too early to share metrics, but we have a functional application.

Are you satisfied with their performance?

They did a superb job. The project manager was very responsive. If there was ever a bump in the road, he was on top of it to make sure it was corrected. He offered significant value to the project. He was one of the main reasons I chose them.

He agreed with a finite budget in line with the project specs. He guaranteed it and followed through. He documented everything and did such a great job that when the project was completed, we didn’t need additional support going forward. We were very pleased with the design. He really stayed within the project specs and didn’t try to do too much or anything different. I appreciated that he developed it on time and was really on top of meeting deadlines.

Is there anything unique about Droids On Roids that really makes them stand out, compared to other online marketing companies?

They delivered as promised on time, which is not often the case. Furthermore, I liked that if they misunderstood something or had to do some additional work, they didn’t bill us. They stuck to what they agreed to build it for the original price. They didn’t try to add any additional fees. When we asked them to add another feature, they did. They never tried to charge us for anything that wasn’t part of the agreed upon project. They were very ethical about that part of it, which a lot of developers are not.

We paid them as we went along with the final payment at the end, which gave me additional comfort that I was working with a professional shop. Developers overseas can take your money and never respond to your phone calls or emails. That’s always a risk, but they got paid after the work that they did. They were willing to do that because they had confidence that they were going to deliver what they said they would.

They are really hands-on and communication was key. English isn’t their first language and their developers, while good, there are a lot of things that can get lost in translation. The project manager was on top of that to keep it on track. He was more than willing to have daily standout meetings, instead of weekly or every two weeks, because it was important for us to make sure we were on the same page. He was willing to be more involved and engage with us more than maybe another developer would.

We used another vendor to develop the iOS version. The owner promised to be involved, but during the course of a six-month project he only joined three phone calls. Their CEO [Wojciech Szwajkiewicz], however, was involved when he needed to be and joined numerous phone calls. He even asked me to let him know if he was meeting our expectations. He was a man of his word every step of the way and I can’t say that about a lot of people.

Looking back on the work so far, is there any area that you think they could improve upon or that you might do differently?

I would have to nitpick because they did such a great job. Perhaps they could be a little more detailed on the project management.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

We are a retail systems provider.

What is your role and responsibilities?

I’m the CEO of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was your goal for working with Droids On Roids?

Our aim was to get one of our Android platforms ready.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their work.

They have just worked on the development, but we are hoping to get them to do some design work going forward.

What was your process for selecting Droids On Roids with which to work?

I found them online, and then I did a quick research on their clients and got in touch with them. I have done some work with other companies in Poland. I understand the market well and got good references from past clients.

Can you give a sense of the size of the initiative in dollar terms or a personnel work-hour figure?

I’ve got about four people working at the moment with my team. It’s about £13,000 to £14,000 per month [approximately $19,600 to $21,200].

When was the work completed?

It’s ongoing work. We started it in October on 2014.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Do you have any statistics or metrics to track improvement from the project?

I don’t have any at the moment. We are pleased with their performance overall.

Are you satisfied with their performance?

It’s been real good. They know what they’re doing and they do understand agile development so they’re pretty much hands on with the deliverables. In terms of transparency, that’s what we were looking for mainly. I think they are a transparent organization, which is why we are trying to expand the team with them.

Is there anything unique or special about Droids On Roids that really makes them stand out compared to other online marketing companies?

I think they’re extremely good at project managing. The process of their managing teams and ensuring quality work seems to be quite robust and that’s probably something that’s different than other developers in Poland.

Looking back on the work so far, is there any area that you think they could improve upon or that you might do differently?

Not anything that I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of OhMiBod

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We make state of the art, app connected Vibrators and Sex Toys

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Droids On Roids to accomplish?

• Bring our app to the next level
• Add functionality to the app

SOLUTION

How did you find Droids On Roids?

• Online Search

Why did you select Droids On Roids over others?

• Pricing fit our budget

How many teammates from Droids On Roids were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

The scope included a re-write of an existing app to add stabilization and various functionality to the app for a better user experience. We also added support for new Bluetooth protocols and video functionality for OTI control of the OhMiBod products.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

New releases into the iOS and google play stores with the added functionality.

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

Projects were delivered on time and with satisfactory results. They were very responsive to accommodating our needs as a small company.

What was your primary form of communication with Droids On Roids?

• Virtual Meeting

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

They have a great team and are super fun to work with.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Droids On Roids could have done differently?

Nothing really comes to mind.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Head Of Product of SmartLunch

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

SmartLunch is a platform that allows employees to order meals with employer subsidies. The company takes care of the organization, collection of orders and settlements. Thanks to cooperation with local restaurateurs, meals can be delivered to every corner of Poland.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Droids On Roids to accomplish?

• Improving the performance and efficiency of the application.
• Ensuring compatibility with the latest Android devices and operating systems.
• Reducing maintenance costs by using up-to-date and well-supported technologies.
• Increasing the security and stability of the application.

SOLUTION

How did you find Droids On Roids?

Referral

Why did you select Droids On Roids over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Droids On Roids were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

• Compatibility with devices running Android 5.1 or higher. 
• Access to device resources such as files, camera, clipboard, and notifications as needed for features such as adding files to chat, scanning QR codes, pasting BLIK numbers, and receiving push notifications. 
• Proper handling of application state changes including saving the application state on pause, resuming and closing the application. 
• Displaying a notification to the user when there is no internet connection upon launching the application. 
• Implementation of an Android loader to allow for asynchronous loading processes. Integration with OneSignal SDK for push notifications and handling of device ID and user ID pairs. 
• Support for deep links including returning from PayU and redirecting to the location specified in push notifications. 
• Opening external links outside of the application.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Refactoring the code to improve its readability, maintainability, and extensibility. 
• Updating the dependencies and libraries to the latest versions and resolving any compatibility issues. 
• Documenting the code and architecture to facilitate knowledge transfer and collaboration among developers.
• Prioritizing the most critical and impactful areas of technical debt and allocating sufficient time and resources to address them.

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

We are very satisfied with our cooperation with DroidsOnRoids, which was based on professional relations, trust and professionalism. They delivered everything on time and of high quality. We highly recommend their services to anyone looking for a reliable and competent partner in IT projects.

What was your primary form of communication with Droids On Roids?

Email or Messaging App

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

Professionalism, knowledge of the latest trends and technologies in mobile applications.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Droids On Roids could have done differently?

No opinion.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the product owner

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Droids On Roids, and what were your goals?

Develop the iOS app and Backend

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I had several calls with the CEO

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

iOS app in Swift, Backend in node.js, DB in postgres, AWS

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

8

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We just launched the project

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

Daily Stand up, Slack, Github, and Jira for communication

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

We are able to take over the project very quickly. They understand the business goals and align the team of developers behind them Good problem solvers and great at hearing the task requirements, acting on the problems. Openminded an overall good team to work with.

They are able to deliver on time and flexible when making changes.

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

NA

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I was the head of delivery of a leading OTT Platform based out of India

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Droids On Roids, and what were your goals?

We had a SDK based OTT app that was slow in performance and has stability issues. We engaged Droids on Roids to improvement performance and reduce App crashes

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We searched for the company over internet and finalized Droids and Roids based on a reference

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

Scope include re-factoring of the existing OTT mobile app for Android and iOS. We removed React Native code and moved to entirely Kotlin and Swift based App.

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

Two Scrum Masters, 12 developers and 2 testers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We improved the crash rate from 92% crashfree to 98% crashfree

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

Scrum based agile development was used

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

Their process-oriented approach was impressive.

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

Would need to be more flexible to work for Indian cyustomers