Extern Labs

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of Edstruments.

What challenge were you trying to address with Extern Labs?

While building our first version of our web app, we hired them for front-end web development.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Before we brought their team in, we hired a design firm to create the initial idea for our UX. We also hired backend engineers to begin the process of constructing the backend. From there, we had their team take the designs and translate them into code that matched our specifications. After that, we collaborated on changes over the course of several months. They used React.js for the front-end work. 

Our apps have budget tracking capabilities for school districts in the United States. The tools can be used to track and manage transactions, make funding plans, and initiate approved purchase orders. They helped us create all of those features.

What is the team composition?

For the most part, I worked exclusively with one point of contact from their end. There were a few cases where he enlisted the help of one of his teammates. Even so, that teammate’s work was pretty limited relative to his.  

How did you come to work with Extern Labs?

We initially found them on Upwork after interviewing their representatives as well as those from other agencies. Our team decided on them because of the quality of their interview and early performance. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $20,000–$30,000 on their services.  

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2019–March 2020.

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

The inital app design followed our specifications very closely. In that sense, they created the app with fidelity to the original design. They were also creative in finding ways to achieve design elements that weren’t straightforward. Our developers haven’t needed to do any significant edits to their work since our time working with them. We corrected a few bugs, but there were no serious issues. 

How did Extern Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

For the most part, they were good about completing tasks that were assigned to them and completing tasks that they saw necessary. They missed our communicated deadlines a few times, but they delivered work within our timeframes for the most part. Their team worked directly with me to ensure that we were clear on expectations. He was easy to communicate with, even across timezones. We communicated through Slack and email. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were extremely communicative and invested in the success of the product. We could tell that they were interested in building a positive relationship with me as a client. When I visited India on a personal trip, he made the effort to travel outside of his home city to meet me where I was. His willingness to build a relationship really stood out.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Because our timelines were demanding, sometimes they delivered incomplete or error-prone code. That required us to request changes later. It would be helpful if they could find their balance between deadlines and quality.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the business head. I'm taking care of the global business acquisition.

For what projects/services did your company hire Extern Labs?

We hired them for multiple services like C, C++, IoT, NodeJs, and ReactJs development

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

They were new to the market when we started working with them but they were enthusiastic for the working. This is something which helped us take this decision.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

They provided us different resources time to time for different projects which we can't name here as our client names are covered under the NDA. They helped our clients from Gathering the requirements to delivering the final product.

Describe the recruitment process in detail.

We went through their portfolios and discussed about different requirements and they were always available to help us in most of the cases. There regular interest in working with us was something we liked the most.

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

Yes, They delivered fully developed product which made our clients happy and we feel a happy client is everything what a company needs.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Even though our teams has never worked together from a single geographical location but the engagement and deliveries were still very much prepared with market standards.

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

I think their interest in building great products is something which I find to be very impressive.

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

Sometimes while building quality they didn't bend towards the budget which was annoying in the initial stage but after see the quality of deliverables it was worth.

Please describe your company and your position there.

COO of a Software Nonprofit

For what projects/services did your company hire Extern Labs, and what were your goals?

We hired them for React & Node Development

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

They seemed like a trustworthy company

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

We hired them for React & Node Development

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

4

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

The provided almost zero value, the code was messy, unorganized, they clearly have no experience.

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

Poor communication

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

N/A

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

They need to hire competent developers and management, and they don't treat their clients well.