Hyperlink InfoSystem

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founder of our company. Our platform allows people to organize local events. Users can invite people that they either know or want to advertise to. There are many event organizers and ticket publishers in our industry. We are different because our platform is more of a social media event. With our app, individual users can log in and organize an event. In contrast, other platforms require verification from a company to add an event. Any individual can organize an event on our platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Hyperlink Infosystem?

We needed help with our website as well as our mobile apps. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Hyperlink Infosystem developed our website and our mobile app for iOS and Android devices.

How did you come to work with Hyperlink Infosystem?

We did a search online. I called about 10 companies, including Hyperlink. For each company, I looked at their previous work to see if they matched what we planned for our app. Our budget was another deciding factor. Hyperlink already had experience working with event management platforms, so we selected them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app will be going live this week.

What did you find most impressive about Hyperlink Infosystem?

Hyperlink is very good to work with. If there are any issues with the website or app, they fix them very quickly. They give you feedback and they keep you updated with what’s going on.

Are there any areas Hyperlink Infosystem could improve?

I would recommend that they improve their testing.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Our company is relatively new. Our product is similar to Uber in that our services are paid per transaction. For Uber, for example, when you ride a car, you pay once you reach your destination. We have the same concept, but for teaching services. Our application records lessons conducted by different teachers. You can search a particular teacher, subject, or curriculum all in a particular area. Once you make a booking through the app, the teacher will be notified and the appointment is set. Once the session is completed, the teacher will confirm the completion of the session and gets paid. For the time being, other than the partners, we have three people in our staff. I'm a partner of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Hyperlink InfoSystem?

We are planning to expand in the region in the next three years and we wanted to develop our application.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Hyperlink InfoSystem did the development and the design of the application. I have a technical background as an IT project manager, but even though I’m managing the project and deliverables, they are managing all of the technical designs. The project has three phases: iOS application, Android application, and the web app. Hyperlink is developing the three platforms for us. We have completed almost 90% of the project and have a soft launch planned for Abu Dhabi and Dubai. We are expecting to have some additional phases in the application.

How did you come to work with Hyperlink InfoSystem?

I did online research to find the big names in the market. We short-listed around three or four companies. We got technical and financial proposals from all of these companies, but we ended up with Hyperlink and I’m glad we’re working with them. Up until now, they are doing a great job.

How much have you invested with Hyperlink InfoSystem?

We have now spent almost more than $180,000 and plan to reach $250,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We have been working with Hyperlink since March.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We haven’t started our marketing campaigns because many people are out of the country now. We plan to start the first campaign the first of October. However, we have already started the website registration. There are around 50 teachers that have registered. Our target is to reach at least 1,000 teachers before the end of the year.

How did Hyperlink InfoSystem perform from a project management standpoint?

We used to have regular meetings with the whole team. They're offshore, but they're very productive, and I feel like we're in the same place. We're always in contact via Skype or some other technology.

What did you find most impressive about Hyperlink InfoSystem?

Hyperlink is committed to the time of delivery. We have gone through many challenges, and we have changed the function many times. The developers were agile enough to accommodate our changes.

Are there any areas Hyperlink InfoSystem could improve?

It happens in any project that things could improve here and there. Especially at the beginning of the project, there were points of difficulty in convincing the developers and making it very clear to them my idea of the business and what I want. It's a learning curve. Over time, they understood exactly where I wanted to go with my business and the logic behind the application. It didn’t take too long and that usually happens in any business.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Buuurp! is a new app that enables restaurants to promote deals without limitations or restrictions. In order for the customer to qualify for the deal, they must share the deal on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, thus generating social media exposure for the restaurant. I'm the cofounder.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Hyperlink InfoSystem?

My business partner and I formed a startup, and we had an idea for an app that needed developing. The app would allow restaurants to add other business details like menu, hours of operation, photos, and so on. The user can define their restaurant or ideal search by selecting a distance in miles or kilometers from their current location and by selecting from a list of cuisine types. Once the user selects a deal, they activate the deal by sharing it on social media. A restaurant may create a listing or claim an existing listing. Automated emails with login credentials are sent to the restaurant owner once their listing is claimed or created. Restaurant listings and deals are created on the website, and the app automatically updates.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We needed web development and app development for iOS and Android. Phase 1 consisted of app development of the home page, which shows restaurant listings, including business details and map location.

How did you come to work with Hyperlink InfoSystem?

Previously, my partner and I had directly employed developers in the Philippines, but that didn't work out. We were ready to outsource the work to a company that could manage the project more efficiently.

I did a Google search for "Best Mobile App developers" and found a web page listing precisely that. I scrolled down until I found Hyperlink InfoSystem. They seemed to have one of the best scores for the price.

How much have you invested with Hyperlink InfoSystem?

The first phase cost $50,000, but we forecast there will be four to five phases and ongoing maintenance needed. I guess the total amount will be around $250,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

This project started in March 2016 and is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Phase 1 has just gone live, so we are still in soft launch mode. So far, we have received very positive feedback from users, who are commenting about how nice and user friendly the app is compared to others of its kind.

What did you find most impressive about Hyperlink InfoSystem?

It was a pleasure to feel our project was finally in safe hands. Hyperlink Infosystem is very communicative and always make sure they understand our requirements before proceeding. Before working with Hyperlink InfoSystem, I never knew if other companies or employees understood our requirements.

Are there any areas Hyperlink InfoSystem could improve?

This kind of project and working relationship is new to me, so that's hard to say. However, I feel they have shown a high level of professionalism from our initial discussions through to deployment.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

OanZ Holdings is a startup for schools, daycares, and communities. I am a Cofounder.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Hyperlink Infosystem?

We wanted to create an app where people can create accounts to stay connected to their community. We have a web page that we’re launching in two weeks [July 2016] and we needed to be able to convert user signups to subscription users through a digital portal or app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We used Hyperlink Infosystem to develop our app. They did the coding and backend work for the app as well as the user interface. We came up with the format and the concept that we wanted and gave Hyperlink the blueprint. They produced the app for us on both iOS and Android.

How did you come to work with Hyperlink Infosystem?

I did an internet search for mobile app developers and, in my opinion, Hyperlink provided the best services. After I spoke with them on the phone, I decided to hire them out of the 5 agencies I looked at. I was especially happy that they agreed to follow the vision I had for our app.

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

It was a lengthy project that involved a few additional features as the idea grew. The project was $250,000 in total.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

There’s nothing quantitative at this point because of how recently the app was released. Hyperlink Infosystem has gone above and beyond what we could expect. We were happy with their work as soon as they were able to start providing us with previews of our application. Hyperlink Infosystem has not only met but exceeded all our expectations.

What did you find most impressive about Hyperlink Infosystem?

Hyperlink Infosystem had a way of solving any issues that came up. My motto is that there are no problems just solutions, and they worked that way too. No matter what issues arose or at what time, they responded and worked hard to fix the issue. They still provide excellent service when needed. There was not a communication barrier, and they met all their deadlines.

Are there any areas Hyperlink Infosystem could improve?

Nothing comes to mind.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

The app is an on-demand app that you can utilize to provide any kind of service to the user, whether it’s for transportation, restaurants, hotels, and such.

What is your position?

I’m the founder of the app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address with Hyperlink InfoSystem?

I worked with Hyperlink Infosystem to make my idea into a reality. I was looking at other apps around, for example, Uber, and they didn’t really have this type of service. It just made me think. I talked with people that I work with, and they actually agreed with me.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement in greater detail.

My app is for both iOS and Android. Hyperlink did all of the development with me. I consulted on the project but Hyperlink Infosystem did everything else. They set the wireframe and they set up the actual development to make it work.

How did you come to work with Hyperlink InfoSystem?

Honestly, I saw an ad that they had online while researching the Uber app, and pretty much decided to just pick up the phone and call them. There were two other agencies that I reached out to, and they weren’t that great in terms of information, background, and the responses that they gave me. I didn’t feel comfortable going with the other two agencies because I wanted to make sure I went with people with strong experience and a solid portfolio. When I came across Hyperlink, they talked to me about what they could do for me, and walked through their technical knowledge. Their explanation helped me and gave me a better understanding of how the process would work.

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

It wasn’t a small amount of money, and I don’t feel comfortable disclosing that information.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any statistics or metrics from this engagement?

The app actually isn’t live just yet. I’m still looking for an investor that would help with building more features. Once I have my ducks in a row and get rid of some potential debt, I would actually then launch the app and look for someone who would help me do that as well.

What distinguishes Hyperlink InfoSystem from other providers?

Honestly, it was difficult because of the time change. I’m in the US, and they’re in India. The entire time difference was a little challenging, but whenever I was able to talk to them, which was 9:00 or 10:00 at night, they were on point with everything. The ideas that Hyperlink Infosystem provided, their responsiveness, and their timing were just impeccable.

Is there anything Hyperlink InfoSystem could have improved or done differently?

Other than the time difference, they’re awesome. That’s all I’ve got to say.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

It's actually my dad's company. We have a few liquor stores around the Chicago area.

What is your position?

I just help with the store. It's a family business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address with Hyperlink InfoSystem?

When we first started looking our challenge was to get all of our stores in one line. I wanted something that helped us with all of our stores' inventory, sales, and tracking profit. It was a challenge to communicate with different stores. What we wanted from Hyperlink InfoSystem was an app that could help us with those processes.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement in detail.

It's an Android app, but it's not available in stores. It was only made for our internal use.

How did you come to work with Hyperlink InfoSystem?

We searched for companies around Chicago and some other United States-based companies. They were just a little more expensive than we could afford. One of our relatives in India suggested Hyperlink InfoSystem. We thought it was a good idea. We asked around, and it seemed like Hyperlink was one of the good companies around so we went with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What distinguishes Hyperlink InfoSystem from other providers?

I was actually surprised. When I first started, I had an idea of what I wanted. I wasn't exactly sure how it was going to be carried out. Another plus with Hyperlink was that we speak the same language. It was easier for us to communicate. It was nice because anytime I would suggest something, and I wasn't sure how it would be carried out they understood my suggestions quite well. It just seemed to be they took all that information and feedback and applied it to our app. Overall, communication was a strong point of working with Hyperlink InfoSystem. There wasn't anything where I was trying to communicate something and they didn't get or didn't do.

Is there anything Hyperlink InfoSystem could have improved or done differently?

So far, I feel like the project went a lot better than what I had expected. I went into it without any expectations so I wasn't sure how it was going to go. Hyperlink InfoSystem made the process so easy for me that I can't think of anything constructive to say.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

My app is an app that allows users to earn points by completing simple tasks, and then they can redeem those points for gift cards.

What is your position?

I'm the cofounder.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address with Hyperlink InfoSystem?

We hired Hyperlink to create the whole app. They did the designing, developing, and uploading to the App Store.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement in detail.

Right now, our app is just available on iOS, but we're hoping to hire Hyperlink again to make our Android app.

How did you come to work with Hyperlink InfoSystem?

We found Hyperlink InfoSystem on Clutch, and we saw that they had great reviews. We contacted them and liked them the best out of the other options we had.

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

The whole app was less than $10,000.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any statistics or metrics from this engagement?

We've been getting 50 downloads a day since we launched about a week ago [March 2016]. That's with zero promotion, and we have made a decent amount of profit so far.

What distinguishes Hyperlink InfoSystem from other providers?

They're so good on Skype and getting back to me quickly. I must have made more than 100 changes to the app throughout the whole process. Hyperlink InfoSystem always had a positive attitude, and they completed everything on time and always worked well with my team and me.

Is there anything Hyperlink InfoSystem could have improved or done differently?

Not that I can think of. I'm 100 percent happy with Hyperlink so far.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

We are a production company in Kuwait that produces theater plays, TV shows, and radio station programs. Our company is not only in Kuwait; we work in many parts of the Middle East. Our company has been in business since 1975.

What is your position?

I am the General Manager of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address with Hyperlink Infosystem?

We’re currently opening a new department and feel that businesses need to utilize the app market in order to see their businesses grow. Our fans have made it clear that they’d like us to publish an application that makes all of our content available. Hyperlink Infosystem was the solution to that problem.

Due to Kuwait’s lack of resources in the technology space, we knew we had to find a partner outside of Kuwait to help.

SOLUTION

How did you come to work with Hyperlink Infosystem?

I researched many different companies, both in the US and Kuwait. We have relationships with many companies but the majority of our work is outsourced outside of Kuwait. We know a lot of small businesses in Kuwait, who work in maintenance and IT, but application development almost exclusively happens outside Kuwait.

I also searched for app development companies in the UK, but didn’t find anything. I’m not sure exactly why I chose Hyperlink Infosystem, but I felt there was something special about them and ultimately, I'm happy that I chose them. They did a very good job. At the beginning, I was worried that we might face problems linguistically because they are from India, and we speak Arabic. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to effectively explain everything to them, as English is a second language for both of us. They work well as a team, which is important to me. Every time I send an email or call, they always answer.

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

It's just under $200,000.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Is there anything Hyperlink Infosystem could have improved or done differently?

Hyperlink InfoSystem is a very good partner. It would be great if they had more of a physical presence in Kuwait.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

My company is a mobile application and software solution for dog owners and companies that provide services for dogs. Such services include, dog walking, grooming, and any other dog related businesses. It’s a marketplace to connect both parties.

What is your position?

I’m the Chief Executive Officer [CEO] of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address with Hyperlink InfoSystem?

The majority of development is done by my in-house developer. We looked overseas because cost is a big concern with development, and businesses overseas are generally cheaper. Additionally, while working with a company in the opposite time zone, we are able to work 24/7.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement in greater detail.

Hyperlink has been an app development partner.

How did you come to work with Hyperlink Infosystem?

Initially, I was evaluating a few different providers. I sent out a request for proposal, looked at each provider’s portfolio, and the potential issues that could come up. In the end, I decided Hyperlink was the best.

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

The project was in the range of $10,000 to $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

This week we’re nearing completion of our third and final phase.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any statistics or metrics from this engagement?

For the first phase, we had a private beta launch. For this, we brought on two clients along with their own client base.

What distinguishes Hyperlink InfoSystem from other providers?

Hyperlink InfoSystem has a customer-centric approach, with the leadership team regularly checking in with clients. Often with offshore providers, you only deal with the project management team – that was not our experience. We even heard from the CEO after we signed the contract. They remained very close to the project to ensure sure we were happy throughout.

Is there anything Hyperlink InfoSystem could have improved or done differently?

There was a minor language barrier, but it didn’t hinder the process. Overall, Hyperlink was a great partner.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

I'm an MBA [Masters of Business Administration] student, and I've started a company around a mobile app that allows people to connect with other users who are located within a 150-foot radius. It's an ice-breaking app that's purely geolocation-based as opposed to traditional networking applications that use existing knowledge of linking people in order to connect them.

What is your position?

I'm the founder and only person on the team.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address with Hyperlink InfoSystem?

I'm not a developer. I needed to find a partner to help me build the app. I decided not to go with a North American company because I realized most of the development work is usually outsourced overseas anyway. I decided to cut out the middleman and go to the source.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement in detail.

The app is being developed for the iOS and Android platforms.

How did you come to work with Hyperlink InfoSystem?

I did extensive research online, including using Clutch. I read the reviews and spoke to a number of their previous clients. Ultimately, I think it was, first, their small size. That was important because, if you work with a big company, you're a little fish in a big pond. Lastly, Hyperlink's attitude I was able to develop a personal connection with their representative. 

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

My project was a slightly more than $50,000.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any statistics or metrics from this engagement?

I think that the biggest success was the user interface. The first proposal Hyperlink made in terms of user interface they gave three options. They were equally appealing, and we went with option one. It has been an absolute hit with people who have used it or looked at it from regular users with no IT [information technology] experience to those who have developed apps before. Everyone is saying the user interface is great. We are very happy about it. In terms of functionality, it was bug-free. We went through challenges in the development but in the end, the final product is bug-free, and we're happy with it.

What distinguishes Hyperlink InfoSystem from other providers?

I have two contacts – a business development person and a project manager. Both of them are exceptionally responsive. The project manager is on Skype and frequently available. He's been fully dedicated to the project. Everything that had to be fixed was fixed almost immediately. They're very easy to communicate with. The ability to communicate in English was phenomenal. Their understanding of the requirements was phenomenal. Hyperlink InfoSystem's suggestions of solutions to requirements were unparalleled. Their devotion, constant availability, and technical understanding were the best it could be.

Is there anything Hyperlink InfoSystem could have improved or done differently?

Hyperlink should be more realistic with their time estimates. The initial estimate was overly ambitious. In their eagerness to win the contract, they gave me a very aggressive timeline for when they promised to deliver the project. In the end, we didn't overshoot the timeline by a dramatic amount, but all the spare time I had built into the timeline was used up.