KODE

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm cofounder and CPO in Napopravku. Our company is web-service for finding good doctor, reading and writing reviews, comparing prices on medical services and easy booking of an appointment.

For what projects/services did your company hire KODE?

Previously our business has been made only in web environment and at last we have decided to make an app with functionality of our web-site. Web-site is quite complex and sophisticated with its functions. It was developed by our in-house team for 5 years. And for developing an app we had very challenging deadlines - we planned to receive fully functional app in 4,5 months.

What were your goals for this project?

Our main goal that we panned to achieve by launching an app was to increase users retention. By the end of 2020, after 4-5 months after launch we planned to have 10% of appointments booked through the app.

How did you select KODE?

We made long list of 16 companies based on 4 ratings of mobile app developers, including Clutch and 3 Russian ones. Also on this stage we considered info on vendors' web-sites - description of their approach, portfolio and type of their business (we preferred more specialized companies rather than multi-IT giants). We asked all vendors to prepare their proposals with schedule and budget and provide CV and portfolio of team members, who will be engaged in our project.

We also called to their previous clients to discuss their experience with the company and concrete team members.

Final criteria were:

1. Schedule
2. Budget
3. Experience and personality of team members
4. Company approach - we searched for fast and flexible partner, that will be able to adopt to our requirements.

In final list we had 2 companies and we understood that second company is not flexible enough, they used to work with large corporations while we need more entrepreneurial approach.

Describe the project in detail.

We planned to make 2 native apps for Android and iOS. We had no in-house team for mobile app development as previously we had only web and thus no expertise in this sphere. We planned to make API for mobile app by our own developers in parallel with app developing. All other tasks as app design, app development and QA was made by KODE. In the beginning we had very rough specification in which mainly were described things that should be different comparing to our mobile version of the web-site.

KODE started straight forward to mockups, making specification in parallel that helps us to save time, not making it as separate stage. From the beginning we planned to take app in-house directly after first launch. And KODE helped us a lot by conducting technical interviews with potential candidates. And they also were able to integrate our new in-house mobile developers in their work, as we found them earlier than the project was finished.

What was the team composition?

From KODE side there was a project manager that was the main communication point for us. Also form KODE side there was designer and art director, technical director, analytic, illustrator and QA involved. From the development side at maximum there were up to 4 people on each platform.

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

Our app in AppStore now has rating 4,8 and 4,6 in Google Play. It is regularly in top 5-15 in popular medical apps in both app stores. KODE received Silver prize for its design in Tagline Summer. Initially we planned to have 10% of appointments booked through the app by the end of 2020, after 4-5 months after launch. And we reached this goal in less than 2 months.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The communication and workflow were very comfortable and effective in general. We used joint slack channel, we had access to Jira, Confluence, Figma of KODE.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

KODE demonstrates very partner approach and were ready to help in any non-standard situation. It was the most valuable. All the time they work together with us on our project as a team, as it was their product. Also I would like to mention their perfect project management and coordinating skills, that allow to meet our ambitious deadline with such high level of uncertainty in the beginning.

Are there any areas for improvement?

More expertise in deep links and push-notifications from KODE side would help our project to go smoother. Also we had one situation when realization of the most critical functionality (booking appointment) wasn't approved by key decision maker from our side. Thus this functionality was realized not properly and it was developed second time from the beginning. We lost about 1 week on it and money, of course.

Please describe your company and your position there.

A financial Corporation Bank — Russian universal commercial Bank. I work as a CPO. I lead teams that develop remote solutions for clients: questionnaire services, mobile banking, and Internet banking.

For what projects/services did your company hire KODE?

In our project, KODE managed the supply of resources, they promptly provided their people when we needed it.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal of the project is to provide modern, high - quality and convenient remote services for the Bank's clients. Transfer of clients to remote service. Launch of sales of new online banking products.

How did you select KODE?

We are the one of the largest banks in Russia, that's why we use official tender procedures to choose mobile app developers. KODE took first place according to the results of the competition and the opinions of the selection committee.

Describe the project in detail.

Our partners not only help with development resources for the project, but also provide advice and assistance on how to effectively build the mobile app development process.

Part of employees work in our office and some in the Kaliningrad office. Teams are deeply immersed in our development processes and work in our accounting systems. Recently there was a major release in Apple AppStore and Google Playmarket.

What was the team composition?

Specialists of various profiles are currently working on the project: analysts, designers, developers, etc. In total, the team consists of 30 people.

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

The application has been downloaded several million times. Now app raiting in Appstore 4,7, Google play 4,5. It is a good result. We are satisfied with KODEs quality of work.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We started working with them, and we were pretty happy with progress. We feel almost like a big team with them now. They are a great complement to us.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They’re great to work with. Every interaction is just great, from the developers to the management. As professionals and as individuals, these people are just pleasant to work with. The project went very smoothly. It’s pretty nice working with them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

From my point of view, it was totally fine. I have no complaints when working with them.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the project manager for TBI Bank. We are part of a global group of companies.

What challenge were you trying to address with KODE?

We wanted to begin converting our physical business into a digital one. We needed to increase our online presence, have a remote channel for customers, and build a mobile app for banking. 

What was the scope of their involvement?

KODE did the full scope for the project, including coding, development, architecture, business and system analysis, design, and acceptance and performance testing. They developed the app for Android and iOS platforms, with equal features on each one.

The mobile app gives more control and flexibility to our customers. There is login functionality as well as tools to show conditions of loans and payoffs — all the bank services of a normal bank.

What is the team composition?

There’s a team of about 10 people working for us, including Android, iOS, and backend developers; designers; and analytics people.

How did you come to work with KODE?

We go through a long process to choose vendors. They had provided services for one of the companies in the group previously. We met to discuss the project, and decided they would be good to work with on the project.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent €400,000 (approximately $436,000 USD). 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started somewhere around November 2018, and it’s an ongoing engagement. 

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

We launched the iOS version in stores in March and the Android version at the end of March. Our first customers have given feedback and encountered the first issues. 

The mobile app is helping us become more visible in the digital landscape. We expect reputational outcomes as well as financial.

How did KODE perform from a project management standpoint?

We work using agile methodology and sprints. We are currently in our 23rd sprint. To communicate, we use Jira, Skype, Slack, and many more project tools. They’re responsive and available to us. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a good culture in their team. The communication is good, and there is a solid infrastructure.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the lead of loyalty program at Robot X, a retail software.

What challenge were you trying to address with KODE?

We needed a company to develop our mobile app and website.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed our native mobile app and website with an account for users. A virtual card can identify a customer in the store. That shows us information about their status, the problem status of the customer in the program, and their balance, as well as information about our stores and our promo activity.

What is the team composition?

We had a project manager, who we’ve changed twice due to issues around comprehension.

How did you come to work with KODE?

Three companies took part in our tender. We gave them brief tasks to prepare and chose KODE based on those results. They’re a local company that we’d also read about on Clutch.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $100–$200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2018 and the work is ongoing.

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

When we started to develop this project, we didn’t think the distribution of our mobile app would be so significant. It exceeded our expectations.

How did KODE perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very open with communication, so the project management is good.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re ambitious and ready to conquer the market with us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

During our work, the whole team changed because of us, and it was difficult to start working with the new team. In the end, it went well, but they could improve the procedure around transitioning teams.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

No.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head of the technical team for Utair, an airline. My team provides development and support.

What challenge were you trying to address with KODE?

A couple of years ago, we were looking for a contractor to build a mobile app for us. The old one was outdated, and we wanted to create a new one from scratch.

What was the scope of their involvement?

KODE developed our main mobile app and main mobile website, which each account for half our online traffic. They used the Kotlin language for the Android and iOS apps, with Python for the backend and React.js for the frontend.

What is the team composition?

I interact with half of their team on a daily basis, which includes developers, two analysts, and 1—2 QA engineers.

How did you come to work with KODE?

We reached out to a well-known Russian app developer and KODE was their subcontractor at the time. We started a collaboration, using management and design from the larger partner, and full development and technical analysis from KODE. As of now, we have an in-staff designer, and we have a direct contract only with KODE. They’ve proven they’re the right team to work with.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in March 2016 and the engagement is ongoing.

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

We’ve won 3–6 awards for our app, which now has 200,000 monthly users. Our app accounts represent 15% of our digital channel income. Including the website, the earnings are more than half of our total revenue. We’ve gone from 30% to 50% of tickets being sold through digital channels since the app launch. Most of this growth is coming from the mobile channel.

How did KODE perform from a project management standpoint?

We have a standardized communication environment. They’re using our internal Jira for project management, and they submit code to our repositories. We also conduct chats, and we communicate with multiple team members on their end. Not only do we have technical meetings and set up tasks for them to develop, but they also participate in product meetings. We have a product conference held 2–4 times a year, and they have a role there. They propose solutions and we listen to them quite often.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They focus on the product, not just development. They provide us with insights about how people use our app. This is their key differentiating feature over other, more technically oriented firms. KODE often tells us they’d rather not develop a feature at all, and they tell us why. Their level of expertise is growing very fast.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’re quite strong in terms of analysis and system engineering, but I wish they would work a bit faster. Their skills are one of the reasons we’re becoming more and more integrated together. They have no problems factoring KPIs into our contracts and setting up fines for not reaching those. They’re quite confident and proud of the development level they’re providing.

Sometimes, we need rapid changes in our software, and they could be stronger in combining fast approaches with systematic ones. They’re perfectionists, looking to do everything properly, and they could be more flexible. Still, their performance and product knowledge are outstanding.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Rosevrobank is a large bank. I’m responsible for developing mobile applications for our regular clients, and my specific role is a product owner.

What challenge were you trying to address with KODE?

We started the development project with another company, but, after several exchanges about the price, we wanted to start over. That was when we began work with KODE.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They continued with the development of the MVP version of our app. We changed some of the app’s architectural structure as well as the scope of the application entirely, so in some ways, they started from scratch.

They developed it for iOS using Swift, and for Android using Kotlin and one other language. The backend was completely done on our side: I gave them separate screens on paper, along with how they would work, and they developed the design based on that.

What is the team composition?

The team from KODE included analysts, project managers, designers, QA specialists, and developers for each platform. We also had a team leader for each platform.

How did you come to work with KODE?

They’re located in Kaliningrad, which generally has lower costs than in Moscow. We got in touch and started the work.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in May 2017, and the collaboration is ongoing.

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

KODE delivered a quality product at the time we asked for it. The app is being used by about 50,000 monthly users, with 100,000 users in total.

Our clients are happy with the application, and ultimately, KODE did a very good job for what we paid.

How did KODE perform from a project management standpoint?

The communication is quite good, and they met the deadlines we set. I can contact them anytime I need, even late in the evening.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Our project manager used to work in analytics, so he knows how things work. That enables us to have clear discussions about new features.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

No.

Please describe your company and your position there.

We’re a small but popular non-profit Christian charity fund in Moscow, Russia; we’re also a charity fund. I’m the IT manager responsible for the company sites and apps.

For what projects/services did your company hire KODE?

We were working on a big update for our media library to give our loyal users a new experience. This update was crucial for us, requiring a lengthy transition into new site altogether. We decided to create a mobile app for our users to facilitate the transition to our new platform. As such, we needed resources to build a mobile app that could access the audiobooks we were creating.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted an easily accessible app to ease our transition to the new site.

How did you select this vendor?

As a nonprofit, we had difficulty finding developers who could do high-quality work within our limited budget. However, KODE was able to work with our finances and gave us the best proposal.

Describe the project in detail.

We were already in the middle of our site update when we started working with KODE. They developed a roadmap for the engagement, created maps of all the app screens, and designed the visuals to coordinate with our site. However, we encountered problems with our update, so we had to start over.

KODE waited for us to develop the new update before creating a new roadmap. Once they determined the project requirements, they built the app alongside our site, and we launched them together.

What was the team composition?

We worked primarily with a project manager who addressed all of our concerns, but we know there was also a developer and a designer working in the background.

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

After a few minor updates within the first months of the launch, we gained a stable audience for our audiobooks. This was a great result for us.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We communicated consistently through phone calls, email, and Skype. Our project manager also came to our office a few times for briefings.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We appreciated the team’s flexibility; they understood our circumstances, especially with our update difficulties, and still created a great app. The way that they helped us analyze our goals was effective because it made us understand our objectives. They even guided us to figure out things that we didn’t know we needed.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, nothing comes to mind.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the CTO of GEN Technologies LLC, a reseller of about 60 high-tech brands. We also launched YOL, an award-winning startup.

For what projects/services did your company hire KODE?

We hired KODE to develop a mobile knowledge network for car owners, drivers, and passengers.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to diversify our business.

How did you select this vendor?

We found them on the Internet.

Describe the project in detail.

YOL is a social and commercial network that provides a fast and safe way for motorists and stay in touch. It is an effective and convenient way to share knowledge, get useful information, and receive help from fellow travelers. For example, owners of similar cars can get acquainted through the mobile app. It also allows users to earn and even save money.

Explain how the solution addressed your business challenge.

The solution fully addressed the needs of our target audience.

What was the team composition?

As the product manager, I worked with 1 project manager, 2 iOS developers, 2 Android developers, and 1 backend developer.

What outcomes or results can you share that demonstrate progress and/or success?

The app won first place in the social networks category of the 2016 Golden App contest. Eventually, it was sold to a strategic competitor.

How effective was the project management?

The project management was handled by Alexey Kozak [CEO, KODE]. It was effective; they met every deadline and the QA [quality assurance] process was extremely productive.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I loved 2 things about them. First, there were no critical bugs in any of the releases. Second, they acted not as contractors but rather as business partners, even co-founders. Aside from design and functionality, they also considered business factors, monetization, marketing, and product-market fit. They saved us a lot of money by convincing us not to develop unnecessary functions. At the same time, they developed some critical features at their own expense. They were the most honest and excellent mobile development team I’ve encountered in Russia.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

At Interactive Solutions Group, we develop different types of education programs for EBG [Engineering Business Group] companies and small businesses. We also develop software solutions to arrange our educational programs. I’m the owner.

What challenge were you trying to address with KODE?

We had a lack of resources in-house. We were working for a huge program for one of the biggest insurance companies in Russia. For their 25th anniversary, they requested us to arrange an interactive or welcome zone during their event. We developed a quest/treasure-hunting game, but to arrange it, we needed a mobile application that the attendees could install on their own devices.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We developed the idea and the logistics of the event, and the code was given to KODE so they could develop the app for us. We understood what it should look like and the kind of functionality it should have. They provided the technical requirements, supplying the types of tasks they should do. They also gave us the exact job plan. Once we approved it, they started with the design. After that approval, they began to build the app itself.

The app is for both iOS and Android. One of the biggest problems was publishing it in the App Store, and they helped us publish it on our own account.

We recently received requests for a clone of this app for another company, so we're going to get it from KODE again in December 2017.

What is the team dynamic?

There were about 6 people, including the manager, from their side.

How did you come to work with them?

Certain famous Russian mobile app developers recommended us to go to KODE.

How much have you invested with them?

$10,000. When the app is cloned, it will be at least half of that price.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2016 until November 2016. We are now going to continue our collaboration with KODE.

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

The involvement was about 17%, which was great for that kind of an event. It was a 1-day app, so we used it for the event and then closed it. We had about 7,000 users, and almost all of them said it was good, as well as convenient and easy to understand.

How did they perform from a project management standpoint?

In comparison to other Russian developers, they were really cool: they provided all the information on time, they kept to their plans, and had good communication via email. Everything was perfect.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They kept the deadlines and had good management. There weren't any mistakes.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m head of the Laboratory for Innovative Methods and Innovative Approach to Learning Languages at the Pushkin State Institute of Russian Language. Our focus is teaching Russian as a foreign language, and I conduct research and make products related to digital forms of language education.

What challenge were you trying to address with KODE?

We needed a mobile app for learning, studying, and teaching Russian that could be used by our students and teachers.

What was the scope of their involvement?

KODE implemented two applications for us. The first app was built to train Russian-language students from countries in the former Soviet Union, including Armenia, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Russian is a second language for those students, and we wanted to give them a way to practice their skills. The app features grammar and vocabulary tests, and also provides interesting cultural information (on subjects like Russian literature and history) that helps connect users to the language.

The second application helps English-language students from Europe learn Russian from scratch. It also utilizes quiz formats, though the difficulty level is much lower than the first app.

We needed both applications to work with iOS and Android. After we provided the educational content, KODE handled everything, including uploading the applications to the market.

What is the team dynamic?

There were six people on our side. I was the team leader, working with five teachers to provide content.

How did you come to work with KODE?

State institutions in the Russian Federation cannot choose contractors without going through an official procedure. We began by seeking bids from development companies. Three companies expressed an interest in the project, including KODE.

Of those three, KODE had experience in educational apps and Russian language. They offered competitive prices, and they provided the most detailed proposal.

How much have you invested with them?

It was ₽5,000,000 (Russian rubles. Roughly $87,000).

What is the status of this engagement?

We began early discussions in October 2016. Our work together is ongoing, but the project is about 99% complete.

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

While I don’t have any statistics available at this time, working with KODE has helped make our internal team more prepared and effective. Our students and teachers now have a new tool for training and developing language skills. Users have given positive feedback, saying the mobile apps make learning Russian simple and convenient. In the future, these apps will likely help attract new students and clients from all over the world.

How did KODE perform from a project management standpoint?

Since we’re based in Moscow and KODE is based in Kaliningrad, we are unable to meet in person. We use Google Docs to share tables and content, and communicate through Skype and email.

While KODE had to remove our first project manager over communication and scheduling issues, I was very happy with his replacement, who made sure everything was delivered on time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Unlike other contractors I’ve worked with, KODE always does their best to fulfill all of our wishes and create a polished final product. When we reported issues with the first manager, they replaced him immediately and sacrificed time and money to ensure that the project stayed on schedule. I'm very grateful to them for that.

Are there any areas they could improve?

KODE could have anticipated the issues with the first manager and prevented that situation.