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    London, United Kingdom
    +44.20.7183.5820

We think business, then development

4.8
30 reviews

At Magora we design mobile and web B2B and B2C applications and bespoke software. We integrate them into fully-fledged business solutions, establishing a strong online presence for your company and maximizing your ROI.

What we do:

  • Internal Enterprise utilities
  • Consumer-facing services
  • MVPs for startups

We care about your business goals; development is only part of the whole process. Our work includes services to assist you with:

  • Product strategy
  • UX/UI Design
  • Development
  • Implementation
  • New customer acquisition

We pay special attention to work with particular industry verticals. Magora team can present you sizable portfolios for our priority directions such as Transport & Logistics, Medicine, Real Estate & Property Management and others.

We have forged our vision and gained our experience on a long path: magora-systems.com/about/

If you're based in Russian Federation, please, visit our Russian website: magora-systems.ru/

Among our clients: Unilever, Danone, Cisco, Mandara, Toyota, Yandex, Sberbank ...

READ MORE...
 
$10,000+
 
$50 - $99 / hr
 
50 - 249
 Founded
2010
Show all +
London, United Kingdom
headquarters
  • Magora
    The Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High St.
    London, LND E1 6JJ
    United Kingdom
    +44.20.7183.5820
other locations
  • Magora
    3 AMP Tower, 50 Bridge Str.
    Sydney, NSW 2000
    Australia
    +61.283.109951
  • Magora
    47-49 700 Marata Str.
    St. Petersburg 191002
    Russia
    +7.812.243.1172
  • Magora Novosibirsk, NVS 630001
    Russia

Portfolio

Key clients: 

Industry Leaders: InnovoCare, BrandSkout, Danone, London VIP Group, VPS, Blue Cielo; Startups: ShowApp, Jurni, Tebengan.  Internet of Things projects: Organic Response,Orotimatic. 

MoPals

The Magora team was assigned to develop a geo-positioning-enabled iOS and Android app for the existing web portal  of a Canadian company. The app enables users to share their location with friends via Facebook and Twitter, upload photos and videos, attain bonuses for checking in and writing reviews of the brands they like. Magora managed to deliver a user-friendly business platform and gained precious experience of successful collaboration with the client’s team of developers and designers.

Globi Calls

Globi Calls is a know-how VoiP (Voice over IP) + Server solution created by Magora. It was intented to solve a problem facing an international partner who needed to avoid wasting time and money on international calls within the company, whose personnel were working all around the globe in different time zones. The Magora developers built a new computer integration system consisting of the classic VoiP telephony and integrated remote servers, one for each continent. Using this system, local connections within the company can be redirected to each other and each incoming call can be redirected to any internal company number at domestic IP-phone rates.

Hunger

This Magora development project is a food delivery platform intended to provide customers with an easy way to order lunch via an iOS or Android app and have it delivered to them in minutes. The delivery time is automatically calculated based on the customer’s location, whilst the location of the courier can be monitored in real time. The app also offers notifications and an integrated payment system for credit and debit cards. The platform offers two user roles - courier and customer - removing middlemen between caterers and clients.

VPN Platform as SaaS

The Magora team developed a virtual private network platform, working as SaaS for our West-European clients. This SaaS solution is intended for the Arab, Chinese and European B2C markets and provides cheap, stable and secure mobile and web VPN access to bypass blocks and guarantee the safety of the user’s private data. Complete solution provides the user's advanced functionality and connection speed.

Pharm Card

Pharm Card is a software solution that includes an iOS mobile tablet PC app and web-based desktop application, created for an international pharmaceutical company. The Magora team helped to replace the hundreds of Excel files medical reps had to fill out daily with a handy software tool with broad functionality, while the company's top management get full control over distribution and mid-level staff get a convenient tool with a user-friendly web panel.

Rotimatic - project with the internet of things background

Rotimatic is an IoT project based around smart kitchen robots, which Magora helped Singaporean business innovators bring to life. In keeping with the client's requirements, the development team built the software architecture with front and back-end components and integrated it with the Rotimatic baking tool. The software works in semi-automatic mode and can update the recipes of a special kind of bread - Roti - once connected to WiFi. Other options, such as remote sensor diagnostics, temperature/time/ingredient consumption control,  and remote diagnostics are also available.

Sales Tool

Magora helped a world-renowned enterprise, the cleaning supplies producer Vileda, to build an Android tablet app for a large-scale Sales Tool project. With this software system corporate buyers can cover all their cleaning supply needs, using the intuitive, user-friendly interface to order accessories based on types of surface by uploading interior photos into the system. The intelligent system recognises the photos and recommends supplies and equipment sets from those stored in its DB.

Organic Response

App Store

Google Play

Web and mobile apps for a company that installs Smart Lighting Systems.

Check out the Full Case Study.

Russian Version.

Tebengan

Tebengan is a web platform for ride-sharing purposes. An intuitive software solution help drivers and passengers reach each other and have the best travel experience.

Full Case Study

VPS:Vessel Performance Solution

The VPS software is an effective cargo ship performance management application. The app aims at automatization of analytical processes and assistance in decision-making practices.

Full Case Study 

Russian version

tellMasha App for Danone

App Store

Google Play

tellMasha is a mobile app for a multinational food corporation, Danone. The consumer-facing application enables users to participate and improve product quality control.

Find out more about this case in our Projects.

Russian Version

ShowApp

App Store

Google Play

ShowApp is a convenient and multifunctional mobile app that provides users with information about the exact kind of events they will find interesting. The Magora mobile app and web development team have designed a special algorithm that measures user’s preferences, subscriptions and geolocation before using them to find something that is going to catch their attention.

Russian Version

Jurni

App Store

Innovative social network. An app that allows users to tell a story. In a video.

More about the project in the Case Study.

Russian Version.

InnovoCare: Magora’s web app for internal medical staff

We are proud to say, that the bespoke business software we create is specifically geared to solve unique business problems. Now medical administrators can precisely evaluate the cost-effectiveness of every procedure and treatment performed in their clinic, which helps them monitor and regulate their patient base.

Full Case Study

Russian Version.

Magora's POS Software

PrognoStore website

Bespoke POS software for small businesses from Magora.

Approach, tech stack, and more details - in our Case Study.

Russian Version.

Core Power Golf: A New iOS Mobile App Designed by Magora

App Store

Magora's iOS developers and app designers are proud to present a new educational project for iPhone. Core Power Golf was built exclusively for golfers.

Go to our website to learn more about Core Power Golf.  

Russian Version.

PlanDo

Google Play

PlanDo is a social mobile app that helps users find new friends and create fun events.

To learn more about the project check out our Case Study.

Russian Version - PlanDo.

Magora’s Business Web Tool for Brand Owners

Magora has created a web program for online monitoring of retailers’ pricing with an easy-to-read, multifunctional dashboard.

More info in our Case Study.

Parking Guide

Parking Guide is simultaneously a simple mobile tool with a pleasant, intuitive user interface and quite a complex application.

Full Case Study

 

Bang Track

A mobile recording studio. 

Find out more about Bang Track by reading the Case Study.

Reviews

4.8
30 reviews
Sort by

Developing a Demo Product for a Startup

“They did the work well and delivered everything within their initial timeframes.”

See More

4.5

Quality: 
4.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
3.0
Willing to refer: 
4.0
The Project
 
Less than $10,000
 
Jun. - Jul. 2017
Project summary: 

Magora designed a series of UI/UX demo images for a proposed financial website. They visualized a customer journey that included initial registration, account setup, and product purchasing.

The Reviewer
 
United Kingdom
Founder, Finance Startup
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Magora’s team took a business concept and translated it into a concrete demo under a tight deadline. They communicated effectively and proved willing to undertake unusual projects.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a finance startup in the UK.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Magora?

We hired them to build a product demo for us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I’m not a designer, so I had them create what was essentially an online slideshow to demo the web platform I intend to build. They designed the UI/UX concepts for the proposed site and demonstrated a customer journey from initial registration to browsing for products and adding them to a shopping cart. There were additional slides depicting user account features and functionality.

What is the team composition?

My main point of contact was James, and then they assigned a designer. There was an additional designer based in Russia who occasionally joined us for conference calls, but I’m not sure how they split the work.

How did you come to work with Magora?

I received a few recommendations by word of mouth.

How much have you invested with them?

The total cost was under $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

They completed the project in about six weeks from June to July 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Before hiring Magora, we had a hard time getting people’s attention and creating enthusiasm for our product. Their demo work significantly increased our success at getting people to back our startup.

How did Magora perform from a project management standpoint?

They did well, considering that they weren’t native English speakers and didn’t have much familiarity with the British banking market. We had an initial meeting face to face, which helped with communication at the start, and then we kept in touch via phone, Skype, and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They did the work well and delivered everything within their initial timeframes. We were under a tight deadline to have something to present for meetings and they took us from a blank piece of paper to a finished design very quickly. I only wish we’d had more time because I know they could have done even more for us.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Don’t be shy about asking for what you want. Our project was a bit outside the realm of their normal jobs, but they embraced it and turned out good work.

4.5
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They delivered everything correctly and on time.
  • 3.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 4.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 4.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Front- & Backend Development for Engagement Platform

"Their developers are very efficient."

See More

4.5

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
3.5
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Jan. 2018 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Magora provides front- and backend development services, as well as solution architecture for a community engagement platform.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Melbourne, Australia
Edmund Munday
Head of Product, Tribus Australia
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The platform was completed successfully and is currently in use by its intended audience. The team managed the project smoothly and ensured that their developers handled the work quickly and professionally.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Tribus Australia is a community engagement platform aimed at enabling community groups to deliver community-led projects.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Magora?

We needed them to build the digital platform that would make up the backbone of our business.

What were your goals for this project?

To deliver a digital platform that supports community groups in delivering their projects.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We compared a wide range of vendors via a request for information process. Magora offered the best combination of cost, quality, and speed.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

They provide our entire software development capabilities, including the frontend, backend, and solution architecture.

What was the team composition?

There are two frontend developers, two backend developers, a project manager, and a UX specialist.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

Our web platform is now live and being used by community members throughout Melbourne.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

They provided project management services for the project via an embedded project manager with the team.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their developers are very efficient.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

There are always challenges when working across language barriers. Our project manager spoke English fluently though, so the issues were marginal.

4.5
Overall Score They saved our business.
  • 3.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    All the features were delivered promptly and on budget.
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They provided good value for the effort.
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    Overall, it was excellent quality.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I have already referred them to people.

iOS Development for Community Travel App Development Company

“The app launched recently and Magora did a good job with it."

See More

5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
May 2017 - Jan. 2018
Project summary: 

Magora worked on the iOS version of an application, providing backend development services with Java. They included features such as integrated maps, currency converters, and reviews.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Singapore
Managing Director, Community Travel App Development Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Completed successfully, the application met expectations and was developed well. They managed the project effectively, ensuring that work was tracked efficiently and communication was smooth at all times. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director of a company developing a travel app. It allows users to keep journals and share their thoughts.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Magora?

We needed help developing the iOS version of the application.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They provided support on the iOS side and backend development using Java. We sent them a list of the features we wanted, based on which they sent us a quotation.

Users have access to maps and a currency converter, they can make reviews, and add photos and videos. The app also has a check-in functionality similar to Facebook’s and creates a timeline of the trip.

What is the team composition?

I had a sales contact and a project manager from their side. I also worked with a Java team lead and a Java engineer.

How did you come to work with Magora?

I found them on Upwork and saw they had quite a lot of experience in this field. Their price was on par with their competitors, so we went ahead with Magora.

How much have you invested with them?

The cost of the project was $75,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Magora in May 2017. The project was completed around January 2018. There are still providing help with some small items.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I don’t have any statistics about it. The app launched recently and Magora did a good job with it.

How did Magora perform from a project management standpoint?

They did a good job in this respect. We worked on Upwork, through which they logged the number of hours spent on our project, also communicating using Skype. I had a call with their project manager every week, going through what they had achieved, and whether the work met my requirements or not. The process was smooth.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’ve mentioned everything already.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

UI Design for Social Network Platform

“They started and finished on time, produced work reliably, and made the whole process seamless.”

See More

4.5

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
4.5
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Less than $10,000
 
Feb. - Mar. 2018
Project summary: 

Magora provided design solutions for a social networking iOS app. Working from written guidance, they developed the app’s UI design, including visual elements, layout, and logo options.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
London, United Kingdom
CEO, Internet Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

They provided good design work in a timely manner. Their reliability and consistency were strong and they were mindful of scheduling and budgetary needs.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We offer a social networking iOS application. I'm the company's CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Magora?

We developed and coded our app in-house, but don’t have an internal design team. We wanted a company to help with that aspect of the build.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We provided them with a basic blueprint for the number of screens we wanted and reasonably detailed requests for each screen. They designed each screen’s icons, colors, fonts, and layout. Their main objectives were to make our concepts useful and improve the UI design.

We provided written guidance to describe our brand vision and potential logos. We looked over their work on a weekly basis over four to five weeks. We provided comments and feedback before receiving the next iteration from them.

What is the team composition?

We had an account manager who acted as our main initial contact and worked with us throughout the project. He provided quotes and introduced us to members of the design team. We were also in direct contact with a lead designer.

How did you come to work with Magora?

They approached a friend of ours who knew we were looking for a team like theirs. We had poor experiences with three individual freelancers in the past and decided we wanted to work with a company.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about £5,000 ($7,029.40 US).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together between February and March 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The quality of their design work is very good. We are satisfied with what they delivered and their cost. They were very timely.

How did Magora perform from a project management standpoint?

They did very well, particularly in light of experiences we’ve had with freelance designers. They started and finished on time, produced work reliably, and made the whole process seamless. We interacted with our contacts via email or Skype whenever we needed.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their reliability and consistency—especially relative to project timelines and budget—were great.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Early in the process, they delivered work that was inadequate. That could have been avoided with a more thorough read through our design brief. After that initial hiccup, they progressed nicely.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure you brief the design team on all your expectations, likes, and dislikes. Put in the time early on to discuss all the design aspects and you’ll be satisfied with the results. They work hard and are reliable.

4.5
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They adhered to all our deadlines and were reliable.
  • 4.5 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They provided a good value for our investment.
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    The work they produced was very good.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Discovery Phase & Prototype for Healthcare Staffing Platfrom

"They produce very high-quality, professional work that meets my specifications."

See More

5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
4.5
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Less than $10,000
 
Dec. 2017 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Magora developed the visual prototype and wireframe for a mobile app.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
United Kingdom
Founder, Tech Startup
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Magora’s collaborative efforts led to high-quality deliverables that exceeded expectations and specifications. Throughout the ongoing development process, they remain responsive and receptive to any necessary changes to the app’s design. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a mobile app-based hiring platform geared towards the healthcare profession. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Magora?

I reached out to Magora to assist me in the initial stages of development for my app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Magora and I initially discussed the best development options that would take my app to fruition. They then sent over a powerpoint presentation that outlined their experience with development projects similar to mine, as well as their specific plan for my app.

After we agreed on a plan, we moved into the discovery phase which entailed laying out the basic workflow for the app’s development and fleshing out the app’s requirements and features. Based on that, Magora created a visual prototype and wireframe that lay out the groundwork design for the app.

Currently, I’m providing my feedback on the visual prototype so Magora can make the necessary changes. 

What is the team composition? 

Initially, my primary contact was Magora’s head of new business acquisition. They then assigned me a project manager who now serves as the primary day-to-day contact for the project. Their head of new business acquisition checks in every couple weeks and remains available if I ever need to speak with him.

How did you come to work with Magora?

I did a fair amount of market research, using both Clutch.co and a variety of other sources to compile a list of companies to look into. Magora received great ratings, particularly on Clutch, and seemed to have a good rapport with the companies they’ve worked with, so I decided they were the best choice for my project.

How much have you invested with them?

I invested approximately $8,423.

What is the status of this engagement?

I began partnering with them at the end of December 2017. The engagement is ongoing, but I haven’t decided whether I will continue to work with them through the next phases of development.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They produce very high-quality, professional work that meets my specifications. They’re also very receptive to any changes I need to be made.

How did Magora perform from a project management standpoint?

They did a good job; they were very responsive to my needs and expectations. We communicated primarily through Skype, email, and phone calls. For project management tools, we use Google Docs to keep track of our progress.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I found their professionalism and collaborative effort most impressive. They provided me with a definitive and accurate timeline of when they would deliver on each project milestone. They were also very receptive to my ideas, while also providing me with some of their own. As a result, our communication was never robotic; we had a very productive partnership. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’re on the more expensive side, but they provide high-quality work so it’s generally worth the cost. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I’d simply recommend working with them. They’re reliable and produce high-quality work.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They are very prompt and never miss a deadline.
  • 4.5 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They provide me with everything I expected and often more, so I’m pleased.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Web Dev for Cryptocurrency E-Commerce Platform

“... we’re very pleased with their code quality. It’s very responsive and does exactly what we want.”

See More

5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.0
Cost: 
4.5
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
June 2017 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Magora is rebuilding an ecommerce site to be more customizable and secure using the LAMP model. They are coding it with C++, PostgreSQL, Java, and Python.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
California
VP of Operations, E-Commerce Platform
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The site has yet to gather external feedback, but internally, the coding is considered excellent. Magora is able to meet all expectations with little need for revision. Despite the time difference, they respond to all needs in a timely manner.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the vice president of a cryptocurrency ecommerce platform that specializes in loyalty programs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Magora?

Our site platform was built on Wordpress, and we wanted to rebuild it on a much more secure and flexible platform. Wordpress didn’t work as well with different APIs we wanted to further our venture. We also wanted a new vendor because our vendor at the time wasn’t very responsive to our requests to customize the site.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Magora rebuilt our website using the LAMP model with C++, PostgreSQL, Java, and Python. That enabled additional functionality for the site, such as the ability to create our own customer categories, which allows us to customize the shopping experience for our users and provide more compelling content. For instance, we’re now able to build and customize a category for Valentine’s Day that can include flowers, chocolate, rings, and other holiday-appropriate items.

What is the team composition? 

We work with a project manager, a business analyst, and an account manager. Although there are other business analysts and developers that work on this project, I only speak to those three. 

How did you come to work with Magora?

We sent out an RFI to companies through UpWork. We had about four companies reaching out, including Magora, that had the price range that we needed. We ultimately chose Magora because their bid to work with us was extremely professional. While the other companies didn’t provide us with much information on their plan for our site, Magora gave us a 10-page Powerpoint listing the milestones they intended to meet, the price estimates, coding language they intended to use, etc. They also listed other loyalty programs they had worked on prior to us and which examples best fit the model we were trying to approach. Magora was also able to do development for iOS and Android, which is something we are interested in for the future. 

How much have you invested with them?

We invested close to $50,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started partnering in June 2017. We’re launching the first phase of the site in early February. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The site is currently in Amazon Web Services Micro Instances so we can run practice demos. We don’t have any external feedback yet, but internally, we’re very pleased with their code quality. It’s very responsive and does exactly what we want.

Magora is very good at capturing our expectations. For instance, I gave them a verbal description on Skype of what I wanted our categories to look like. They were then able to code and build that out without us having to suggest alterations.

How did Magora perform from a project management standpoint?

I’m pleased with them. Because I only interacted with three members of their team, it made it easier to relay on questions, comments, or concerns I had. 

To communicate, we used Trello and Confluence. We also spoke via email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Although they are a Russian-based firm, their command of the English language is very impressive. They’re very responsive to us, despite the 12-15 hour time difference. 

They’re also understanding to the fact we’re a start-up. When we had some funding challenges, they were accommodating and flexible, which was greatly appreciated.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They use an agile project methodology, but they didn’t provide any visual representation of the website’s progress that I could bring back to our investment team. It would be great if they could provide a Gannett chart or another kind of visual project tracker I could use, as opposed to having to build my own Excel spreadsheet.

5.0
Overall Score I enjoyed working with them; they’re easy to communicate with.
  • 4.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 4.5 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    Their deliverables require very little reworking.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I would definitely recommend them.

MVP Dev for Online Educational Platform

"They provided an excellent ratio of quality, price, and communication."

See More

5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Aug. 2016 - Oct. 2017
Project summary: 

Magora created an MVP for an educational startup, using Agile methods for development. The platform itself was created with .NET and React.js, with features including maps, payments, and scheduling.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
New Zealand
Natalia Rozova
Project Manager, Eurekly
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The Agile sprints provided focus and trust in the team's impressive responsiveness and delivery capabilities. Though the MVP has been passed to a new developer, Magora continues to utilize their skillset as a consultant.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Eurekly, a New-Zealand-based startup, is an online educational platform that provides tools for one-on-one lessons. I'm a project manager in charge of delivery.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Magora?

We needed to deliver an initial MVP.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Magora handled the design and development of the web-based project. We initially worked on the architecture and UX components. We provided detailed documentation of what was needed, along with mockups. Once those were approved, we moved to the development stage, for which we followed Agile practices, with two-week sprints. We identified the scope of each sprint together, deployed biweekly, and signed the work off. The technology stack included .NET on the backend and React.js on the frontend.

Because it's a marketplace connecting students and tutors online, we built functionalities to ensure that tutors are delivering their services, including maps, videoconferencing, messaging, whiteboards, scheduling, and payments.

What is the team dynamic?

I interacted with the entire team during general catchups, though mainly with the technical lead and the designer. Before we started development, we did a lot of work with their UX designer.

How did you come to work with Magora?

We didn’t create a regulated tender. There was a shortlist of candidates we selected by reading testimonials online. We submitted our project for them to scope and decided based on the price/quality ratio offered by Magora.

How much have you invested with them?

The cost of their work was slightly above $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Magora in August 2016. The project was completed in October 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We're happy with what they delivered. They stuck to the scope of the task, it was timely and of good quality, and communication was great. Our team still consults Magora from time to time, as they have great expertise regarding our project. Everything has been good.

Site metrics wouldn’t be relevant, given that we built an MVP with Magora and moved development to another team. The site is functional, but we are tweaking and tuning marketing-related components, and it's not live yet. After seeing a bit of traffic and a response, we will adjust accordingly.

How did Magora perform from a project management standpoint?

I handled project management for most of the collaboration. A manager from Magora was only involved in the last couple of weeks, while finishing the project and creating paperwork.

They used Redmine as an issue-tracking system. It was set up for us and proved a convenient tool. We used Skype to communicate daily. They were 100% responsive.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They provided an excellent ratio of quality, price, and communication. The team was quite positive and had our best interests in mind.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Not really. I was happy with them.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Anytime someone works with a contractor, they need to follow what’s best for the project. For us, working on a scrum basis was ideal—making small builds and deploying the work.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I haven’t had a chance to do it yet, but I definitely would.

Web & Mobile App Development

“The project management was the most impressive aspect.”

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4.0

Quality: 
4.0
Schedule: 
3.5
Cost: 
4.5
Willing to refer: 
4.5
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Aug. 2016 - Aug. 2017
Project summary: 

Magora developed a custom application for Windows as part of a telephone system. They used the system’s APIs, designed the application’s look and feel, and developed its functionality and user input interface.

The Reviewer
 
Auckland, New Zealand
Lead Developer, Integrics
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The completed application has received positive feedback from its customers, but its most significant contribution is in the complete solution it now forms a part of. The team was responsive throughout, addressing any issue that arose professionally and quickly, and managing the project seamlessly.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Integrics is a software development company creating a product called Enswitch, a platform used by companies looking to offer B2B telephone services. I am a support person within the company and provide high-level support to customers experiencing issues and also manage the development of the product.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Magora?

Our customers are looking for a complete solution. We wanted to make sure we covered every possibility the end-user could have a need for. We had a gap as we did not meet Windows users’ needs and wanted to develop a product to address that.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The interface is for our telephone system and what they created is a complete application. There hadn’t been a Windows program in place before. They used our documentation to access the telephone system via an API and started developing it, creating the look and feel of the application, as well as its internals: how it works and how it interfaces with user input.

What is the team dynamic?

We initially worked with a single project manager who set us up with a developer and handled the consultation process with our customer, discovering what they wanted in the product. From there, we set up an hourly rate quote and they assigned one main developer for the work. From time to time, there has also been a business manager to oversee the project. Aside from the main developer, they also made use of a couple of dedicated test people.

How did you come to work with Magora?

We looked for a company which could handle development and found Magora on Upwork. We wanted a professional development company with dedicated project managers and testers. I could see the advantage Magora could bring due to their scale and dedicated resources. They did well in terms of managing the project and testing our product, and this was due to their wide expertise.

How much have you invested with them?

The total is around $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Magora in August 2016 and finished in August 2017.

The product is now in maintenance mode. Occasionally, users come up with bugs which need to be fixed, but our major work with Magora has concluded.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Metrics are difficult for us to measure, given that we don’t have any end-users ourselves. We give the software to the businesses who purchase our telephone systems, who then give it to their end-users. We don’t have exposure to them, plus the software is quite a long-term investment, not necessarily something which customers will give to their users straight away.

We have had feedback from our customers’ technical people. They think it’s good, but the comments have been limited. The important thing is that our company can now provide a Windows application, so we can be assured we have a complete solution.

How did Magora perform from a project management standpoint?

They have always been responsive. At one point, we had an issue with the estimate for a particular feature, which ended up taking longer to make. We asked about the increased cost and ultimately resolved the issue. They admitted that it didn’t go very well and asked what they could have done better. I told them that we should be made aware in advance when something might take longer, and they updated their processes accordingly. They seemed keen to take on our feedback.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The project management was the most impressive aspect. As far as development goes, they did a perfectly good job, but there are many other companies which could have done the same. In terms of managing it from the client's side, my life can be made easier by the team remaining responsive and testing the work well.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The inaccurate estimate was an issue at the time, but in the grand scheme, it wasn’t a large one. The biggest issue was that we wanted them to include a software telephone in the application, which involved using a software library they were unfamiliar with. This will always be a challenge, and in this case, it led to multiple bugs which needed to be fixed. They could have been more robust in their testing at that point. It was a piece of feedback we gave them. Overall, they did quite well.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I don’t have any specific advice to Magora. For someone hiring any software developer, it’s important to provide good specifications of the desired product, maintain communication, and offer feedback.

4.0
Overall Score
  • 3.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    At some point, we were waiting for deliverables to arrive, mainly when using the telephone libraries.
  • 4.5 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They’re not cheap, but they did a good job.
  • 4.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 4.5 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I have also hired them for development for the company I represent.

Mobile App Dev for Restaurant Chain

“Magora listened to us throughout the project and had excellent customer service.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
July 2017 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Magora built an iOS app to streamline ordering food. The app functions in real time and has three interfaces: admin control, customer, and chef, depending on the user.

The Reviewer
 
201-500 Employees
 
Australia
Operations Manager, Restaurant
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Though still in the final stages, the app works well and has received positive feedback. Additional features will be integrated later, and any problems that appear are quickly solved. Price and process were somewhat confusing initially, but Magora quickly improved communication.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a branch operations manager for an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Magora?

We wanted to find a way to streamline ordering and serving food at our branch; it was too time-consuming and not efficient, so we needed to partner with a dev company to replace the manual process with technology.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, we were using a generic point of sale system, but we realized that it wasn’t meeting our needs as a buffet restaurant. We talked with Magora until they understood our business challenges and what we wanted from the app. They came up with a solution and we workshopped it until we reached a final idea, then they began developing the app.

The engineer team focused on making the app user-friendly, and they eventually ended up giving it three interfaces. The first is our backend admin panel where we can edit the menu items, control log ins, etc. The last two are made for an iPad or other iOS device, and they’re focused on the ordering. Customers can log in and place the order, and chefs can log in and look at the orders being placed. Everything is in real time, so the orders get sent to the kitchen right away.

What is the team dynamic?

I work directly with the sales manager, project manager, and a business analysts who oversees all the designs. I assume they have a larger team they all work with.

How did you come to work with Magora?

I received quotes from four different companies, two of which were in India and had lower prices. Magora was a higher price, but I chose them because their proposal document was promising and they seemed able to provide exactly what we needed.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started getting quotes in July, and we officially began working with Magora in September.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Right now, we have the minimal viable product. We’re still doing some debugging, but the app’s fully functional, and I’ve been setting up my team on it for about two weeks. It’s a good product, and we’re excited for some additional features we want to add in the future.

How did Magora perform from a project management standpoint?

Their communication is clear, and they don’t hide anything from us. They use a management tool that lets us track their work in real time to see what they’re currently do, any problems, future projects, etc. They usually respond to any emails or questions within a day.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Magora listened to us throughout the project and had excellent customer service. We needed a product that worked well but that was also custom-designed for our specific needs and business model, and they met those expectations.

Are there any areas they could improve?

During the price negotiation, I was a bit confused about the technical work they mentioned, so a better explanation of that to non-tech-savvy people would be helpful. It would make the process and price clearer so that everyone knows what to expect.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They provide the option of daily, weekly, or monthly reports, so pick what works best for you.

5.0
Overall Score I've had such a positive experience with them
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They were able to deliver in our timeline.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They're fair and want what's best for the customer.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    Their communication is transparent and their customer service is superb.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Mobile App & Backend Dev for Parking Locator Platform

"They listened to what we wanted and gave us exactly what we expected."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
June - Oct. 2015
Project summary: 

Magora was the full-scope developer for a parking spot app, natively built for iOS and Android. They were responsible for the database, backend, and infrastructure, as well as finding a hosting solution.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
San Francisco, California
Co-Founder, Parking Guide App
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The app had over 10,000 downloads just a few months after launch. The team worked efficiently and with great skill, but their comprehensive communication was the true foundation of success. They took the time to ensure that technical aspects were understood and that their vision would translate into the app.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I was a co-founder for an ambitious share-riding application company. We created a parking guide app, the idea being to provide an easy way for drivers in busy cities to find free parking lots. The company still operates, but I now work for another company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Magora?

Our idea was to let app users know about free parking lots. The main challenge was how to make people use such application and share the location of the free spots. We wanted the only thing they'd need to do is have the application on their phone and start the car—that's it. The whole process would be automatic: the app would connect to the hands-free hardware in the car immediately after the engine started, and the system would understand that this particular spot would soon be vacant. It needed to be a simple and straightforward process to inform other users searching for those free spots. The app would provide a person searching for a parking spot with the nearest free one in the area and build the quickest route there. Building the route was a big challenge as well.

We wanted to find a team that could do everything in-house themselves, a partner who could provide us with the guidance and advice on how we should proceed and what we should do.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They did the whole solution, refining the details on how it should work, as there were some things we didn’t even think about. They did the design and development, advised on the hosting, built practically all the infrastructure, and provided initial support.

They offered different solutions, and we decided to go with Google Maps because it was most cost effective. They did a great job optimizing the application so the location was accurate. They natively built both the iOS and Android app. They used ASP.NET language for the backend, MS SQL for the database.  

What is the team dynamic?

There were about 6 people overall on the team. I communicated with a project manager, and there was 1 iOS developer, 1 Android developer, the backend person, and a tester. We also had contact with the account manager who did the finances and helped us with projects and timeframes.

How did you come to work with Magora?

We found them on Upwork. It was a tough choice, as we were inexperienced in the IT sphere. Our main selection criteria were the expertise and ability to provide us with full guidance, from start to finish, to launch the solution. Magora’s proposal included a vision of how they understood the product and how they would implement it. It gave us confidence that they could do whatever we wanted. Their price was affordable, especially at that time.

How much have you invested with them?

$50,000–$199,999.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2015 until September/October 2015.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They did everything within 3 months. There was a little bit of testing for bug fixes. Within several months after launch, we got around 10,000–15,000 downloads. We launched it in the U.S. and Europe. There were issues with the app at the beginning, but it was fine, as we had a support period from Magora. The average rating was 4.5, closer to 5, so we were very satisfied with the achieved result.

How did Magora perform from a project management standpoint?

It was very good. We communicated with the project manager and account manager through WhatsApp, and we also used Skype and email, all during non-working hours because of the time difference. Our project management tool was Asana. They provided us with almost daily reports in business language, not technical. Every 2 weeks, we received demonstrations for what they had achieved. We liked that they moved within the timeframe they initially quoted.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They listened to what we wanted and gave us exactly what we expected. They dug deep into all the details to try to clarify and help. Their communication was impressive, the key to the success of our app. For us, it was difficult to speak technical language to communicate what was needed. They took our business requirements and transformed it into tasks and into the app.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Everything was perfect. Perhaps they could have more offices in different parts of the world; it would've been convenient if they'd had a rep office in San Francisco so we could've gone and talked to someone from their team. Overall, they did very good, and I can’t think of an area they can improve.

5.0
Overall Score I would definitely use them again with my new business. It was a very nice experience.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They always asked about a convenient time to arrange meetings, and we discussed things in advance for deliverables.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    We couldn’t find a vendor who could deliver such a solution to us within this amount of money.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They delivered everything we wanted and within the time they suggested. The app was pretty much bug free.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I've recommended them to my friends and colleagues.