Mercury Development

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the technical director of a software company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Mercury Development?

We invent new software processes and executables. We brought them on initially to help with development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed a complex Windows and Mac executable software that integrated into our own protocol. They built low-level libraries that worked with our systems and were very helpful research partners.

In the beginning, we had about a month of conversation back and forth before they built a prototype. We wanted to make sure our idea was feasible, so they capped the budget and delivered a successful first version. Once we were sure it would work, we agreed on milestones and reasonable costs. We were a startup at the time, and they were good at managing the budget and making us feel comfortable.

What is the team composition?

We have a dedicated project manager who is contracted for as many hours as we need. We also had a couple of dedicated programmers at the beginning.

How did you come to work with Mercury Development?

We did a Google search for C++ developers and found them through that effort.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent over $1 million so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in October 2003 and the original product launched in March 2005. We still work together on other projects on a regular basis.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Their deliverables are very reliable. They do vigorous QA tests, so all we have to do is integration testing before each launch. They find expert solutions to hard problems and do complex research. Our interactions are very successful.

How did Mercury Development perform from a project management standpoint?

We got to know each other well through regular chats, email, GitHub, and Jira. We’ve worked together for a long time, so now most of our interaction is through regular weekly meetings. We have a really good flow of productivity.

We have very open, immediate communication. Everything is upfront and we never run into longstanding problems. They’re accessible and open to upgrading communications systems as needed. Before Jira, we worked from Word documents. They’re always willing to adjust to our workflow.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re experts at turning research into actual products. Their costs and time frames are very reasonable and I’d recommend them to anyone.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I wish we could clone them. They do great work and I would love see their team grow.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Focus on your prototype and don’t go overboard with future ideas. They will give you exactly what you ask for, so make sure you know what you need.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the CTO for MiMedia, a personal media cloud software company based in New York.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Mercury Development?

We needed help designing and developing a mobile app alongside our internal server development resources.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our server infrastructure and APIs were already mapped out, but Mercury helped with the designs and business requirements for the app that they then developed for both iOS and Android. After working with their business analysts and project manager on defining the overall look of the app, their designers created mockups. Our team assisted in writing cases that we were trying to support and they provided development and QA.

The app they helped create includes features that allow users to store and sort personal photos and videos in a more engaging way than other generic cloud storage solutions. Users can curate collections and share content with others outside of the app ecosystem entirely. Mercury helped incorporate the technologies for video playback within the app and eventually helped with a desktop version of the app as well for both PC and Mac.

What is the team composition?

It depends on the stage of the project. We work with as few as four people to as many as two dozen at a time, including a project manager.

How did you come to work with Mercury Development?

I'm not sure, because we had worked with them on the first version of the app about seven years ago and they were rehired to work on the second version based on that experience.

How much have you invested with them?

It's hard to say—I'd guess it's in the seven digit range, but under $10 million.

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with Mercury about four and a half years ago for the second version of the app. Although it's launched, they continue to provide ongoing services and develop new features.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It's hard to measure, but the product is where we need it to be. Our defect rate is exceedingly low and they're able to respond to emerging new requirements very rapidly. There are a lot of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements coming down the pipeline, for example, that they've been highly engaged in.

How did Mercury Development perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management is one of their strongpoints, but they operate within a specific model. They don't operate like a development shop; they expect that their project manager is allotted a total number of hours for QA and development. During our biggest engagement with them, there were several people taking on project management tasks, which helped keep things moving smoothly. We were able to communicate directly with developers through our management and issue tracking systems, meeting with them through virtual conference calls quite often.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Unlike a mere development shop, they're able to provide business analysis and design. I'm also impressed by their ability to be flexible. As our business progresses and our needs evolve, they've adjusted to the capacity of development and specific technologies we've needed to incorporate. By supporting our needs with the flexibility to sideline projects when necessary, they've been able to grow and shrink with us without a lot of friction.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure your organization is capable of supporting the time zone difference. While they are responsive and work on many different channels through various ticketing and messaging systems, plan properly to work with the time difference from their office in Russia.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of a Virginia-based manufacturer called Mill Mountain Capital. We engineered a distraction management system that prevents drivers from using their wireless devices manually while the vehicle is in motion.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Mercury Development?

When we conceptualized our idea, we tried to leverage our 11-person internal team to develop the solution. However, we realized that we lacked the bandwidth to complete the project, so we sought resources to augment our engineer team and develop our app for iOS and Android.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, we conducted a knowledge transfer to provide details and specifications about our system. Because we lacked strong documentation, they developed a comprehensive archive of notes, including the use cases and functionality requirements. Once we reviewed their notes, we established a ticket repository to define and prioritize the tasks before proceeding to the development stage.

While we developed the software installed in the vehicle, they built the iOS and Android apps from scratch, including all functionalities and UX/UI work. Once connected to our system, the app rendered mobile devices useless while the vehicle moved. They also developed a Bluetooth simulator to facilitate software tests.

Beyond app development, they managed our Google Play Store and App Store accounts as well as our Apple Developer accounts to anticipate potential issues. In terms of marketing, they prepared an animated loop that demonstrated the app’s interface and functionalities.

What is the team composition?

We worked primarily with their project manager, their graphics specialist, and a consultant who helped us identify the app’s key functionalities. We also know that iOS and Android developers worked on the project, but we didn’t interact with them.

How did you come to work with Mercury Development?

We researched development agencies online before considering six candidates. We interviewed their VP of product development, who gave us confidence in their technical abilities and commitment. Their cost-efficient pricing also factored into our final decision.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $325,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Work lasted from July 2016–November 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app fulfilled all of our design and functionality specs; in particular, we praise their graphics department’s ability to capture our desired look and feel. Currently, the app boasts a considerable number of North American users and saves lives every day.

With regards to their services, we were impressed by their fast turnarounds and high-quality work. Not only did they expedite delivery, they performed thorough internal tests to ensure accuracy and functionality before releasing a build to us. Their Bluetooth simulator also significantly reduced development time and improved testing. As a result, they set the pace for the whole project and motivated us to work harder, faster, and better.

We appreciated their holistic approach to developing the app. In addition to completing the project tasks, they maintained a broad perspective to proactively ensure our success. Over time, we developed interpersonal relationships and considered them part of our team.

How did Mercury Development perform from a project management standpoint?

Between our three contacts, we talked to them nearly every day. Their project manager was extremely conscientious to our goals and functioned as a trusted advisor. He helped establish a time line in Jira, which allowed us to see task progress/completion. They also provided a weekly report explaining how they divvied their time on tasks, which facilitated transparency throughout the engagement. Although they were based in Central Russia, they conducted all communications in English.

What did you find most impressive about them?

With such a technically diverse team, they were well-equipped to tackle any project, whether it required a different programming language or a new platform. Mercury Development could quickly analyze potential ideas to understand whether they were feasible or not as well as devise a roadmap for the engagement.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing comes to mind.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Because their team has high standards for development, customers should have strong project management protocols. Without them, the customer compromises the project’s success rate and increases inefficiency. Mercury Development’s insistence on professionalism saves money, time, and increases the likelihood of success.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the IT manager of a children's hospital in Miami, Florida.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Mercury Development?

We needed a mobile app that would track inventory and do other relevant administrative tasks.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to provide an iPhone mobile app to our customers.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Mercury has worked with us before and we know that they are very affordable and provide great quality work. 

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

They first listened to our requirements for features and functions through phone meetings. Then, they took our input and showed us the specifications they wanted to use. Their team developed multiple versions of the apps throughout the development cycle using our feedback. Finally, Mercury launched both apps. 

What was the team composition?

We worked mostly with a technical lead, but assumed they had a team working in the background. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are currently using both mobile apps for our business. 

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Their savvy technical lead was our main point of contact and she was very skilled in project management and delivery. 

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their high-quality work and how flexible they are with our requests impressed us. They delivered a product that fully meets our needs. Their team was very accommodating to additional features and changes we wanted. 

Are there any areas where they can improve?

No, I can't think of anything they could improve.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Managing Director of a manufacturing company. We manufacture and sell bath and beauty products, as well as develop personal care products for third-party affiliates.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Mercury Development?

We needed to update our website and do a full redesign.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to have a sleek and sophisticated design, and to make purchasing products on our online store easier. The site also needed to be mobile responsive.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We interviewed several web firms during the process, but ultimately decided on Mercury because of their design portfolio and extensive web and mobile development experience.

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

We put together a brief outlining the main changes we wanted for the website. After an initial call, Mercury came back with three concepts based on our discussion. We selected one that best fit our brand. We made slight adjustments over the subsequent weeks as needed via email.

What was the team composition?

We had a project manager, but we also worked with a designer and a developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Abandoned carts decreased 30% and average cart value per customer increased 17%. We’ve received positive feedback as a result of the simplified UX.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Communication was easy. We had weekly calls and all changes were clearly outlined in emails, so we could track updates and completed tasks. If I had questions regarding the project, my project manager was easy to reach and quick to respond.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was extremely impressed with the design staff. They have a great eye for color and brand image. Additionally, the team was able to turn around our design promptly. I recently worked on another brand site with a different company who took twice the time to do a similar revamp. Not only did Mercury clearly understand our goals, they went out of their way to make suggestions that would enhance user experience and increase sales. The final work product was executed perfectly. We didn't waste time fixing broken links or typos.

I was particularly impressed with their e-commerce suggestions. They understood my requirements, but went above and beyond to suggest ways of streamlining the purchasing process.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

There’s no room for improvement from my perspective. Our project was fairly simple, and the team did a faster, more in-depth job than expected.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the President of a software development and digital marketing company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Mercury Development?

The project we were developing for a client evolved to include a Windows application. We don’t have those skills in-house, so we needed to partner with an outside firm.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The overall product is a business process simulation used by a division of a Fortune 100 company. Mercury built the web app for Windows Desktop as the primary deployment platform. They also developed a version for iOS. They incorporated real-world statistical modeling into the platform that drives the client’s internal processes. In my experience, the sophisticated modeling work they programmed isn’t typical of similar business process simulations.

What is the team composition?

An assigned project manager was our primary point of contact throughout the engagement. We also worked with their VP of operations as he fulfilled a role similar to an account manager. We rarely spoke to the actual development team.

How did you come to work with Mercury Development?

We frequently partner with other firms to help with projects that include components outside of our expertise. We needed a solution and found Mercury through a mutual colleague. They possessed the skills we lacked, so we hired them to ensure a successful product for our client.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $175,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Mercury worked on the project from March–November 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The client’s initial pilots of the product have been enormously successful. As a result, the client expressed interest in pursuing similar projects for its other divisions.

How did Mercury Development perform from a project management standpoint?

We mostly communicated through email, but would also have phone calls at least once a week. The frequency of correspondence increased during the height of the project and Mercury performed excellently. They completed every task to our satisfaction and communicated that via weekly progress reports. As for project management software, we used Google Docs and similar tools for sharing materials.

What did you find most impressive about them?

It’s not uncommon to experience communication difficulties when outsourcing development components to a remote company. However, we experienced no such issues working with Mercury. They delivered everything on-time and as promised.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything I’d change. It was a great experience.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

There were a few instances where we explained things in sufficient detail, but they still had questions or provided a solution that didn’t meet our expectations. However, this critique isn’t specific to them. Instead, it’s advice for any consumer looking to outsource a software development firm. Communication can help avoid this common pitfall.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of Ombligo, Inc., an IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) company based in New York City. We help organizations maximize the value and minimize the risks to environmental and data security when using older or out-of-service IT assets. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Mercury Development ?

We hired Mercury Development to develop Asset Track, a web application designed to inventory computer equipment; generate reports; and store, edit, and view customer information such as assets and orders for equipment delivery, repair, or replacement. Asset Track stores and processes both customer-received data and data generated by company staff.  

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to create an asset tracking and inventory system that simplified how we monitored our internal processes. We wanted a custom solution that reflected our operations because the standard options were not meeting our needs.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We thoroughly vetted a number of development companies from across the United States, conducting initial conversations regarding the company, their resources, and past projects. Mercury offered an extensive portfolio of complex projects and highly skilled developers. Their in-depth proposal was priced within our budget and clearly demonstrated that they understood the project goals.  

Describe the project in detail.

Once we finalized the contract, we conducted an initial analysis to verify and validate the statement of work. We were also introduced to our project manager and determined a call schedule to review project status. Then we moved into the development phase, during which we were provided with weekly burn rate and resource utilization reports detailed to 15-minute intervals. After Mercury developed and QA’d the initial MVP, we tested it in our environment and were more than satisfied with the results. Mercury has since completed several iterations.

What was the team composition?

The team consisted of an analyst, a project manager, three developers, and a QA resource.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The product allowed us to easily and effectively track client assets through the recycling stage. We were able to replace a paperwork-heavy process with a custom solution that met our company's needs.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The communication was generally very easy. Because the call cadence was established early in the process, any questions or concerns for my project manager received prompt responses. 

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were most impressed with how quickly Mercury learned our business and needs, then proposed a solution within our budget. They understood the problems we were facing and created a quality solution to streamline our processes and save us time.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There are none that I can think of at the moment. They were professional and thoughtful throughout the project.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the CEO of Picture Paradise LLC. We’re developing a photo-based mobile application.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Mercury Development?

I had the idea to create an app that allows people to place photos of themselves on beautiful scenery that looks like paradise. I needed to find someone to build the app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Mercury worked as a team to develop an app that has the tools to crop out the original background and then apply the photo on top of an image of paradise. They used native development to code the app for iOS. They made any adjustments that we asked for and then launched the app.

What is the team composition?

I had one main point of contact. He organized the project and communicated with the different teams (e.g., artists, app developers).

How did you come to work with Mercury Development?

I found them online. I'd searched a long time for a developer who could carry out the project. Many people were charging too much money. Others couldn’t take on the task because they thought it was too complicated. I finally found Mercury and they were willing to do it for a reasonable price and in a relatively quick amount of time.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent around $11,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project took place from November 2017–February 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve had about 1,500 downloads in the first two months. The feedback from customers has been really positive. They're really enjoying the app and they've been asking us to develop it for Android. I hope to be able to do that once we have enough funds. I’d definitely use Mercury again because they did a very professional job. I’m very happy I found them because developing this app was a dream of mine.

How did Mercury Development perform from a project management standpoint?

They did great. Whenever I needed something they were there to take care of it. Just this past weekend we had a minor issue. I sent them an email and even though it was a Sunday, the team leader quickly responded and took care of it. They're very professional. They were always willing to suggest ideas and to educate me because it was my first time doing something like this. They were very patient and would walk me through the steps, helping me to understand the process.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Overall, they provide great customer service. They’re really good with people, and care a lot about the needs of the client.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They did such a great job but it would have been helpful to have a phone number and to be able to contact them via phone. Some things require just a quick answer and waiting for an email took longer.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Before you start an app development project, make sure to have a well thought out plan. Mercury is fantastic but it will go better on the client side to have an idea of everything that’s needed.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of a real estate tech company, based in South Florida.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Mercury Development?

We hired Mercury to develop the app and for guidance.

What were your goals for this project?

Our initial goal was to see our options and to eventually develop the app. 

After selecting Mercury, they decided to start with an Analysis phase to ensure every aspect of the project was defined and understood by their team.  They also greatly helped us understand what was possible, what tech stack to use and created a working prototype for us to show potential clients.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We selected Mercury Development after a web search of developers. Their transparency and focus on creating a cost-effective minimum viable product (MVP) set them apart. Their focus on startups that made the process easy and kept to our budget. Their sales and analysis team was very professional and transparent.

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

They started an analysis phase of weekly calls to identify our needs and offered alternative options. They discussed platforms, tech stacks, design/UX, and developmental recommendations.  Mercury created a functional prototype app.

What was the team composition?

They provided a team of five, that included analysts, designers, developers, and a project manager. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The prototype is being used as a blueprint for our business objectives during pre-development and is to be showcased to potential clients and investors.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

We communicated primarily and easily with our assigned Project Manager.  We use a task management system to track the project's status. They communicate through weekly calls to discuss the project's timeline. 

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their transparency and focus on keeping the MVP costs as low impressed us.  They feel like a partner and not just a development company. We were very impressed with their work with startups and their ability to guide us through the process. 

Are there any areas where they can improve?

As of now, we do not have any areas that could be improved.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Our company was started three years ago. We have developed mobile apps and a kind of wireless router that connects to vehicles. I am one of the main shareholders and the director of engineering. I work closely with our internal engineering team and with Mercury Development, ensuring that everything is developed correctly.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Mercury?

We wanted to find a top-level mobile app development company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Mercury has developed our iOS and Android apps, as well as the cloud functionality that connects vehicles to technicians and mechanics. The web portal was optimized for Google Chrome. We initially set out to develop the cloud functionality in-house, but gave the task to Mercury based on their previous performance on the iOS side and knowledge of what we needed on the cloud side. The Android app was developed later.

We began the process with a general summary. We had a lot of discussions over Google Hangouts about how we should put everything together. We had several development iterations.

The app is intended for automobile owners. On the other side of the platform, our target audience includes technicians, mechanics, and automotive and performance enthusiasts. People can buy our product, connect it to their vehicles, and allow their friends to perform remote diagnoses or even update the cars. Users can read OBD-II PIDs (On-board Diagnostics Parameter IDs), specifically RPM, boost, and other parameters that reflect the condition of the vehicle. They can also check and log diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). The app can record an infinite number of logs and re-flash the electronic control unit (ECU). Depending on the model, a car can contain 20 or more computers. Our device allows users to connect to them and flash them through the OBD port.

The app also has chat functionalities that allow users to connect directly to technicians, who can log in from any web browser, access the cloud, and connect to either their own or their customers’ vehicles. They can create engine calibration profiles and push them to mobile apps and vehicles. They can also view all the data logs associated with a vehicle, check diagnostic trouble codes on the web, and chat with the owners. The app records and organizes all the vehicles a technician has connected to. It puts the technician in the passenger’s seat of any automobile.

What is the team composition?

We have worked with three or four main contacts. The team has included 50 or more resources.

How did you come to work with Mercury?

We scheduled meetings with 5-10 developers, and had back-and-forth discussions. We went through an intensive screening and review process to look at candidates’ previous work. We also browsed the app stores, looking at all the developers with apps close to 5 stars. Mercury seemed well-organized, straightforward, and able to ensure that our final product would be top-quality. They were ready to start right away. They gave us a realistic timeline, and they’ve always done their best to adhere to it.

How much have you invested with them?

We have invested close to $3 million in their services during the last three years.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Mercury around three years ago. The first phase took around 18 months to complete. We have an ongoing collaboration.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Mercury is one of the reasons we’re valued as a high-quality and reliable company. We wouldn’t be where we are without them.

We’ve hired QA testers whose sole job was to identify bugs in Mercury’s code, and we’ve also used our own team for the task. Once the apps deployed, we could point out any bugs and have them fixed within a few days. None of the issues we’ve encountered took a long time to fix. They take care of their customers.

How did Mercury perform from a project management standpoint?

This is one of their strengths. We had few management or organizational skills when it came to laying out development work and putting together a scope. Mercury's technical writers put together summaries of our discussions. Once we review and approve those summaries, they are sent to different developers. Most of the time, we can create a summary in a few hours.

From there, Mercury manages the work all the way to deployment. After this, we upload the code to a staging platform, test it, and make sure it meets our requirements. I can’t think of an occasion when something didn’t match our summary. We had weekly phone calls. We generally communicate every weekday.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They stand out for their project management. They’re well-organized and efficient in getting to the point. Mercury can quickly determine what we want, which can sometimes be hard to communicate over the phone or on email. Many of their developers are in Russia—which is a significantly different market—but they quickly wrap their heads around what we’re trying to implement.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

We get what we pay for. Their team is not the cheapest option, but they’re worth every penny. If a client values their time and doesn’t want to manage every minute of a project, Mercury will be the best fit.