Mobcoder

Please describe your company and your position there.

Drawbridge is revitalizing disadvantaged communities through repurposing distressed real estate. We leverage proprietary technology, bringing together necessary stakeholders and increasing accessibility to vital information, to help disadvantaged communities find their next life.

For what projects/services did your company hire Mobcoder?

Mobcoder helped us convey our mission and dream into a physical product, a reality that will help revitalize underserved communities around the US, and eventually the world!

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to reshape our platform and provide a user friendly interface to easily engage with for us, the admins, as well as our clients.

How did you select this vendor?

We engaged with Aloa (aloa.co), who paired us up with Mobcoder to develop our project. We now have a long-standing relationship with Mobcoder.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They provided a platform that included integrations to third parties such as ESRI, Tableau, and Smartsheets. We had custom solutions to build out portfolios and profiles of clients, as well as a fully functioning Administrative side of the platform.

What was the team composition?

We had one project manager and roughly 4 developers who were engaged throughout the project.

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

This had tremendous impact on our business. We have been demoing the project to potential clients and they have loved it. It has been a great step forward for our business.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

The project management was great and well facilitated by Ashutosh and Rohit.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their relationship focus and determination to get the job done were impressive!

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nope.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Our app is a marketplace for cleaners and I am the CEO and founder.

What challenge were you trying to address with Mobcoder?

We had previously built a beta with another firm but it has bugs. When we decided to add upgrades to the app, we reached out to Mobcoder.

What was the scope of their involvement?

The first thing they did was understand the previous build and remove the bugs that it had. They then added functions to optimize usability and a feature that allows the cleaners to set their own price, making the app a true marketplace. 

Previously, the app was a Node.js databased and they kept it that way, doing frontend development for both iOS and Android versions.

What is the team composition?

I am in direct contact with three people including the project manager, Ashutosh (Co-Founder & CEO), and a backend developer.

How did you come to work with Mobcoder?

I found a few app developers and founders on Aloa and ultimately chose Mobcoder.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $20,000 in total on an hourly rate. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in October 2019 and we’re still working with them.

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

One of the biggest challenges for this project was understanding the previous code and then adding new code to make sure that they integrated seamlessly. We have a lot of users so the app had to be live throughout the project and Mobcoder achieved that.

How did Mobcoder perform from a project management standpoint?

We have periodic check-ins with Ashutosh and the project manager and they have stayed within the schedule and budget.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a sense of urgency and ownership during every build and sprint so it feels like I have my own tech team. They are very responsive and work relentlessly. When we’ve had a few breakdowns in the middle of the night, we’ve texted them and within 3–4 hours, someone has come to debug the issues.

Are there any areas they could improve?

When they were putting in the new code, the documentation could’ve been a little more standardized. We talked to them about it and they’ve begun to be a little more rigorous with their code documentation.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have a very clear understanding of your technical needs. Any development firm that comes in usually doesn’t have business experience so it’s impossible to ask them to fully understand your business.  If you don’t have specific asks, the process can get a little messy because the developers have to figure out your business and the technology.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of TimeKeeper LLC, a SaaS company. Our app serves as an interface for timebanking communities and facilitates a large network of peer-to-peer time exchanges. For instance, communities can issue digital credits to members participating in community-focused projects, like gardening and neighborhood beautification.

What challenge were you trying to address with Mobcoder?

Our app’s messaging system was very complex; we had an admin panel and iOS and Android apps, meaning we were dealing with iOS to iOS, iOS to Android, iOS to backend, backend to iOS, backend to Android, Android to Android, Android to iOS, and Android to backend. Also, we had trouble sharing content created on the app with Facebook, Google, and Twitter.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Mobcoder developed the messaging component of our app. They began by setting up development, staging, and production servers, and they used branch.io for deep linking. The team integrated Firebase and other APIs to support a strong messaging system.

Mobcoder also guided us through the Apple App Review process. Apple tightened up many of their policies, so we had to change much of our code and other aspects of the app to meet their requirements.

What is the team composition?

We interface directly with Mobcoder’s developers rather than a project manager. However, there is a project manager who directs the team behind the scenes.

How did you come to work with Mobcoder?

We found Mobcoder on AppFutura. We looked at their reviews and had a few meetings, then had Mobcoder test our product to ensure they had a thorough understanding of what we wanted to accomplish. Their price point was also fair compared to that of offshore software development companies.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $60,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

My company began working with Mobcoder in June 2018, and our partnership is ongoing.

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

We feel that our app is ready for presentation to venture capitalists. It’s taken a long time and several different vendors to develop this app, and we’re pleased to have a great technical team such as Mobcoder to work with. Because of their efforts, we can pursue funding and continue to build our operations team.

How did Mobcoder perform from a project management standpoint?

Mobcoder is very responsive. We use Basecamp and Skype.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team stepped up to complete this project. Their developers were more hands-on than any other software development team I’ve worked with before. They deployed an optimal development process by setting up development, staging, and production servers, whereas other developers I’ve worked with only focus on the production area. They educated us on the process. Mobcoder was also really helpful in getting our app through the App Review.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they’re doing great. We haven’t had any major issues with them.

Any advice for potential customers?

First, read the reviews about them, then try out the product that they’ve built. If you like the products, then you’ll definitely enjoy working with Mobcoder. The end results speak louder than anything.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the senior product manager at Coinstar, a consumer money service company. Customers can turn in their loose change for cash or gift cards.

What challenge were you trying to address with Mobcoder?

My company needed someone to develop our mobile application. We wanted to offer the features we had on our website in a mobile capacity.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Mobcoder developed our iOS and Android mobile app using React Native. The app allows our customers to search for and navigate to a coin exchange kiosk. Mobcoder also built some MVP features that we had on our roadmap, such as a feature that enables users to access their “favorite” kiosks. They also helped us compile requirements to build a portfolio of marketing materials that we needed for the app.

What is the team composition?

We mostly worked with Marc (Co-Founder, Mobcoder) and an engineering lead.

How did you come to work with Mobcoder?

We were looking for someone with a lot of experience developing mobile apps, and we considered a few vendors before deciding on Mobcoder. We liked their app development work, and they came across as willing to go above and beyond to deliver on time.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from February–June 2019.

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

When we shared the app internally, the feedback was positive, and leadership agreed that this was a good starting point. We’d never had a mobile app before, and Mobcoder gave us a foundation that we could build off of.

How did Mobcoder perform from a project management standpoint?

At times, we only had 50% of the requirements laid out because we were still trying to determine which direction to go in, but Mobcoder was open to working with whatever we had. They provided helpful timeline reminders, and they quickly responded to our questions. Communication was good; they set up a Slack channel, and we communicated with Marc just about every other day. Marc also came onsite when necessary. Their engineering leads interfaced directly with ours.

What did you find most impressive about them?

My company didn’t have a lot of resources that we could dedicate to this process, so we needed someone who could pivot with us quickly. Mobcoder proved capable of integrating rapidly, moving incrementally, and getting the job done. Their main attribute was their agility. They went above and beyond completing tasks for us that weren’t in the original scope. We relied on them to fill in gaps for us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

While I liked most of the tools they use, I think they could’ve used better ones for tracking user stories. They might not have used them for our project because we moved so quickly, but longer-term, it’s helpful to have a better system to capture all of the product requirements.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Setting expectations upfront is important. Our goal was never to have an amazing app that people suddenly loved; rather, we wanted an app that would give us something to build off of. If you want to build a shiny new app, I don’t know what their capabilities are in that. They may very well be good at that as well.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of TaxCredible. We’re building a platform that will help CPAs and their clients find and obtain tax incentives at the federal, state, and local levels. The platform will also help providers who do project work in this space, such as a boutique consulting firm who finds tax credits for companies.

What challenge were you trying to address with Mobcoder?

My company needed help building our multi-user, web-based platform. Last year, we hired another development group to help us, but they didn’t deliver the platform in time for the tax season. We hired Mobcoder to build the platform in time for the next tax season.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Mobcoder completed the design stage. They built a prototype and provided us with click-through demos to show to our userbase. They’re now building the platform using React and MongoDB.

What is the team composition?

The project lead is Ashutosh (React-Native Developer, Mobcoder). Mobcoder is based in Seattle, but the developers are outside of New Delhi. Ashutosh oversees a team of 4–5 developers.

How did you come to work with Mobcoder?

We work with a firm that helps companies find and manage offshore vendors, and Mobcoder was on their preferred list.  

How much have you invested with them?

The entire project will cost around $100,000. We’ve spent about 20% of this.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with Mobcoder in April 2019, and the project is ongoing.

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

Mobcoder’s designs and click-through demos have allowed us to communicate with our user pool. We’ve gotten great feedback from CPAs and providers. Demonstrating how the platform will work has been crucial, because this is a first-of-its-kind product. The feedback allows us to make continuous adjustments to the terminology we use and various other aspects of the platform.

How did Mobcoder perform from a project management standpoint?

We’re deploying an agile process with milestones and a development, staging, and production (DSP) format. We meet twice a week on Skype, after which they make any adjustments we request. Our teams also speak via Slack. Ashutosh has great communication skills, and his team works very quickly. They did the design work on Marvel and put the designs on Adobe XD.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Mobcoder receptiveness to feedback is impressive. They always request our input and then make adjustments. This continuous feedback loop ensures we stay on track. Mobcoder pays great attention to our requirements and preferences. 

Although Ashutosh and his team are highly intelligent, they are also humble. I’ve worked with several arrogant offshore development teams, and the biggest difference in working with Mobcoder has been that they don’t assume they know everything.

Are there any areas they could improve?

This is constructive criticism, but at the beginning of our engagement, it would’ve helped if they’d given us a better overview of their firm and the type of projects that they’ve worked on. The results have been great and we’re very pleased, but we didn’t know what to expect.

Any advice for potential customers?

Since Mobcoder’s developers are in India, I’d recommend using an experienced facilitator. The firm we used to find Mobcoder also helps facilitate our relationship; they sit in on meetings and often catch things we don’t because they’ve worked with Mobcoder before. We would have more instances of miscommunication and misunderstanding without them. Have someone on your side who has experience working with offshore firms.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a software creation company. We do bookings and registration processes for businesses.

What challenge were you trying to address with Mobcoder?

Mobcoder is assisting us in a host of platform design and development projects. They help with creating websites and mobile apps.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We store our projects on wxD. For wireframes, we’re on an application called Marvel App. As far as development, we use HTML5, PSI, and JavaScript. Mobcoder creates the code and architecture from scratch. Our side prepares the layout and design in advance.

What is the team composition?

We work with 13 people. That includes a project manager, an architect, a tech lead, some senior developers, HTML developers, QA testers, and designers.

How did you come to work with Mobcoder?

I made a LinkedIn post asking contacts and colleagues for recommendations. Mobcoder got recommended to me, and they reached out. We went through the process of vetting them and other recommendations by verifying their referrals and looking at their past work.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in February this year, and the work is ongoing.

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

I appreciate their attention to detail and high level of communication. A time zone difference can make that difficult, but they’ve been over-the-top excellent.

We work with each other’s schedules. They’re direct in describing what the next step is and what needs to get done, making it really seamless. They’re one of the best development companies I’ve worked with when it comes to project management and communication.

Mobcoder is also helpful in scoping. As we get our ideas on paper, they’re eager to do trial and error and make corrections as needed.

How did Mobcoder perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicate via Skype, email, and text messages. It varies by which part of the team we need to talk to — development or design. Being able to talk over video or give an image is really helpful.

What did you find most impressive about them?

No, I think that summarizes up.

Are there any areas they could improve?

For our specific project, no. They fit with our work style seamlessly, but I can’t predict if they’ll fit with others. They lean on the side of pushing something forward quicker and making adjustments as needed. That works absolutely fantastic for my team, but I can see how others might prefer a different workflow.  Just something to discuss, they certainly can adapt to what you need.

Any advice for potential customers?

Our team is upfront and specific about the aesthetics in the design and the functionality behind the scenes. We take steps to outline how things like the search feature works from a nitty-gritty detail.  

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a data monetization and utilization company. We help our clients get more value from data.

What challenge were you trying to address with Mobcoder?

We were building tools to help cities, counties, and hospitals track individuals with COVID-19 symptoms. However, we needed an interactive map that would take the data and visualize it in near real-time.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They did all the map development and data visualization from the core database. Internally, we don’t have experience with mapping tools. We decided to use CARTO to map the data without an understanding of how it worked. Their team knew that platform well and formatted the data to create an updatable, interactive map. Because we’re working with municipalities, there were some challenges gathering data.

Additionally, they were tasked with customizing all the visuals on the map and defining breakpoints that would cause the map’s color to darken as more submissions rolled in. They handled everything from data extraction all the way to presentation. 

What is the team composition?

Our main point of contact is Ashu (CEO & Technical Strategist). He had 4–5 teammates working on the platform around the clock.  

How did you come to work with Mobcoder?

We found them through a partner of ours that helps American companies connect with offshore development resources. They made the introduction based on our needs.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $10,000 altogether.  

What is the status of this engagement?

The project took place throughout April 2020.

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

The map works perfectly and functions in all the ways we intended. Our clients are happy with it. It’s also set up to evolve over time. Everyone is satisfied with their work.

How did Mobcoder perform from a project management standpoint?

They use Slack in coordination with the company that introduced us. Over time, my CTO and I started working with them directly. They worked as long as they needed to reach our milestones, which was impressive. Their team was great at meeting our deadlines.   

What did you find most impressive about them?

Aside from their strong technical capabilities, they’re a very service-oriented team. They respond to our messages at all hours and are attentive to our needs. Despite our requests for modifications, they were always courteous and pleasant to work with. There was also no language barrier whatsoever, so that was notable as well. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I haven’t seen any weaknesses that I can speak to at the moment. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Having an intermediary party facilitate the beginning of the relationship was helpful. We’ve never done a project that way, but that company’s familiarity with both of our companies helped get things started. However, I think we would’ve been just fine without assistance.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the COO of a company with a platform that allows bars and restaurants to store all the information related to their beverage program, including recipes, ingredients, and preparations. All that information is converted via a mobile app into an attractive, easy to understand format.

What challenge were you trying to address with MobCoder?

We needed a developer to help us create the app.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed the web-based platform and finished the app for us on both iOS and Android. There are two versions of the app: a version for our business clients, and a consumer version with a smaller scope of functionality. We had a vision board and had a few wireframe ideas, but they tidied up the design and went above and beyond to make the product as good as it could be. They were responsible for the UX, and they set up an easy to use signup flow with a simple tutorial for users to download the app.

What is the team composition?

We have two primary points of contact. I believe their whole team is between 15 and 25 people, but about six people supported those two points of contact.

How did you come to work with MobCoder?

We work out of a coworking space. We discussed with a colleague there who connected us with MobCoder. After a phone conversation with them, we felt they'd be a good fit.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent around $60,000 so far, not including what we're budgeting for future work.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in December 2018. The B2B app launched in February 2019 and the consumer version launched in March 2019. The relationship continues as we move on to the second phase of development.

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

When we scoped out phase one, they gave us delivery estimates for each module. We had weekly sprints with them, and they used a project management platform that communicated weekly tasks and any problems that surfaced. For the most part, they were always early for deadlines. We wanted them to build a search function that they estimated would take a few weeks, but they had it completed within about two days. The whole project moved a lot quicker than we originally anticipated.

How did MobCoder perform from a project management standpoint?

Communication was streamlined and easy. We used a platform developed by the colleague who put us in touch with MobCoder in the first place. Other than that platform, we communicated with them over Slack. They synchronized all our correspondence, which was very helpful.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The functionality and reliability are excellent, and the expectations they set were always very accurate. When the product was delivered, it was often better than we imagined.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have any recommendations for them. This is the first company we've built, so we didn't understand all the requirements to submit to the app store. Because of our inexperience, that process took a little longer, but that wasn't their fault. They were really helpful in preparing everything for delivery, even though that portion wasn't part of the original scope.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be as communicative as possible. They value transparent communication, which made our collaboration work very quickly. They like developing an open relationship with their clients and are a good fit for founders that value interactivity.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of Not Alone, which is a mobile application to address PTSD in military veterans and hopefully combat the suicide rate.

What challenge were you trying to address with Mobcoder?

I’m not a tech-savvy guy, so I needed a partner to turn my idea into an actual product.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Mobcoder has made turning my vision into a mobile app extremely simple and painless. Right now, the platform’s in the dummy mode. However, Marc (Co-founder, Mobcoder) has assured me whenever I say go, he’ll have it built in no time. Their team has developed the app to this point, giving me the ability to present it. Since we’re in the prototype phase, the product’s not fully functional. I’ve done focus groups to get input, which means the app’s changing constantly. Mobcoder has managed changes quickly. Ultimately, the platform will be for both iPhone and Android.

What is the team composition?

Marc has a team behind him, but he’s been the project lead.

How did you come to work with Mobcoder?

I did a lot of online research because I’m not in the tech world. I didn’t want a large development firm. I wanted a smaller, nimbler firm. Price was also a consideration. When I reached out to Mobcoder, Marc responded quickly. We hit it off and he’s been an absolute rock-star.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve only spent about $10,000 so far. I have a feeling that Mobcoder has taken care of me financially.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve worked together for about eight months, which has been on my timeline completely. If development is delayed, it’s only on me. Mobcoder continues to build the app.

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

I was nervous about translating my vision of the app to a company. But it’s worked out great with Mobcoder. Everyone has liked the look and the flow, which has been amazing because we’re in a slideshow version of this dummy app. All the focus group participants have said that they can tell the app will be extremely intuitive.

How did Mobcoder perform from a project management standpoint?

We’ve communicated by e-mail but Marc has also been more than willing to meet face-to-face. Marc has mocked-up whatever changes I’ve had. Then, he has shot it out on Adobe XD. While I’m not familiar with the tool, it has worked great when presenting the app. Mobcoder has been patient with me. They’re good people.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Mobcoder has been able to enact my vision. Their team has also been quick to tell me if I’m making a technical mistake. As an entrepreneur who isn’t from the tech world, I’ve appreciated and needed this advice. They’ve been great at balancing both sides of the partnership.

A lot of other companies I contacted were leaning me towards virtual communication. In the first contact, Mobcoder requested an in-person meeting. Their team prefers to meet face-to-face, which is the way I roll. It might not be the most convenient for them, but I like that old school contact.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I’ve had absolutely no problem with Mobcoder. They’re great.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would not hesitate to schedule a face-to-face meeting. You can hammer out tasks much easier and more precisely during in-person meetings.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the chairman of the board and founder of Haboo Sports & Entertainment LLC. Our main product is a sports app.

What challenge were you trying to address with Mobcoder?

I needed a partner who could create the initial frameworks of my app.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We’re a brand new company, so we needed a prototype to show investors to kickstart the business. Currently, we’re in the first phase of the project. We’ve asked Mobcoder to build a functional prototype that will allow us to fundraise for the comprehensive buildout planned for the second phase. The team They’re going to be our partner from start to finish in the development.

In the end, our app will be a youth sports resource. This will include aspects of social media, music, fashion, a sports parenting community, etc.

What is the team composition?

I have a main point of contact who is the lead on the project. When he was away, someone else took over and managed everything very smoothly.

How did you come to work with Mobcoder?

Originally, I was referred to Mobcoder by a friend. We considered about five providers in total. Mobcoder was actually the most expensive option, but they delivered a truly customized proposal to us in just a few days. They were prompt and tailored their value add specifically for my company’s needs. Because of that, I decided to go with them.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve invested about $8,500 in their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2019, and the project is ongoing.

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

Now that the general wireframing and prototyping phase is complete, I’ve had the chance to collect feedback from coaches, athletes, and even those uninvolved in sports. Each and every one of them has remarked about the superior quality of the app. 

It looks like it’s worth much more than what I spent on it. People often comment on the clarity of the menus, icons, and categories. They were very creative partners in this process. We went from basic mockups to having a full-fledged app without code. They really went above and beyond in that regard.

How did Mobcoder perform from a project management standpoint?

We primarily used Adobe XD to collaborate on the app design. They sent me drafts and changes that I could comment on within the program. When there was an issue that couldn’t be addressed in Adobe, I’d call or email them. In those urgent scenarios, I consistently get same-day responses. That was huge for the productivity of the build. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They produce quality work with a positive attitude. Overall, the whole team is kind-hearted and positive about their work. If I give feedback, I know their going to accept it without getting defensive. They’re a truly supportive partner. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I really can’t think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They will go as far as you’re prepared. If you have a fleshed-out plan, they can deliver it. Their all about preparation.