MobilePundits

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

My company is a manufacturer. We have two product groups; metal products and electronic products geared towards the professional AV [audiovisual] industry.

What is your position and responsibilities?

I am the IT [information technology] director. I'm a jack of all trades, mostly specializing in databases and web design.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address with MobilePundits?

We needed them to provide customer-facing, web-based applications for product configuration.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement in detail.

One of the major projects that we had going, as far as our website goes, is converting to HTML5 as much as possible. We were getting away from Flash and other technologies that wouldn't work on mobile devices. To that end, we had some older applications written in Flash to help configure our products, which wouldn't run on any iOS or Android devices. They were able to recreate those applications, using technologies for mobile devices. They kept the design to JavaScript and HTML5, which is perfect.

How did you come to work with MobilePundits?

I was looking at different companies, and I happened to be working a trade show in Dubai, a show called Gitex, which is an IT show for the Middle East. I was walking the trade show floor, and I saw that they had a booth with their mobile applications on display, so I decided to talk to them. I found out that they have a small office here in New Jersey. It was kind of funny that I had to go to Dubai to meet someone from New Jersey.

We were talking at the show, and I was explaining what we were looking to do. Since we were both working the show, we contacted each other afterward. They came to my office, I showed them what we were looking to do, and they were very comfortable saying, "We can absolutely do this." I picked up on that comfort level, and I believed that they did know what they were talking about.

It was very helpful that, in my case, they were able to meet me face to face, which really helped kick it off. I don't really know how many people they have in their New Jersey office, but I assume just a couple people. I know most of the development is done over in India, and they have around 30 to 40 people overall.

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

This last project is between $4,500 and $5,000. The first one might have been a little more because it was starting from scratch, so maybe $6,000 to $7,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The relationship started in 2014 and is still ongoing. The first project took a couple of months, and they're wrapping up another project for me now.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any statistics or metrics from this engagement?

We don't do e-commerce, so there are no conversion rates to give you hard numbers on. We do have customer meetings and sales rep meetings a few times a year, and one of the topics is all of our IT infrastructure and how it's helping them in sales. It does get excellent reviews every time we talk about it. Our reps are very excited when we release a new version, which we're about to do. It's definitely a good tool for them in the field.

What distinguishes MobilePundits from other providers?

I'm impressed with their thoroughness. MobilePundits wants to understand the project, and they're capable of extrapolating most of what you want from pretty limited information. When they do have a question, I like the fact that they will ask for clarification and really make sure they understand what you want when they put it in place. Most of the time, when they do give me something, it is exactly what I was looking for, so they're very thorough.

Is there anything MobilePundits could have improved or done differently?

Not really. There's a time difference, and I've emailed with them when I know it's the middle of the night there, and they've responded and vice versa.

BACKGROUND

Please provide us with a brief description of your company.

At Red Monkey Apps, we work with businesses from around the world, both big and small, offering highly effective but affordable mobile marketing solutions.

From design to deployment, we develop high-end mobile responsive websites and mobile apps that improve and increase customer acquisition and customer engagement.

What is your role at the company?

I am currently the Technical Director of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was the business challenge that you were trying to address when you approached Mobile Pundits?

We were trying to develop a cost-effective, professional mobile app for native iOS and Android apps.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of the project, and can you describe the specific services they provided?

The project was to build an international First Aid app that provides the users with a handy A-Z guide of circumstances where first aid attention may be required, and what to do while waiting for an ambulance. It included country specific information on the injury guide, one-touch dialing to country specific emergency services and a locator function to identify the user’s location to first response teams.  It also included a GPS hospital locator.

What was your process for selecting Mobile Pundits to work with?

Our selection process included an interview and an in-person meeting.

Can you give us a general estimate of the size of the project, in dollar terms or personnel work hours? (ranges are fine e.g. 0 - $10,000 | $10,000 - $50,000 | $50,000 - $100,000 | $200,000 - $500,000)

 The approximate value of the work carried out by Mobile Pundits is $50,000.

What was the timeline of the project (start and completion date)?

We started working with Mobile Pundits in May and finished the project by September [2015]. A total of 5 months.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the results of the project, and are there any metrics you can share?

Currently, the project is at launch stage but the beta testing feedback has been excellent.

When working with them, was there anything unique or special about them compared to other partners you may have worked with?

Mobile Pundits showed excellent communication. The project manager really took the time to properly comprehend the project objective and made sure that we all understood and had common goals. They were very patient and accepting of small changes and willing to work to make the app perfect. I always felt very confident that I would get a great product.

Looking back on the project do you have any constructive criticism? Is there any area that they could improve or you would do differently?

If I had one criticism of the development process it would be that the design team needed a lot of feedback and suggestions in regards to the UI (user interface) design.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

We're an IT [information technology] services firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina, that specializes in creating touchscreen technology for marketing and advertising projects.

What is your position?

I'm one of the owners of the firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address with MobilePundits?

I had a client who came to me with a proposition to develop a mobile app, which was not exactly in our scope of expertise. However, we put a very basic mobile app together for them as they were a very important client, and we were able to get that version out all the way back in 2009. Eventually, they asked for some upgrades, and we knew we were getting in over our heads.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement in detail.

They've done mobile apps with us on both iOS and Android platforms, and some web-based applications. They also did a separate enterprise-level app for a client of ours, which was used internally and on the shelf edge at a retailer. They've also developed an enterprise order-entry quota system for another client. 

How did you come to work with MobilePundits?

I found them through a web search. I called a few other firms and asked for references. I liked MobilePundits the best. Their references came back very good, and we've been working with them since late 2010.

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

The web-based app was in the $20,000 range. The others were more in the $10,000 range for each version of an app.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've worked with them on a number of different projects since 2010.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any statistics or metrics from this engagement?

Their iOS apps had zero failures. When we launch a new version, they have very few bugs, and they're always fixed promptly. The feedback on the apps they've created that have gone to the App Store is always five stars. The operation, the speed, no matter what we've done – it's been wonderful. The database they built is huge, and it's very fast. They give accurate information in terms of the estimates. MobilePundits knows manpower. They've never been late unless we caused a delay. They have a great work ethic, which is key. I get calls constantly from other companies offering similar services, but I don't look anywhere else. I don't need that.

What distinguishes MobilePundits from other providers?

They're accessible and that's key. They have a good command of English. They have a great work ethic, and they follow through with what they say. They're very reliable.

Is there anything MobilePundits could have improved or done differently?

I can't think of anything.

BACKGROUND

Please provide us with a brief description of your company.

Our Body Corp is an online subscription program that assists apartment unit owners in managing and participating in their communities and condo associations. Our Body Corp also owns "Our Place Manager," which acts as a village square of sorts for people living in shared housing, retirement villages, and gated communities. Our final product is "Our Cat Herder," which is an online meeting space and organizer for companies, allowing them to chat safely and securely, and share documents between meetings.

What is your role at the company?

I am the Managing Director, representing these three software programs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was the business challenge that you were trying to address when you approached Mobile Pundits?

I have an Australian business partner who wrote the code for the initial program Our Body Corp established three years ago. I needed a developer who was proficient in Java language to continue this work and evolve the program as our client's requested and as we developed the two additional programs. I needed to work with a company who could be flexible with my budget so I could afford the upgrades.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement in detail.

The project was, and remains, open-ended as we continue to evolve the three programs. Mobile Pundits has to continue to create substantial new functionality based on my new concepts from each program as well as solve bugs as I mentioned in my last answer the work has been primarily in Java. 

How did you come to work with Mobile Pundits?

Mobile Pundits was recommended to me by an Australian colleague who met Avinash Kumar [chief operating officer at Mobile Pundits] at a trade show in Sydney. At first, I tested them with some basic requests and then grew the relationship from their with more complex projects.

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

Up to this point, I've spent between $10,000 and $50,000 with Mobile Pundits.

What is the status of this engagement?

The first job commenced in 2013, and the project remains ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any statistics or metrics from this engagement?

The projects results have been good, and I feel fortunate to have found Mobile Pundits. There are no specific metrics I can share off hand.

What distinguishes Mobile Pundits from other providers?

At first, I had to get used to working with a programmer in a remote location, mainly via Skype and emails. In time, I've developed a strong relationship with their development team, and understand the way they work. I would say that there's nothing that necessarily stands out to me in terms of skills or activities they excel at. It's more the total package that I get with Mobile Pundits. They are cost effective and reliable. That's all I want.

In hindsight, are there areas in which they could improve, or things you might do differently?

Overall, I'm happy with the relationship with Mobile Pundits. They are very helpful, quick to respond, and great to deal with.

In the early stages of the relationship, it would have been good to have some further clarity on the company's policy with respect to rectifying bugs but I understand the situation now.

BACKGROUND

Please provide us with a brief description of your company.

When I worked with Mobile Pundits, I was at a software firm that created technology for mobile ads and applications.

What is your role at the company?

I was the vice president of technology.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was the business challenge that you were trying to address when you approached Mobile Pundits?

We needed to create a self-service platform that would generate bar codes and other URL conversions – basically a custom bit.ly type service.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement in detail.

The scope included full server setup, integration of designs, systems architecture, testing, and deployment.

How did you come to work with Mobile Pundits?

We looked at several firms and carefully considered the amount of resources they had available as well as their longevity and experience. Mobile Pundits was the best option.

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

It was between $50,000 and $100,000.

What was the timeline of the project?

The project lasted nine months with ongoing maintenance afterward.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the results of the project, and are there any metrics you can share?

We had excellent results with the platform and were supporting dozens of customers within the first 30 days of the launch. We were targeting enterprise clients with high-volume usage and never had any significant issues with the product. The whole project was a great success.

What distinguishes Mobile Pundits from other providers?

Mobile Pundits was very diligent, extremely capable, and always accountable with a clear point person who was very knowledgeable. Avinash [Kumar, chief operating officer of Mobile Pundits] is a caring and considerate project manager, and always puts customers first.

In hindsight, are there areas in which they could improve, or things you might do differently?

I can't say anything bad about them. All the work they did for me was phenomenal.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

I worked at a small company called Davidson Marketing Group. We had a number of products that we sold to mainly insurance companies. Our flagship product was called FutureOffice Network, which I was the lead designer for. It was mostly an app for querying when an insurance broker was out on the road and needed a document, when he was trying to promote a product. They could pull up this awesome app, and give their buyer the exact information they wanted. It was kind of a sales tool for an insurance broker. It would pull up our database of content, and allow them to sell on the road. The product has since been sold, which I think is a good thing. The competition was enough that a very, very large company ended up buying it a little after I left.

What were your position and responsibilities?

I was the operations manager and the creative director.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement in detail.

 I'd been at Davidson for probably a year, and myself and one of our designers were tasked with overhauling the whole product, so a new look, new functions, new features – the whole nine yards. We put together a scope, handed it to Avinash [Kumar, chief operating officer at Mobile Pundits] and his team, and said, "Make it happen."

We offered a mobile app in addition to the desktop platform, so that's probably more relevant to what we were working with them on. We just gave them wireframes and some specs, and they integrated it into our current system.

It was iOS development. They were using PhoneGap I believe, so that we could deploy Android a little further down the road.

How did you come to work with Mobile Pundits?

When I came on board, the owner of Davidson Marketing Group was already working with them. He had a liaison out of California who was the partner between Avinash and us, so we would mostly meet with him. At some point, the owner decided to cut the middleman out, and then we worked straight with Avinash and his team, rather than having someone in the middle.

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

I can't tell you exactly, but it was very reasonable.

What is the status of this engagement?

The collaboration ended when the product was sold. I worked with them a good four years, starting 2009.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the results of the project?

The results were great. The product and the whole company ended up being sold to one of our larger competitors. Everyone was happy with how things turned out. 

How did Mobile Pundits perform from a project management standpoint?

Avinash was a very good project manager to work with. He was involved the whole time. 

What distinguishes Mobile Pundits from other providers?

Avinash is a very easy to work with. I've maintained a LinkedIn relationship with him. Once in a while, we check in with each other, and say, "Hey. How's your work life?" I think the client-building skills that he has really set them apart.

Is there anything Mobile Pundits could have improved or done differently?

Two things. First, their strengths are not in design. Their strengths are very much in development, so we had to tell them exactly how we wanted things to look on the front end, we couldn't leave it up to them. Second, they said "yes" to everything, which you love to hear as a client. The bad news with that though is that, sometimes, we would set an unreasonable deadline to which they would say yes to and then miss. I wish they would be more honest up front with what they were capable of. Those were very minor. Overall, I'm very satisfied with the relationship with Mobile Pundits. They're highly skilled developers and very nice people. The project ended more than two years ago, and I still keep in touch with them.