NextStack

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Project Manager of Fayrix LLC

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Fayrix is a specialist software development company that has successfully set the seal on over 250 projects, within the course of the last 14 years. Having onboard a skilled team of engineers numbering over 1,500, the company is headquartered in Israel with 8 R&D centers located across Eastern Europe.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire NextStack to accomplish?

• We partnered with NextStack to develop a mobile application as part of a broader media content distribution platform development for our client’s wellness subscription service.

SOLUTION

How did you find NextStack?

Referral

Why did you select NextStack over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from NextStack were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

NextStack built a team to assist in developing mobile app component of a comprehensive media content platform for our client. The NextStack team worked in close collaboration with our in-house project manager and CTO. Their responsibilities covered the entire mobile application development life cycle, including:

• Core feature development: implementing key functionalities such as personalized meditation recommendations, audio/video content streaming, user authentication, and in-app quizzes.
• Cross-platform optimization: ensuring smooth performance across iOS and Android platforms with optimized native code in Swift and Kotlin.
• Third-party integrations: seamlessly connecting external APIs for payment processing, push notifications, and analytics tracking.
• Quality assurance: conducting extensive debugging, manual testing, and performance tuning to guarantee a seamless and intuitive user experience.

NextStack's technical expertise played a critical role in ensuring the timely delivery of the mobile app. Their comprehensive understanding of mobile development best practices and commitment to high quality standards contributed to the platform's success.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• We achieved up to a 25% reduction in monthly development costs compared to traditional in-house expansion by collaborating with NextStack.
• The platform’s development timeline was shortened by 20%, allowing us to meet a critical product launch deadline.
• The modular architecture allowed us to easily scale and introduce new features without disrupting the core system.
• By integrating personalized content recommendations and optimizing performance across iOS and Android, NextStack enhanced the overall user experience, leading to positive early feedback from beta testers.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Project management was handled via Jira, with communication through Discord and Google Meet. All in all, NextStack team was highly responsive to changes in scope, providing valuable feedback and solutions throughout the project.

What was your primary form of communication with NextStack?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

What stood out the most was their proactive and engaged approach throughout the development process. They went beyond their assigned tasks, offering valuable suggestions to enhance the platform’s functionality and user experience.

Are there any areas for improvement or something NextStack could have done differently?

We are completely satisfied with the work of NextStack team. Their professionalism and dedication to their work made this cooperation successful.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner & Founder of Alienative

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We create websites and help small and big organizations connect with their audience.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire NextStack to accomplish?

• To develop a mobile app
• To design a mobile app

SOLUTION

How did you find NextStack?

Referral

Why did you select NextStack over others?

Referred to me

How many teammates from NextStack were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

The Hamazkayin E-library is a comprehensive mobile application designed for both iOS and Android platforms, providing users with access to a vast collection of digital PDF, ePub, and audio books. This app features a user-friendly registration and login system, ensuring a personalized and secure experience. Users can browse and download a wide variety of books, with options for both free and paid content, catering to diverse reading categories. 

The Hamazkayin E-library aims to make the Armenian literature more accessible and convenient, allowing readers to enjoy their favorite books anytime, anywhere directly from their mobile devices.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The new app features a significantly improved web-based backend that looks and functions much better, along with a modern design, enhanced user experience, faster performance, and new features that make reading and listening to books easier. Overall, the app now meets the standards of top-tier applications.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Communication was flawless, fast, and efficient. They delivered the app on time and without bugs. While small challenges arose to migrate old data to the new app, but everything overall went smoothly.

What was your primary form of communication with NextStack?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Most Impressive and unique about this company was their ability to develop the app without bugs and deliver very high-quality visuals for both the app and the backend.

Are there any areas for improvement or something NextStack could have done differently?

Everything was great, no complaints at all.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the CEO of Innovative Educational Initiatives Foundation, an educational organization.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with NextStack?

NextStack provided us with website development services.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

NextStack has created an internal website for our product from scratch. The platform is a self-learning MVP for teachers, which they're currently improving in terms of features. Regarding requirements, our main idea is to improve their pedagogical skills and enable teachers to solve different situations in a gamified environment.

What is the team composition?

We work directly with two managers from NextStack's team, but more people are behind the scenes working on the product.

How did you come to work NextStack?

We found NextStack on LinkedIn. We presented our project to different companies, but we chose NextStack because their approach was great and their price was appropriate.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we've spent a little over $4,500.

What is the status of the engagement?

We started working together in December 2022, and the engagement is still ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Through the system that NextStack is creating, we've already run an expert content validation with other developers, teachers, and educational experts.

How did NextStack perform from a project management standpoint?

NextStack's team has met the deadlines that we've set for them. Moreover, they're professional, and their approach is very advanced for our country. Regarding tools and communication, we use emails, Google Meet, and in-person meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

NextStack's professional communication is their best attribute. Additionally, they have many developers and have designed our project in English, which has been very important for us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don't think there's anything they can improve on because we've been very satisfied with their work so far.

Any advice for potential customers?

Provide them with the necessary details for the project's execution.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a business development manager at a digital transformation company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenges were you trying to address with NextStack?

We developed our application about five years ago, so it was outdated.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

NextStack has updated our mobile app’s old code and helped us make minor changes. It’s a native Android and iOS app that allows users to edit photos.

What was the team composition?

We work with an Android developer, an iOS developer, and a couple of project managers.

How did you come to work with NextStack?

Initially, we were looking for JavaScript developers in Eastern Europe. We felt a lot of cultural similarities with Armenian developers, so we decided to work with an Armenian company. We searched on Google and started contacting companies. Ultimately, we chose to work with NextStack because we liked their proposal.                  

How much have you invested in them?

We’ve spent less than $5,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in August 2022, and it’s an ongoing collaboration.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We don’t have specific metrics, but they’ve met the requested changes.

How did NextStackperform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve been friendly. We use Slack and Jira as project management and communication tools.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They stand out for their friendliness and initiative in dealing with unclear requirements and documentation.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We had some communication issues in the beginning. The project manager they assigned wasn’t responsive, so we weren’t updated on the project’s progress as much as we wanted. We talked to them about it, and they assigned someone else. After they changed the project manager, the problem was solved.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I recommend being transparent with the workflow, your expectations, and your project management needs. We were too open and not concrete enough, which caused some issues.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m a co-founder of Braind Branding agency

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire NextStack, and what were your goals?

As a branding and design agency we had a big experience in working with food and hospitality industry so we decided to launch our own product for table reservations for Armenian market. And as we had very successful cooperations with NextStack in the past for various agency projects we decided to go on with them for the development part of the project

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We had completed dozens of projects with Nextstack in the past and they have always shown great responsibility, professional approach and good work ethics during our cooperations, so we were very sure that we wanted to partner with them for our own project too.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Nextstack has developed both iOS and Android apps for Dinebook table reservation platform for the first stage and later provided support service for app improvements based on user feedbacks. And for the second stage they have modernized and in some cases redeveloped the 2.0 version of the app.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Our contact was mostly with two people (project supervisor and the pm), but besides 2 developers for each platform were also engaged.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The app has always received positive feedback among our users and had minor bugs that were quickly fixed by the vendor.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

For communication we mostly used Asana and Trello and they were very punctual and responsive throughout the whole project.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The NextStack team was very caring and engaged in the development process and always came up with improvement ideas and solutions.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Everything was done to meet our expectations.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a startup bar app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with NextStack?

We needed help with mobile app development. The challenge was to facilitate worm in the hospitality space, such as hotels, bars, and restaurants. We wanted to shorten the labor and improve the quality and timing for bars with inventory processes.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

NextStack has developed a mobile app for us. They’ve helped improve our ideas; we’ve solved the hospitality issue, and now we can add more features.

The solution is designed for tablets, iOS, and Android. NextStack has used JavaScript, and they’ve helped us with the UX/UI front- and backend development. They’ve developed an admin panel on a website, which can be managed for high-role users to control the application’s operations. The app facilitates inventory calculation in bars, restaurants, and hotels.

Additionally, they’ve helped us with strategy. Now, we’re thinking about doing a bigger scale of functionalities and solutions for the app.

What is the team composition?

We work with the CEO, a designer, a project manager, a QA person, and two others.

How did you come to work with NextStack?

They were recommended to us by someone who used their services.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in April 2019, and our relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re satisfied with the results. The app gives accurate data and saves many work hours. It also helps save from spoilage, wastage, and labor costs. Overall, NextStack is an excellent team, and we want to continue with them. 

How did NextStack perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management is good. They keep everything on track and everyone on task to reach the desired results. We communicate via Slack, email, and WhatsApp. They also use a project management tool.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Team members are professional, and they take care of their customers. Their attitude is great; they always find a solution and never say no. It’s easy to work with them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there’s nothing at this time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a manager from EvaCodes, I communicate with teams and clients. EvaCodes - Software Development Company. We connect businesses, companies and brands with invited-only reliable subcontractors and agencies. Our major expertise in custom software development lies in the below fields:

• Mobile Apps development
• Custom Software development
• E-commerce
• Blockchain solutions

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire NextStack, and what were your goals?

The goal of the project was to develop a web platform

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We have been working with this company for a long time. Have already completed several projects together But the first time we found NextStack using the developer search service, after the first interview it was clear that this is a team of professional developers who clearly understand the task and are ready to immediately get involved in the process

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Web platform development. Using Java and React.js

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Team consists of 3 people: Java backend developer, React.js frontend developer and project manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The development of the project has been completed. All tasks were completed on time. We liked the quality and pace of the team's work!

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

We are satisfied with communication with the team. Since communication takes place promptly, the team quickly responds to messages and provides the necessary information.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Quality of communication, high level of technical knowledge and experience of the development team, adherence to deadlines and project requirements

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

We are completely satisfied with the quality of the task performed.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of the company and in charge for the development of the platform

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire NextStack, and what were your goals?

We wanted to develop two native app (android and iOS), a website and an admin platform and we have hired NextStack to do it with us.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We have various calls and interviews with different software houses and NextStack was the one with the highest quality-price performance and flexibility

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

We had various steps related to the sprint we have decided together, which were followed by a testing phase.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We had direct contact with NextStack CEO and we also had direct contact with the team for particular developments and testings

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

The project was developed in high quality, the apps have been tested with our group of evangelists and have been approved both by the play store and app store.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

The communitication was very smooth and we have communicate on slack, during the sprints and with various calls during the project.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I love the responsiveness of the team in changing the solution from the feedback they were receiving. I have never seen such flexibility and open-minded approach.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

We are happy in working with them in all the aspects

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founder of a startup called Dongguo.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with NextStack?

We wanted to develop a mobile app. We had a developer on our team, but she didn’t do her job well. At the last minute, we had to find someone reliable who also provided value for money.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

NextStack developed an iOS app that is a social game. They developed both the front- and backend, and they even developed an admin panel for us so that we can handle the content of our application.

What is the team composition?

We work with their founder and project manager on a regular basis, and then there are a few developers as well. I am in contact with at least three of them regularly.

How did you come to work with NextStack?

We found them online and spoke with other development companies as well. We ultimately decided to work with NextStack. We needed someone who could be available fast and was flexible and agile so that they could work in our style. 

We also needed someone who could offer something in the price range that we as a startup could afford. We really liked the kind of strategy they proposed and how we could develop the app together. 

I am a UI/UX designer, and I am doing the designs and everything for the app, so it was very important to have a good structure in how I would be working with them as well. It was a big plus for me that we had similar expectations and working styles.

How much have you invested in them?

We’ve spent between $10,000–$50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I began working with NextStack around January 2020. We are still in beta, and we’re working on getting the app into the App Store.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We can already say that they did a good job, and they always implement the feedback that we give them. It is really nice that they are very agile and flexible. We tested the app with different people and gave them feedback, and again, they implemented everything quickly. Their work is of good quality.

How did NextStack perform from a project management standpoint?

The project management is really good because the manager is always available. He put up a channel that we use to talk all the time. Even if there were some delays or problems, he would let us know what exactly was happening and what kind of process was happening. 

NextStack would even let us see their processes. The whole process is really transparent, and we are satisfied because we know exactly what is happening.

What did you find most impressive about them?

NextStack is a flexible, agile, young team. They are very understanding and creative, and they also bring in their own ideas as well.

For example, when I did some bad usability UX things that I sent to them, they let me know it would be more user-friendly to do it another way. They didn’t pressure us, but they gave us their tips and were proactive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Flexibility and agility always come with a flipside as well. On one hand, you have the opportunity to always implement stuff and change things around, but on the other hand, sometimes it can get a little bit messy or maybe unclear when it comes to communication. 

Even though it’s been clear and we stay in touch, sometimes we needed things done in a different way and quickly, and at the last minute, the team changed things around. Maybe it wasn’t clearly communicated due to the flexibility.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

From the beginning, have clear communication about the requirements and about the features you want to develop.

Stick to regular updates because they provide those, but from our side sometimes we didn’t have the time to get updates from them. They continued doing things without us giving the okay. Stick to regular meetings and communicate clearly.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of a startup called Humbly. I handle the product from concept, to design, to managing the execution.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire NextStack?

NextStack was hired to execute on the actual app development. This also includes some backend work.

What were your goals for this project?

To launch a solid v.0 version of the app.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Previous contract work together showed me that there's real firepower here. My experience was great, and it only got better.

Describe the project in detail.

We're setup with regular face to face sync-ups using Zoom, additionally coordinating with tools like Jira, Slack, Bitbucket, and Zeplin to execute on production of the app.

What was the team composition?

Engineering manager (also occasionally an IC) iOS developer (also touching on the backend) Me project managing

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

This project is still in progress - but I will say that I am impressed with this team. They're nothing short of knowledgable, attentive, helpful, rapid, and friendly. They wrote the first lines of code for this fairly complex application, now, just months later, I have a functioning, near-production ready. Looking at launching soon.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It is above average. Their attentiveness, friendliness, and responsiveness makes for a very smooth project. I'm fortunate.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The value per person. There's just a lot of capability there. Not to mention flexibility.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The only thing that would be better is if we are in the same time zone :)