Openware, Inc.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of Yellow.com. We’re developing an exchange in the marketplace.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Openware SAS?

We were looking for a partner to build an exchange.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We have a very ambitious plan. It’s a four-year roadmap. We organized it into big user stories with about one year to launch. It was supposed to take a year but I asked for a couple more features. We should be having a soft launch soon.

We defined the sprints, they assigned a team and then delivered on the sprints. They also came to Thailand for 2-3 weeks and trained my staff as well. For the matching engine and more sophisticated stuff, they use Golang. For admin, they use Ruby on Rails. For the frontend and other things, they use Node.js and React.

What is the team composition?

There are sometimes two teams and sometimes three teams developing different features as we require, totaling about 40 people. I interact with the delivery manager, a business analyst, and a graphic designer. Some of them are doing the frontend, the backend, the marketplace features, etc. If I have a problem, I speak directly with the CEO or CTO.  

How did you come to work with Openware SAS?

I found them on GitHub because their opensource exchange has 2,600 ports and it's used by hundreds of exchanges. They’re the ones maintaining GitHub, as well as the most popular ones. We chose them because they had the most experience with our exchange.

How much have you invested with them?

$500,000-$1 million. I have approved a $1 million budget for this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in September 2019 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They over-delivered. It’s been a good experience so far. We’re getting ready to launch. The beta testers and the users have given very positive feedback compared to industry standards.

How did Openware SAS perform from a project management standpoint?

We’re a bit delayed but it’s because I have asked for some changes. There were things I wanted a little different than I had initially planned. They usually meet the deadlines. The sprints aren’t very big; it’s quite easy to meet deadlines. They use GitHub and Jira.  Communication is good.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re a proper software engineering firm. Their formalism and quality are what make them stand out. The work is perfect.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could offer more flexibility in their communication. They’re not in the Asian time zone; we only have the afternoons to talk together. It’s not terrible but they should have a global presence in the three timezones.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Work with their business analyst and take the time to specify exactly what you need. Don’t try to rush things. It has worked well for us.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Financial Director of EasyPay

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Electronic payments that implemented, protected and profitable

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Openware, Inc. to accomplish?

• Building an exchange

SOLUTION

How did you find Openware, Inc.?

Referral

Why did you select Openware, Inc. over others?

• High ratings
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Openware, Inc. were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

Initially, the team had thorough discussions with me to understand the entire set of requirements. After the requirement discussion, Openware presented a scope document, followed by the project .

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They successfully achieved the objectives of developing. They were responsive to my requests and successfully accomplished all of my goals.

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

Openware offered tailor-made solutions that enable us to create an exchange platform that aligns with us business goals and branding.

What was your primary form of communication with Openware, Inc.?

Virtual Meeting

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

Their professional, prompt responsiveness, and deep expertise in blockchain technology were commendable.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Openware, Inc. could have done differently?

Nothing at all