Sferea

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the former Business Development & World Manager of BlackBerry

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

BlackBerry Smartphones, Technology and Services

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Native app Development
• Timeframe development
• Front and Back end functionality

SOLUTION

How did you find Sferea?

Referral

Why did you select Sferea over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Sferea were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

Sferea played a crucial role in developing native apps for the BlackBerry Store ecosystem, demonstrating a commitment to meeting specified timeframes and delivering high-quality functionality. Their services can be summarized as follows: 

• App Development Expertise: Sferea brought extensive expertise in native app development to the table. They had a deep understanding of the BlackBerry platform, including its unique features, requirements, and best practices. 
• Timely Delivery: One of the standout features of Sferea's services was their ability to adhere to strict timelines. They consistently delivered on or ahead of schedule, ensuring that BlackBerry had a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving mobile app landscape. 
• Quality Assurance: Sferea placed a strong emphasis on QA and testing. Their apps underwent rigorous testing processes to identify and rectify any bugs or issues, ensuring a smooth and error-free UX. 
• Functionality and User Experience: The apps developed by Sferea were characterized by their high-quality functionality and user-friendly interfaces. They paid meticulous attention to UX design, resulting in apps that were intuitive and engaging for BlackBerry users. 
• Platform Optimization: Sferea optimized their apps to make the most of the BlackBerry ecosystem. This included leveraging platform-specific features and ensuring seamless integration with BlackBerry devices. 
• Scalability: Sferea's solutions were designed with scalability in mind. This allowed BlackBerry to accommodate growth in user demand and feature enhancements without compromising performance or stability. 
• Support and Maintenance: Beyond the initial development, Sferea provided ongoing support and maintenance services. This ensured that the apps continued to function optimally and remained compatible with evolving BlackBerry OS updates. 
• Security Compliance: BlackBerry devices are known for their robust security features. Sferea understood and adhered to BlackBerry's stringent security requirements, guaranteeing that the apps met the highest standards of data protection and privacy. 
• Collaborative Approach: Sferea maintained open lines of communication with BlackBerry throughout the development process. They actively sought feedback and incorporated client input, resulting in apps that aligned with BlackBerry's strategic goals and vision. 

In summary, Sferea's services for BlackBerry encompassed native app development that consistently met specified timeframes and upheld quality and functionality standards. Their commitment to excellence, platform expertise, and attention to detail made them a valuable partner in BlackBerry's app ecosystem, contributing to the success of BlackBerry in the competitive mobile market.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Measurable outcomes from Sferea's development of native apps for the BlackBerry ecosystem serve as key indicators of progress and success. These outcomes showcase the tangible benefits achieved during the project: 

• Reduced Bug Rate: A measurable reduction in the bug rate, with fewer reported issues or errors in the apps, demonstrates improved quality. For example, achieving a 30% decrease in bug reports compared to the previous app versions is a clear indicator of enhanced quality. 
• Shortened Development Timeframes: Measuring the actual development timeframes compared to initial estimates is crucial. Achieving a 15% reduction in the time required to develop and launch an app showcases increased efficiency and faster time-to-market. 
• Increased User Engagement: Tracking metrics such as user retention, session duration, or daily active users (DAU) can demonstrate the success of the native apps. For instance, a 20% increase in DAU over a specified period indicates improved user engagement.
• Higher User Ratings: Monitoring user ratings and reviews on the BlackBerry Store can provide quantifiable feedback on app quality. Achieving an average user rating of 4.5 stars or higher is a clear indicator of user satisfaction and app quality. 
• Improved App Store Rankings: Measuring the app's ranking within the BlackBerry Store is an objective way to gauge success. A measurable improvement, such as moving from the 20th to the 5th position in a relevant category, reflects enhanced visibility and user interest. 
• Reduced Support Tickets: A decrease in customer support tickets related to app issues signifies improved app quality and UX. Achieving a 25% reduction in support tickets due to app-related problems demonstrates progress. 
• Enhanced User Feedback: Collecting and analyzing user feedback and suggestions can lead to quantifiable improvements. For example, implementing 80% of user-suggested enhancements within a specific timeframe indicates responsiveness to user needs.
• Achieving Security Compliance: Meeting specific security benchmarks, such as obtaining industry-standard security certifications, demonstrates the success of security-focused development efforts. 
• Adherence to Project Budget: Staying within the allocated project budget while delivering quality apps within agreed-upon timeframes is a measurable indicator of successful project management. 
• Increased App Downloads: Tracking the number of app downloads can indicate the success of marketing and user acquisition efforts. Achieving a 50% increase in monthly app downloads demonstrates progress in expanding the user base. 
• Reduced App Crashes: Monitoring the app's crash rate and achieving a measurable reduction, such as a 20% decrease in monthly app crashes, demonstrates improved app stability. 
• Optimized User Acquisition Cost: Calculating the cost per acquisition (CPA) and achieving a measurable decrease in CPA over time illustrates the efficiency of user acquisition strategies. 
• Positive ROI: Demonstrating a positive ROI based on increased app revenue or cost savings in support and maintenance showcases the financial success of the project. 

These measurable outcomes provide a clear picture of the progress and success achieved by Sferea in developing native apps for the BlackBerry ecosystem. They offer quantifiable evidence of quality improvements, efficiency gains, and overall project success.

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

Sferea's project management approach in developing native apps for the BlackBerry ecosystem was characterized by efficiency, excellent communication, and a strong focus on meeting project milestones and brand needs. Here is an overview of their project management practices: 

• Effective Timeline Management: Sferea demonstrated a keen ability to manage project timelines effectively. They consistently delivered project milestones and app versions on time or ahead of schedule. This punctuality ensured that the project stayed on track and met critical launch dates. 
• Comprehensive Planning: Sferea initiated the project with a thorough planning phase. This involved gathering detailed requirements from BlackBerry and aligning their development plan with the brand's objectives. This initial groundwork set the stage for a successful project. 
• Clear Communication: Communication was a cornerstone of Sferea's project management strategy. They maintained open and transparent communication channels with BlackBerry, promptly responding to inquiries, providing status updates, and addressing any concerns or changes in project scope. 
• Client-Centric Approach: Sferea was highly responsive to BlackBerry's needs and requirements. They actively listened to the brand's brief and took a collaborative approach to ensure that the app development aligned with BlackBerry's vision and goals. This client-centric approach allowed for tailored solutions that met specific brand needs. 
• Agile Methodology: Sferea often employed agile methodologies, enabling them to adapt to changing project requirements and prioritize development tasks based on brand priorities. This flexibility ensured that the project remained aligned with BlackBerry's evolving needs. 
• Quality Assurance: Rigorous QA and testing processes were integral to Sferea's project management. They maintained a stringent focus on delivering high-quality apps, conducting thorough testing to identify and address any issues before release. 
• Risk Mitigation: Sferea proactively identified potential risks and challenges throughout the project. Their risk mitigation strategies ensured that unexpected issues were addressed promptly, minimizing any disruptions to the development process. 
• Project Documentation: Sferea maintained detailed project documentation, including project plans, development roadmaps, and change logs. This documentation allowed for clear tracking of project progress and facilitated effective collaboration with BlackBerry. 
• Resource Management: Sferea allocated resources efficiently, ensuring that the right talent and expertise were available at each stage of the project. This resource management contributed to the project's successful execution. 
• Continuous Improvement: Sferea regularly assessed project performance and sought feedback from BlackBerry. They used this feedback to implement continuous improvements, enhancing their processes and delivering even better outcomes. 

In summary, Sferea's project management approach for developing native apps for the BlackBerry ecosystem was characterized by a commitment to delivering items on time, a client-centric mindset, and a strong emphasis on quality. 

Their ability to respond effectively to brand needs and briefs, while maintaining clear communication and adaptability, played a pivotal role in the success of the project. Sferea's project management practices ensured that the development process was efficient and that the final apps met BlackBerry's expectations and requirements.

What was your primary form of communication with Sferea?

In-Person Meeting

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

One of the most impressive and unique offers that Sferea brought to the table as a native app developer for the BlackBerry Ecosystem was their unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled quality combined with outstanding client service and a comprehensive knowledge of the specific technical requirements necessary for optimal app functionality within the BlackBerry World Store. 

• Quality Beyond Compare: Sferea's dedication to delivering top-tier quality in every aspect of their app development was truly remarkable. Their rigorous QA processes, including extensive testing and validation, ensured that every app they created for the BlackBerry Ecosystem was virtually error-free. 
  • Their commitment to excellence translated into apps that were not only visually appealing but also robust, stable, and user-friendly. This exceptional commitment to quality set Sferea apart as a developer that BlackBerry could trust to deliver nothing less than the best. 
• Client-Centric Approach: Sferea's approach to client services was truly outstanding. They went above and beyond to understand and anticipate BlackBerry's needs, always putting the client's vision and goals at the forefront of their development process. 
  • Their responsive and open communication allowed for seamless collaboration, quick issue resolution, and a deep understanding of BlackBerry's unique brand identity and objectives. This client-centric mindset made BlackBerry feel valued and ensured that the final apps not only met but exceeded expectations. 
• Comprehensive Tech Expertise: Sferea's in-depth knowledge of the BlackBerry Ecosystem's technical intricacies was a standout feature of their service. They possessed a deep understanding of BlackBerry's platform-specific requirements, security protocols, and UX guidelines. This level of technical expertise allowed them to create apps that seamlessly integrated with BlackBerry devices, leveraged platform-specific features, and adhered to the highest security standards. 
  • Sferea's comprehensive knowledge assured BlackBerry that their apps would perform optimally within the BlackBerry World Store, resonating with BlackBerry's discerning user base. 

In summary, what truly set Sferea apart as a native app developer for the BlackBerry Ecosystem was their relentless pursuit of quality, their unmatched dedication to client service, and their extensive technical knowledge tailored to BlackBerry's unique needs.

This combination of excellence in development, client collaboration, and platform expertise made Sferea the ideal partner for BlackBerry, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, brand-aligned, and technically superior apps within the BlackBerry World Store.

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

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CTO of the digital business unit of a one of the largest Media Company in Mexico placed in Mexico City

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We wanted to redesing the experience of our native app for both markets iOS and Android, and we needed a fresh look, something simple but with high impact. We'd noticed a decrease in our app viewers, so we wanted to increase our traffic and visibility with an update that would change the way that our users sees us and give them all of our content that they could see, read or hear just in one app.

Our goal was to have a user-friendly platform that was easy to update with a cross-experience that our users feels seamlesly from the website to our app.

SOLUTION

How did you select Sferea and what were the deciding factors?

We searched in our contacts for companies with we already worked in the past, mostly because we don't had much time and we needed that the developer company knows us as a company and they could embrace our same urgency sense, we needed that. After a contest between 3 companies we chose this vendor based on their past projects, design skills and cost estimate.

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

They did a complete redesign of our product, so we had several discovery meetings to discuss our goals and objectives. We provided them with the graphic guidelines and the team that we thinked we needed for a complete graphic change, they did the rest, and we were very pleace with the result..

It was a great experience worked with them, their team is very professional and great to hear us and incorporate our feedback into the project in the best way possible. All the plan, architecture, design, test and deliveries was develop with the best standards for both platforms Android and iOS, and the roadmap was planned with the best results.

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

We worked with a well-architecture team conformed by a project manager that was our main point of contact, one UI/UX expert and two digital artist for all what we need around the new design and the needs of architecture that we need for the experience that we want to achieve with this project.

We worked with a project tech leader and two professional developers per platform, this was the team that worked with the development of the mobile app. And to the final steps and phases we worked with one system analyst and with one quality assurance analyst at the end of every phase, working on test cases, final probes and issues reviews. A complete team to achieve and grant the best possible management of this project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The first thing to realize the everything worked fine was that we launched exactly when we wanted, even when we know that the available time was hardly fit. After the first launch we noticed that our downloads increased for about 15% in the first three months and we won 3 positive points in the ranking.

We have seen a spike in traffic since launching the app and we have gained new readers and visitors because of the platform.

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

The project manager was easy to communicate with and provided frequent updates. We worked mostly with meetings and phone calls because of the pandemic period. Everything was delivered on time, the use of Slack gave us the best way to communicate between tech teams mainly.

The Scrum method that they have implemented also gave us a great opportunity to reach a very best way to create a dinamyc ecosistem between their team and our own team.

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

I think that the most impressive thing around working with them was the way that they was able to interpret and/or explain the most particular info or feedback that we could tried to explain to them.

Their mobile app development skills, as I saw, are great and the way that they could explain everything it was pretty clear. They were patient with us and willing to walk us through their process while we learned.

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

Maybe just with the tools or platforms that we could use for monitor to analyze the app, traffic, stability, growing, etc.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am CRM Marketing Manager at Hino Motors Sales Mexico, a Toyota group company that manufactures and markets diesel trucks and buses, has distributors all over the world and whose headquarters is located in Tokyo Japan.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Sferea?

We hired Sferea's services for the development of an App that would be a tool for our sales consultants, the project was so satisfactory that we expanded the development and complemented it with the community APP to have more interaction with our network.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed an APP that was really a tool for our advisors, that was friendly, with a complete administrator portal, that was dynamic, very visual, easy to use for any age and compatible on both iOS and Android platforms.

SOLUTION

How did you select Sferea?

We selected Sferea, because from day one he understood the project, he showed great proactivity in generating models that exemplified the scope of the project, the work plan was very clear, the times and the team were very clear, and the investment was the same. adequate.

Describe the project in detail.

First, we had an analysis stage of the project to define the desired scope, we worked with the content, business rules, user experience, etc. And all this analysis was reflected in the models, this step was very useful to visualize how the final result of the project would be and to show the progress with senior management.

At the conclusion of all this definition of the project, the progress schedule was created and the closure of stages with scheduled progress was managed, these scheduled closures helped to have better administrative control and development time. From the beginning they showed us the work team with which we would be working permanently throughout the period and the team by stage, all of them were very responsible, purposeful, helpful, and very professional.

What was the team composition?

The work team that was had was, a project leader, UI / UX Sr digital artist, Java Web developer, systems coordinator, technology project leader, mobile developer for iOS and mobile designer for android, quality manager, developer of portal to manage the app.

In fact, throughout the project, it was perceived that each activity was very organized and controlled, the capacity and knowledge of the team was perceived from the first meeting, the staff in charge was always very clear and it was very easy to communicate with each of those involved.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

A key point to consider the success of the project is that it started as a simpler App, but seeing the potential, more attributes were added and the project grew a lot, currently we have all our vendors and our network of collaborators nationwide with user in the App.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was excellent with the whole team; they always tried to make the entire process clear and that they were 100% satisfied with each stage, communication with each member was very easy, and we worked communication through various means, email, video conferences, WhatsApp group to attend requests or doubts more quickly, each advance and update was reported immediately, in general the work flow and communication was excellent.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The knowledge of the team members, the orderly way of working the project, the pro-activity of the team, the control of the processes and the quality reviews, the patience and empathy with us to explain each process, in due course also There was communication with other areas and suppliers of us and they were always very clear, specific and were willing to work together with them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

In general, I am satisfied with the supplier's work, the only thing that I could request as an improvement, but that also depends a lot on us as requisites, is to shorten the analysis and definition time, since if this period is lengthened, the project may last longer. than desired, but I think it is important that the scopes and analyzes are complete and well defined to avoid surprises, here it predominates for me that the whole scope was clearer even if it took a little more time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am Director of Information and Accessibility in the General Coordination of User Policy of the Federal Institute of Telecommunications.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Sferea?

For the implementation of a mobile application (iOS and Android) that would allow access to the main tools that the Institute has issued for users of telecommunications services.

What were your goals for this project?

An increase in the usability of the tools and an easier and more intuitive way of presenting them.

SOLUTION

How did you select Sferea?

It was an international public tender that the IFT carried out and where Sferea was the winner, both for the price offered and for the experience, compliance with requirements and background of the company.

Describe the project in detail.

Once the corresponding tender has been won, we immediately meet with Sferea to define scopes and learn about them. They immediately assigned and introduced us to the team, all of them super professionals and experts on the subject. During each stage of the project, we held various progress meetings and the project was successfully concluded. The company always fulfilling the requirements in a timely manner and even providing an extra when we requested it.

What was the team composition?

We had a direct relationship with the General Director and 2 project managers, with whom we discussed both technical and administrative issues. However, we know that they worked with around 10 people throughout the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Although the application is fully ready and approved for download, it will be officially launched shortly.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was very simple, we had direct contact all the time with the 2 assigned managers and they attended to each of our requirements immediately.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their professionalism, how committed they were always to the project, the quick solution of our requirements and that they even gave us solutions to problems not foreseen in the definition of the project.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I do not detect many the truth, it seems to me that his work was highly satisfactory. Maybe, if possible, speed up technical processes further, it always helps to have deliverables ahead of schedule.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the project manager in charge of the project. Our company has 300 employees in Mexico. We wanted to create a match between the client and the photographer in order to solve a necessity in the market We decided to create 2 mobile apps: * Offering the service for hiring profesional photographers *An app for clients where based on their necessity they could find their ideal photographer

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Sferea?

We hired them to create 2 mobile apps, a web page and an administrative portal This developments where conected in order to consolidate all the operation.

What were your goals for this project?

This a complete new business or our company, we are intereacting for first time with digital business model.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We held a bid among 3 providers in order to choose the best one considering the following: Costs Time of development Technical capacity from other projects Visual proposal SLAs

Describe the project in detail.

We wanted to create a match between the client and the photographer in order to solve a necessity in the market We decided to create 2 mobile apps for iOS and Android: * Offering the service for hiring profesional photographers *An app for clients where based on their necessity they could find their ideal photographer

What was the team composition?

We were assigned the following: Project manager Design team Development team Quality team Production team All team were always available for solving our doubts or any issue we had.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We get 3,000 potential clients from downloads Also we reach new photographers from different parts of Mexico

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We had a really good relation with them 

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The support from their team is really great also they are very patient and their know how is excellent

Are there any areas for improvement?

In general they are great providers

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Deputy Director of Planning and Business Strategy Aliat Universities - National Network of Universities leader with more than 50,000 students, 7 brands and 35 campuses.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Sferea?

We wanted to develop an app that would allow us to digitize our commercial prospecting process and in doing so give more value to our applicants.

What were your goals for this project?

Digitize prospecting Eliminate and filter junk leads Have an immediate 1st contact process Streamline BDD upload times to CRM

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We invited around five suppliers to participate in the project and asked for a technical and economic proposal. After the evaluation, we decided to work with Sferea for its methodology and its positive relationship between the economic and technical proposal.

Describe the project in detail.

The project consisted of an Android app which we placed on tablets and cell phones. Additional web portal for administration. The project started with the flow diagramming in the analysis and design stage, later the sferea team built all the use cases in a very meticulous way.

Later the development stage began where we had a beta version initially, we carried out many tests and finally the GOLD version. After the launch, we have been making improvements in the prospecting questionnaires and updates to the app for more than a year and throughout this time the Sferea teams have accompanied us with support and training.

What was the team composition?

Around 5 people were involved in the project Alejandro as project leader, Guillermo at the head of the development team, an account executive and a quality executive.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Currently our entire sales force uses this tool, our prospecting process is 100% digital. We have collected close to a million leads through the tool and continue to add improvements.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was a very productive and agile process. We had weekly follow-up sessions and throughout the project the Sferea team was pushing us to meet the goals and stick to the schedules. In addition, each stage was reviewed in detail before concluding it.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

In general, I would highlight their development capacity, methodology, and service.

Are there any areas for improvement?

At the moment no, we are very satisfied with the result and the work done.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

As Leader of IT Development, being involved in the evolution and innovation of Ance's operating systems, which has more than 400 employees and is located in three important regions in Monterrey, Guadalajara and CDMX, and representative offices in Tijuana, Mérida, Washington, DC and China Founded in 1992 by a group of businessmen interested in collaborating with the legality and safety of products, they created a private non-profit institution to provide support in product certification for the electricity sector.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We wanted to develop a mobile application so that more users know our brand and the different services that we offer and in this way increase traffic and have visibility through a mobile application. The goal is to have a platform that is easy to use and that the content is manageable.

SOLUTION

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

We searched the internet for 3 providers in the development of Apps, and the reason for the decision was the professionalism shown in previous projects.

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

We held various meetings to clarify the objective of the project and once the Sferea team completed it, it provided us with wireframes of how the App would be displayed along with the navigation it would have, details were fine-tuned to have a clear overview of what is being sought in the App. Periodic revisions and partial releases were maintained in a test environment, until the publication in stores in each phase, the follow-up was very close.

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

We were assigned a Manager with whom immediate communication was maintained at all times, in addition to the fact that in certain parts of the construction the technical support of 2 developers was required.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The acceptance of the App among our customers has increased

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

Communication with the Project Manager was easy and frequent, he gave us timely notices and warnings at each stage of development, deliveries were made on time and some part of the development was given proof of any delay and the work plan to adjust

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

Guide us step by step since it is our first App and show us the wireframes just how the application was going to look.

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

At the moment I don't have any that come to mind, everything was very good