Softon Digital

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director of a software development company. We provide nearshore services to US and European clients. I’m responsible for managing transformational technology projects.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Softon Digital?

We were struggling to meet the exponential demand growth for software development services, especially with specialized skills such as specific platform or framework knowledge. There was a lack of talent available on our team, and hiring at the right experience level was taking longer than our end clients expected.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Softon Digital sources software developers across the region. They tap into more traditional markets than we operate in to identify talent and close the gap between the supply and demand of developers. Their talent also helps with design and quality engineering. They use Java, .NET, iOS, Android, Node.js, and React.

Initially, we aligned on expectations. We discussed our requirements and the seniority levels and soft skills we were looking for. We wanted developers with at least a basic proficiency in English and at least five years of experience servicing international clients. We also needed talent in specialized areas; we were looking for mobile engineers with industry knowledge. Finding developers with the right balance of global exposure, English proficiency, and industry experience can be difficult.

The operational phase, surprisingly, has taken longer than the expectation-setting phase. We’ve made minor adjustments to the technical assessment.

They’ve helped us redesign an app for an airline with an enormous customer base. The deficient app was harming the airline’s brand, so Softon Digital’s team did a deep dive into the application and helped rebuild it. They’ve also helped us implement QA automation for millions of lines of code. 

What is the team composition?

Right now, we work with around 10 of their teammates but we’ve worked with up to 40 in the past. The team fluctuates based on the demand, which is an advantage of working with them. Their teammates are all senior software engineers, principal software engineers, and senior mobile developers.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent just over $1,000,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the ongoing engagement in July 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Softon Digital has helped us increase an app’s star rating from one to four. They’ve also helped increase the automation coverage of a global project from 12% to 80%, which is a good metric.

We’ve seen a huge difference in the quality of talent from Softon Digital compared to other companies we’ve worked with. Usually, companies send talent without the right skill set or language proficiencies, but this rarely happens with Softon Digital. They’re extremely responsive to our needs, and the onboarding process has been smooth. Softon Digital has been able to find software developers in 2–3 weeks, which has been unthinkable for our company. 

How did Softon Digital perform from a project management standpoint?

Our team manages the technical projects, but Softon Digital has a teammate managing their relationship with us. Their customer relations manager manages everything we need, including rate negotiations and talent rundowns and swaps. 

They’re responsive and can resolve almost any issue in record time. The software industry has been really dynamic over the past 2–3 years, so their ability to pivot and adapt to any circumstances has been crucial. We’ve reduced the number of vendors we work with for staff augmentation to only two companies, including Softon Digital, because of their responsiveness, flexibility, and ability to resolve problems quickly.

We communicate via Skype and use Google Sheets, Dropbox, and similar tools to collaborate and share talent profiles. We haven’t needed to use a tool like Jira since they are so responsive.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Finding the right talent is what they do best.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I’d recommend them because we’ve done our homework and Softon Digital is one of the best players in the market. We’ve tried multiple staff augmentation companies, and they all say the same thing; they tell you they understand the desired skills, job descriptions, and company nuances. The difference is that Softon Digital actually does understand your company’s needs. The founders are software developers or have technical experience, so they understand the technologies and talent in technical markets. They also have the compensation figured out.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Critical Mass LATAM specializes in creating digital experiences across different mediums

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Softon has supported Critical Mass LATAM with staff augmentation across disciplines such as technology and quality assurance.

SOLUTION

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

We conducted a vetting process that allowed us to understand that Softon had the talent and mindset that aligned with our goals.

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

The Softon development and QA resources have supported Critical Mass LATAM projects across a variety of projects related to industries such as automotive, pharmaceutical, and many more.

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

We have worked with well over 20 different people from Softon in their staff augmentation model. A few of those roles include:

• Tech Leads
• Full-stack Developers
• Quality Assurance Specialists, among others

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The Softon resources have been part of multiple projects, even ones that are still ongoing, that have had very successful launches and continue to bring new opportunities for Critical Mass LATAM.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Working with Softon is easy and straightforward. The communication flows very well and they're always flexible and adaptable to our different needs. Even when we encounter challenges, their response, and subsequent actions, are quick and effective.

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

They're capable of finding the right talent in a relatively short time, especially the key personnel in our industry.

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

There's nothing I can think of right now.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work as a client relations manager. Our company is a staffing company that works in IT, Sales and executive searches. We work with numerous clients throughout the country and with partners in Central America.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Softon Digital?

We needed developers with numerous backgrounds and to build teams for various projects. They were able to provide a solid team to help us with completing and working on numerous projects.

SOLUTION

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

They were able to fit our technology needs.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

The clients we work with have teams of developers working on projects that need immediate attention and done with high quality. We have been able to build out teams to help our clients navigate through the different projects.

Describe the recruitment process in detail.

We discuss the needs of our client with Softon and provide as much detail as possible. With the information we send them they provide matches/resumes to what need. We conduct an initial interview and then send them to interview with the end-client.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

With Softon's support we are able to complete and maintain projects important to our clients. The result has been a satisfied client.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We have worked to keep lines of communication open and what roadblocks the team may have.

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

Fast response to the processes. They have the willingness to work with us and make sure details are met with the needs of the client.

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

Although there is always need for improvement, Softon has been a reliable partner.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Lead Engineer of Firstbase

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Incorporation Company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Softon Digital to accomplish?

API development

SOLUTION

How did you find Softon Digital?

Referral

Why did you select Softon Digital over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Softon Digital were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

API development. 2 API's build, Support to legacy API's, and Project management.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

No specific outcome to share.

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

Projects were done on time, and needs were responded to efficiently.

What was your primary form of communication with Softon Digital?

Virtual Meeting

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

Good communication, able to find great professionals and committed.

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

There was nothing they needed to improve on.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I was the CEO of Gro Solutions Inc.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Transformed the mobile bank account opening experience, so it can be done in 5 min or less

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Softon Digital to accomplish?

Provide developers and other product staff for our team

SOLUTION

How did you find Softon Digital?

Online Search

Why did you select Softon Digital over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Softon Digital were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

Softon was an ongoing part of our team for years. They provided the bulk of our software developers and also performed other services like testing. We built a great company with them and had a successful exit to a strategic buyer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The deliverables were ongoing software releases and the work the individual developers were assigned to.

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

They were very responsive and delivered on time

What was your primary form of communication with Softon Digital?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

How much Marco, Davide, and the rest of the management allowed our teams to become one family. We were always welcome in their offices, and their team could travel to ours.

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

There was nothing they needed to improve on.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of Minticket

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Minticket is a ticketing company that works with artists and organizers to provide a higher quality experience for event goers. We make our tickets using blockchain technology, ensuring that every ticket is traceable and authentic, while reducing the most common forms of fraud and scalping that tend to have a negative impact on the event goer’s experience.

By having our own in-site resale marketplace, not only are we providing a simple and safe way for event goers to find the lowest prices on available tickets, but also a platform to swap and place bids for them. A small royalty fee is charged and paid to the artists and event organizers, ensuring higher revenue while a self-regulating secondary market keeps the prices low for end-users.

From a sales dashboard for organizers, to the ability to swap tickets digitally, we aim to innovate the ticketing industry in any way we possibly can, improving the experience for all parties involved (event organizers, artists, and event goers) while continually adding new features and optimizations to the event cycle.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Softon Digital to accomplish?

• Develop Platform
• Create Smart Contract
• Apps develop
• Cashless System
• Blockchain Based Platform

SOLUTION

How did you find Softon Digital?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select Softon Digital over others?

• Great culture fit
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Softon Digital were assigned to this project?

15

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

• Develop user-friendly web platform with blockchain integration for NFT ticketing.
• Ensure robust user authentication and data security measures.
• Localize platform for target markets and integrate payment gateways.
• Create intuitive dashboards for event organizers and attendees.
• Integrate NFT wallet for secure ticket storage.
• Provide comprehensive user support and documentation.
• Implement marketing strategies for platform launch.
• Establish maintenance schedule for updates and enhancements.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Achieve 50% user growth in the first six months.
• Process 10,000+ ticket transactions per month.
• Maintain zero security breaches, 95% user security satisfaction.
• Implement 80% of user-suggested improvements.
• Onboard 100+ event organizers, 70% conversion rate.
• Generate $600,000+ revenue in first year, 15% MoM growth.
• Explore one new market by year two, 50% penetration in target markets.
• Maintain <24hr response time, 90%+ satisfaction in support.

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

From day one, we had 24/7 assistance. As a startup, there were many changes along the way, and they supported us in creating the platform we have desired. They provided us with all the necessary tools for communication, tickets, and the meetings needed to deliver the milestones on time.

What was your primary form of communication with Softon Digital?

• Virtual Meeting

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

That they supported us so much in our development, assisting us with investors, partnerships, and clients. Always willing to help.

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

Enhance quality assurance processes to reduce bugs and errors in software releases.