United Virtualities

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of an adhesive tape and packaging supply retailer. We primarily sell B2B via the internet. Our products include about 200 kinds of custom-printed tape or traditionally converted, pressure-sensitive tapes. We have five employees and are located in Miami.

What challenge were you trying to address with United Virtualities?

We reached out to United Virtualities when we needed a team to step in to manage several critical projects that had become severely delayed, gone over budget, or both.

What was the scope of their involvement?

United Virtualities came on board to replace a previous developer. We asked them specifically for general guidance on our tech stack, security, and systems administration. The scope was initially pretty small, as we had different agencies working in different places. We gave them the task of stabilizing our WordPress site — we wanted them to see if the stack and repositories were set up correctly and resolve some painful load time issues users were experiencing on the site. They performed really well for us, so the scope increased bit by bit over time as they exceeded expectations each round.

Now, they handle all our important technical and UI/UX efforts for both of our e-commerce sites.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with a dozen or more different people at various stages along the way. JJ (Director) is the tech lead and we collaborate on more of the consulting or strategy side. When I have an idea or concept we’re trying to validate, JJ is my go-to person for coming up with an action plan and making it happen.  

I have worked on a daily basis with Alejandro (Technical Project Manager) for over two years. He makes sure we’re on time and within budget and everyone gets what they need so that we can keep going! We also work closely with Dario (Dev) and Agustina (Visual Designer), who create the beautiful UI/UX on TapeJungle.com. Finally, Vandré (Senior Software Engineer), “the wizard”, works on our 3D modeling web application and is a key reason we were able to meet the most challenging year of 2020 with success.

How did you come to work with United Virtualities?

They were a referral from a friend whose company had outsourced some of their more complicated dev work to UV in the past.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested over $300,000 over 2–3 years.

What is the status of this engagement?

The initial project was around October 2018, and we’re still working together.

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

Generally, we look at user behavior to evaluate the success of a project online. We’ve increased our conversion rate 200%. Over the past year, we’ve steadily improved our average order volume for custom-printed tape application, and we’ve lowered our time for completing an average order from 36 to 25 days. Even though lead times on the printing side have actually gone up by 3–4 days, we’ve been able to get customers their orders 7–8 days faster because of automation work UV has done for us. That automation has increased our efficiency and allowed us to spend more time with customers rather than doing busywork.

How did United Virtualities perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve been fantastic. We collaborate on Slack and Jira, and it’s been very thorough. We can dial the communication up or down. Also, if we need to change team members, it happens right away. If we have a deadline, they either staff up or tell us what we need to do to accomplish those goals. 

I’d say their communication is beyond a 10/10. Not everything goes perfectly all the time but when there was some breakdown or misunderstanding I definitely felt like our concerns are understood and immediate action is taken to resolve the problem.

What did you find most impressive about them?

United Virtualities doesn’t feel like an external group, but part of our company. Cadence and collaboration feel like we have a partner that is in it with us. They help us to figure out our the strengths and weaknesses, or just come up with a better way to solve the problem. That’s been a real asset.

They’re very skilled technically and they will build a team based on what we need on a monthly basis. Where they add the most value is on the consulting or problem-solving side. There are always multiple ways of going about something. Previous agencies that we’ve folded into this relationship have either done things that they felt comfortable doing, or they followed our instructions to the letter without adding any feedback or suggestions. UV has really been as integrated a partner as any onsite, full-time employee of our company.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There are always things that could have gone better particularly during the onboarding process when our needs and technical expertise were kind of all over the place. I don’t really have much criticism at this point though. If I did it would have been resolved already.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would say, like any great relationship, the more you put into it, the more you'll get out. Don't be afraid to throw your hardest, previously unsolvable problems at them while learning as much as you can from their insights. Ask questions, give feedback quickly, and have fun!

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the co-founder and CRO of an IT company. We develop technology that simplifies communication between businesses and customers.

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

We were aiming to create a tech solution to scale our operations with the aid of API integrations within our system.

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

We requested quotes from 2 providers. As I received excellent opinions about UV, I hired them. Also, their quote was within our budget.

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

United Virtualities integrated our core system with a whole host of APIs which has helped us to move faster and better with improved workflows.

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

From day one we really hit it off with the team and in particular the PD, Dan, who was the best. His client engagement is second to none.

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

With the help of United Virtualities, who provided a highly attentive team, who also went above and beyond my expectations, we have seen considerable improvements in productivity from a system that is both smoother and more comprehensive.

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

They have great project management skills. They use email and Slack.

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

They are amazing.

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

Despite encountering a few bumps within the process, they managed to steer the project quickly back on track.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the worldwide program manager and business development for Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

What challenge were you trying to address with United Virtualities?

We run a specific platform that allows our partner community to publish their offerings; it operates somewhat like a marketplace but with no money involved. The platform also publishes content such as articles and blogs we promote to create visibility for our partners' ecosystems. It works as a networking tool between partners and customers as well and is a platform we internally use as a sales enablement tool.

What was the scope of their involvement?

It’s been a strange journey. We were previously working with another development agency and United Virtualities was subcontracted to do bits of work on the platform. That agency pulled out of the project and United Virtualities took over. There were many problems with the way the platform was built and it wasn’t good overall.

Their team helped us deliver the platform while working through ta web of complications. They made a big effort to understand what we were trying to achieve through the details and gaps.

Since then, we’ve continued to work with them because the platform is continuously evolving as we add new features and functionalities. In fact, we’re in the process of developing a new version of the platform right now.

United Virtualities built a unique IP specifically for this platform. We connect with Kerberos for special integrations, but the core platform was purpose-built by them from the ground up. It’s a unique software they created. We also work with them on private instances meaning we’ve taken the core code of the platform and now sell it to end customers.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with 8–15 people; but on a regular basis, it’s more like 8–10.

How did you come to work with United Virtualities?

They were subcontracted by our previous development agency, but we had limited exposure to them in those early stages. During our search, we did our due diligence and spoke to other agencies. Based on our evaluations and conversations, we felt confident with United Virtualities and ultimately chose them to move the work forward.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested between $700,000–$1 million.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing engagement started in February 2018.

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

The platform as a partner acceleration tool has almost 1,250 HP partners on it. We’ve also developed a number of different initiatives and campaigns around the platform. This has helped us deliver revenue internally and for our partners.

Leveraging the platform as a private instance has also had a positive impact. We’re in the process of going to production with the French government on an implementation of it. That’s a big win. There’s also the impact of possible wins we’ll have in the future. Our team has seen great results from the platform in creating stability and awareness for our partners as well as generating leads and new business opportunities.

How did United Virtualities perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve performed very well with project management. We have normal calls twice a week and ad hoc calls on an as-needed basis. On the private instance front, we work with someone on a daily basis in one facet or another. They’re clear in defining the process of how to move forward while keeping aligned on requirements and vision. We have a clear set of tools that manage the development process.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I'm most impressed with their excellent ability to go above and beyond to deliver under very trying circumstances and tight deadlines. We’ve seen this time and time again, and they’ve helped us achieve more than we could have expected. Their team has gone out of their way to deliver key things that impact partners, customers, and our internal company.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s only area with an issue and it’s nothing major because it’s a traditional and normal development hiccup. Sometimes, there’s difficulty in making sure we’re clearly aligned on objectives and timelines. From a management perspective, that means we need to clearly define what needs to be delivered and when. At times, we’ve come up against some issues when that hasn’t been 100% aligned. Ultimately, they’ve managed to turn things around whenever we’ve had any issues.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It’s about ensuring you’re very clear on your vision, not just from a development perspective but with expectations as well. They’re not integrated into your business process so make sure to integrate them. Make sure they’re fully aware and understand who your customers are and what you’re trying to accomplish. Explain your goals and outcomes, and that’ll allow them to visualize, understand, and develop the software in a way that’ll help you achieve what you need.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CIO of CO OP. We’re a branding company.

What challenge were you trying to address with United Virtualities?

We were looking to create a technological solution for a highly regulated industry, namely online pharmacies. We wanted to break through some of the barriers to consumer engagement.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They created a new online pharmacy platform, customizable for a range of clients. The platform brings e-commerce thinking to the highly regulated environment of the prescription of drugs. There are regulatory compliances built into it. 

We collaborated to create wireframes and develop a workflow, as well as on graphic design and concept creation.

What is the team composition?

We work with a project lead, as well as 2-3 technical leads, depending on the component of the project being worked on.

How did you come to work with United Virtualities?

We have worked together for a long time, on several projects. They’re very flexible, making them a great partner for us.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $1,000,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 2013, and our relationship is ongoing.

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

Our metrics are confidential. However, the client was very happy with the product, and it continues to evolve and grow into something more sophisticated.

How did United Virtualities perform from a project management standpoint?

They do very well. They prioritize workload and client engagement well, handling each individual task. We mainly collaborate in person.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re an extension of our team and are very flexible. They’re incredibly good at integrating into a team –– bringing the right personalities, expertise, and experience to round out the existing team of their client.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could improve on the balance of volume and pace of work, as well as managing time and budgets.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Let them in to understand the business priorities behind the scope of the project. Don’t treat them like a vendor –– they’re a partner.

This review was updated by Jim Moran (Founding Partner & CEO, CO OP) on August 20, 2020. The original star ratings were: Overall - 5, Quality - 4.5, Schedule - 4, Cost - 4.5, NPS - 5. New content is below:

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

CO OP is a national, full-service branding agency. We move brands from their origins to new destinations. We are based in NY and LA. I am the founder and CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We have partnered with UV for the last 4 years on multiple project types and sizes of custom technology and web development solutions. Our clients have ranged from real estate and hospitality to corporate and pharma. We partnered with UV as we wanted an outstanding technology partner that we knew would deliver.

SOLUTION

How did you select United Virtualities and what were the deciding factors?

We needed an outstanding technology team that could solve complex digital problems. They needed to be smart, current, reliable and solution oriented. Erik Laurenceu and his team provided those needs and more.

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

The scope of work on the various projects included:

• Digital discovery
• Navigation / Information Architecture
• Usability Assessment
• Infrastructure / Platform / Technical
• UX, Development
• UAT
• Launch the various sites.

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

There was a team of UV people working on our accounts but we dealt mostly with a 2-3 person team who then managed the larger UV teams.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

While we are not at liberty to divulge the results per our client, we were overall very happy with the work produced by UV.

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

Inclusive, quick, comprehensive

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

Erik L. is a rockstar. While the UV team is strong, Erik drives the ship and delivers.

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

Nothing at the moment

Please describe your company and your position there.

Epee Education is a virtual education platform specifically built around the need to bridge the gap between what engineers are taught in college and what most of us do every day. I am the Founder and President of Epee.

For what projects/services did your company hire United Virtualities?

I knew developing a virtual education platform capable of reaching every engineering student in (at least) the US with live webcasts in addition to a library of recorded content and virtual offices hours would be a challenge, so I bid out the project to qualified and recommended companies.

What were your goals for this project?

1. Develop a professional website that would appeal to students and young professionals. 2. Deliver live webcasts and archive previously aired webcasts for on-demand viewing 3. Provide interactivity between students and presenters. 4. Must be complete in time to start live classes in January 2020 to align with university schedules.

How did you select this vendor?

Though the bidding process, United Virtualities (UV) provided the best cost and the most thoughtful and informative proposal for their solution.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

UV worked with me every step of the way. We started with designing a website that could function per my vision (described above), and worked toward making it aesthetically attractive to students and young professionals. We then worked through integration of Zoom, Stripe, AWS, Vimeo, and other software required to make it function without breaking my budget before I was in a position to start making money. They then built, managed, and tested everything, and I could not be happier with the results.

What was the team composition?

UV provided a project executive that was with me throughout the project. She has been amazing. There were also Project Managers serving as the interface between me and the project teams doing the design and implementation work. Then of course the project teams, which are comprised of specialists in web design (both technical and aesthetic), website integration, and QA/QC.

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

My business literally would not exist without the work that UV did for me. It is not running and I am getting ready to start my 3rd webcast for students and young professionals around my goal of closing the gap between academics and industry for engineers.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

With the whole team in Argentina so everything was handled virtually. Because of this, project management could easily have been a sticking point, but it was not. The Project Manager and Executive have been there when I need them, and I do my best to reciprocate and be there when they've needed me for quick decisions. They have been a pleasure to work with every step of the way. Even on the occasions when I was getting stressed about deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Without a doubt, value for money. They were the lowest bidder partially because they wanted to be part of what I intended to build and they knew I only had so much start-up funding available. Even with this, the expertise they provided to build a very technically challenging website was remarkable, and I know most web developers could not have accomplished what they did.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There was an internal staffing change at UV that led to a minor delay in the start of the build. What happened was not important, but it caused some stress both with me and the team to get everything finished for the mandatory January launch. Even with that, they stepped up and made it happen, even when that meant working through the holidays to ensure it was ready for public launch. It was unfortunate that it became necessary, but it proved that the work ethic of their team is second to none.