VentureDevs

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the product manager at a software company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with VentureDevs?

For one of our client’s products, we needed development assistance with the backend infrastructure, planned feature and interface updates, and bug-fixing efforts. We looked for an outside vendor to accelerate the process.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, we outlined our requirements, goals, and expectations. They did a couple of discovery exercises to determine the best approach. After quickly learning our code base, they started the actual development process, primarily working with AWS technology. The VentureDevs team fixed several backend bugs and implemented a collection of new frontend features. They transformed the software’s basic LAMP architecture into a docker system, making it more accessible for users. They continue to support our development efforts.

What is the team composition?

We started with about five people, but we’ve since narrowed it down to two. Throughout the partnership, we’ve worked with a product manager, a product owner, and senior developers for the front- and backend. Our current team is two developers.

How did you come to work with VentureDevs?

I inherited the project after my previous CTO chose them based on a referral.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve spent around $320,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January 2018, and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our senior management is amazed by the results of their work.

How did VentureDevs perform from a project management standpoint?

The beginning of the engagement was a bit rocky, but they have great customer support. Within a few weeks, we were on the right track. We assigned a point person between our two teams, which corrected most of the disconnects.

Overall, they’re great. The team is communicative, proactive, and smart. If they find a problem, they don’t wait for our instructions. Instead, they handle it on their own and send us a report that details what they fixed and how.

Additionally, the developers are highly efficient in managing their work. For the bulk of the project, we used a variety of tools to track the project, including GitHub, GitLab, Jira, and Confluence. They’re very well-versed across all of those management channels.

What did you find most impressive about them?

If they didn’t get something right the first time, they were quick to make the adjustments. Their customer service is fantastic. With a flexible invoicing system, they’re able to address and solve any problems quickly. The team understands that every project is different, so they’re willing to make accommodations for each of their clients as long as communication is clear.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I honestly can’t think of anything.