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    Nashua, NH
    603.881.9200

A Tried-and-True Development Company

4.7
32 reviews

Zco Corporation is a tried-and-true software development company that has been living and breathing technology for over 25 years.  A proven and reliable vendor choice, Zco is passionate in its mission to create attractive, resilient products for its clients. Its powerhouse team, one of the largest in the world, was handpicked for specialties in mobile app development, enterprise software, and animation services. To learn more, call 603.881.9200.

  • Custom Mobile App Development: 
    • Smartphone & Tablet Apps
    • Wearable App Development
    • Hybrid App Development
    • Mobile Game Development
  • Enterprise Software Solutions:
    • Front & Back End
    • Web & Desktop
  • Animation Services: 
    • 3D Animation
    • 2D Animation
    • Character Rigging
    • Augmented Reality

Technical Proficiencies:

iOS • Android • BlackBerry • Windows • Kindle • Symbian • PHP • .NET • ColdFusion • jQuery • AJAX • SQL • LAMP • Objective-C • Java • C# • HTML5 • JavaScript • C++ • Unity 3D • Xamarin • PhoneGap • MoSync • Appcelerator • Titanium • Marmalade • Corona

READ MORE...
 
$10,000+
 
$25 - $49 / hr
 
250 - 999
 Founded
1989
Show all +
Nashua, NH
headquarters
  • Zco
    58 Technology Way, Suite 2w10
    Nashua, NH 03060
    United States
    603.881.9200
other locations
  • Zco
    745 Atlantic Ave
    Boston, MA 02111
    United States
    855.926.2777

Portfolio

Key clients: 

Verizon • Microsoft • John Hancock • Liberty Mutual • Coolmax Socks • BBC America • Chatsworth Products • Align Communications • Flint Group • City of Lowell, Massachusetts • Management Sciences for Health • APR Energy • The Morning Star Company • Utz Quality Foods • American Hotel & Lodging

Sales Tax Tracker

Sales Tax Tracker

Through cloud storage and seamless camera integration, Sales Tax Tracker allows its users to easily keep records of their receipts in order to help claim deductions come tax time.

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Kriddik

Kriddik 

Kriddik offers a commercial-grade solution for businesses to receive direct and constructive feedback from their customers about their products and services.

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Pick Pink

Pick Pink 

Pick Pink harnesses the power of the gig economy to fund cancer research while providing users an easy-to-use trash collection service.

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Dugout Dice

Dugout Dice

Challenge your friends and lead your customized team to victory with Dugout Dice’s unique mobile take on America’s favorite pastime.

Bubblelingo

Bubblelingo

Bubblelingo is an all-in-one messaging app that offers users a new and colorful way to socialize with friends and family.

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Safe Ride

Safe Ride

Safe Ride takes advantage of the power of social media and geo-locational services to keep ride sharing users safe while they travel.

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Shasta Produce

Shasta Produce is a wholesale produce company based in San Francisco, California. The Shasta Produce app is a management tool designed to aid produce professionals in the wholesale and retail marketplace. It provides real-time grower and market information on every produce item currently traded in the industry.

Hungry Bunnies 3D

Protecting your family's food is the concept behind Hungry Bunnies 3D. It involves whacking woodland creatures on the head.

Progressively more fierce animals try to steal the bunny family's carrots, but the player has a hammer to fend them off, along with power-ups like Black Holes. The game recreates classic arcade whack-a-mole style action using mobile device touchscreens.

Meeting Mapper

Meeting Mapper is an app that visually lays out meetings and tracks the stance, roles, and level of participation of individuals in the meeting. The app has a PDF export option integrated with Dropbox, Evernote, Box, and Salesforce where you can save notes, assign action items and capture meeting images. 

This app was created by Travis Davis who needed a better way to organize and manage his sales meeting. Since this app has been created it has received lots of recognition including being featured in Forbes Top Apps lists and the featured app at the DreamForce Conference.  

Feed Your Fish

World Renew is a nonprofit organization that joins communities around the world to renew hope, reconcile lives, and restore creation.

Feed Your Fish is app built by World Renew that teaches the user how to tweak  personal expenses and donate the savings to fight world hunger.

Track My Health

See how your medicines, supplements and lifestyle changes are affecting your health.

** Enter your test results, medications, supplements and lifestyle changes
** Track the trend on their graphs
** See the effect of your medications, supplements and lifestyle changes at any point on the graph
** Learn how to improve your results
** Learn how to help prevent disease of your brain (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, memory), heart and circulation (heart failure, sudden death, stroke), lungs, kidneys and cancer.

Track My Health allows you to see how your medications, lifestyle changes and supplements are affecting 42 test results which are risks for mortality.

CPI Mobile App Suite

CPI Mobile App Suite is a free suite of four unique tools developed by Chatsworth Products, Inc. (CPI) to help IT and telecommunications professionals determine cable fill, select server cabinets, identify the best power distribution unit (PDU), and create bills of material (BOM) for cable pathway while you are on the go.

Cooking Planit

Welcome to Cooking Planit, the ONLY utility that takes the guesswork out of cooking, so you can have fun in the kitchen. Cooking Planit gives you exclusive access to over 800 lovingly chef-tested recipes and thousands of meal combinations. Dinner is always more than a just a single recipe – it’s a combo of 2-3 recipes to make a complete meal. Our Meal Maestro will guide you step-by-step through the cooking process so that your entire meal is ready to serve at the same time.

Flint Group Flexo Toolbox

Tools for prepress, plate making and process control, all at your fingertips:
* Flexo calculators
* Product selectors
* Convenient conversions
* Helpful hints and tips
* Plate optimization, process control and data recording

Barton Tiles

The Barton Tiles app was developed for tutors using the Barton Reading & Spelling System. This system aims at improving spelling, writing, and reading skills of individuals with learning disabilities including dyslexia. The app is pre-loaded with lessons and has the ability to manage student contact information, notes, student's progress level. Along with these funtionalities the app is designed to save tutors at least 10 minutes per session as there is no cumbersome tile cleanup.

GiGi

GiGi is a mobile application that allows for secure communication via email, text, picture, or video messaging. The application has pre-set time periods where messages and history is deleted and also generates random PINs to protect from coding that is easy to guess. This single secure app ensures that all your messages are safely devlivered and received without hacking threats. 

GiGi was created because there has been a trend of hackers, data miners, and network sniffers intercepting valuable information. This app trys to eliminate the threat of oustiders pilfering your messages so you can have a safe and secure mobile experience. 

My Resource Search

My Resource Search is a mobile directory of resources including housing, utlities, trasportation, insurance information, and medication help for the underinsured and uninsured. An individual is able to answer a short questionnaire in the application regarding their history to help narrow the results to their lifestyle and location. 

My Resource Search was created by the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) which has been helping individuals with challenging media diagnosis since 1996. PAF wanted a mobile application that was able to connect patients with insurance information and healthcare assitance to compliments its online services. 

AgRacer

AgRacer is a 3D game where you are able to race farm equipment. As you progress through the game you are able to download upgrades, like faster vehicles, and you have ability to win real-world prizes. 

AgRacer was created by Fastline, which is a company that connects buyers and sellers of construction, trucking, and farming equipment. They wanted a way to interact with a younger audience and promote their brand. A mobile game seemed to be the perfect solution. 

Dino Fight 3D

Dino Fight is a game that combines cutting-edge 3D technology with two-player combat. The game includes multiple dinosaurs that have the ability to bite, jump, and slash their competitor. As players become experienced in the game there are ways they can earn special powers and upgrades. The app is currently available for iPhone and iPad devices. 

Reviews

4.7
32 reviews
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iOS Mobile App Dev for Aquaculture Company

“They're an efficient and professional partner. I was amazed by the quality, speed, and accuracy of their work.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
June - Dec. 2017
Project summary: 

Zco built an environmental data analytics and visualization app for iOS. The software maximizes existing data assets and gathers useful new metrics. Having found new uses, the team will develop it further.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
North Falmouth, Massachusetts
Daniel Ward
President, Ward Aquafarms, LLC
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The app generated two potential new ways to monetize results from data assets. An intuitive display format pragmatically organizes useful results from the raw input. The project manager consistently responded with remarkable speed. Developers rapidly completed tasks at a high level of proficiency.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the owner and president of operations at Ward Aqua Farms, LLC. We’re a research-focused aquaculture operation that commercially produces shellfish. Our consulting operations strive to improve domestic aquaculture.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Zco?

Our business has the internal resources to measure specific water quality parameters. To better drive business decisions, we needed a software solution to convert raw data into actionable insight. The pre-set sensor configurations display results in a suboptimal format. I’d worked with discrete aspects of development but had never completed an end-to-end app build. Zco had the professional design and development qualifications we lacked internally.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our initial discussions clarified how to maximize our existing data assets and the ideal UX/UI. We collaboratively developed a basic starting template. The specs outline new types of metrics we wanted to gather. Zco incorporated my feedback on design specs including wireframes and storyboards. The iOS app lets me set custom alerts and apply my parameters to incoming metrics. User-configurable thresholds maximize data utility.

They transitioned hosting from a third-party platform to my Amazon cloud-based account. I have much more control over this platform. The app lets me conduct quality checks in-house. An intuitive display visualizes results from raw incoming data. Several design iterations and a data acquisition phase yielded a viable mobile app.

What is the team composition?

My two main contacts at Zco are the project manager and his supervisor. I've only interacted with those two resources but assume a full development team writes the code.

How did you come to work with Zco?

I considered several potential contractors. After finding Zco via Google, I contacted their CEO. Their excellent communication skills were the deciding factor. Most vendors can offer comparable development work. We had a tight deadline to get the quote into a federal agency. Zco was by far the most responsive option.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2017 and wrapped up the first phase by December. I plan to work with them again shortly to expand this project. Ideally, we’ll establish a new six-month scope in April 2018. Having established new uses, we’re going to develop the app much further.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Zco is an efficient and professional partner. I was amazed by the quality, speed, and accuracy of their work. We measured their progress against the scope and timeline. They offer a very fair price, especially in light of the project’s scope and quality.

The app generated two new pathways to monetization outside the original scope. Using this product in-house has reduced risk substantially and generated innovative future business opportunities.

How did Zco perform from a project management standpoint?

Zco walked me through the entire process. We used email 90% of the time with intermittent phone calls. I interacted with our project manager daily and only spoke with his supervisor about billing concerns. He always responded immediately, often within hours. The cost was split into five invoices, each one predicated on meeting monthly milestones.

Even though I frequently kept them waiting, they adhered to a challenging timeline. They probably could have finished in half the time if our supplier had promptly provided materials. Resources were straightforward, transparent, and seamlessly transitioned between tasks. They made critical changes to the original document on the same day.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I can't think of a single time our project manager took more than an hour to respond. He prioritized my needs regardless of off-hours, holidays, and even the time zone difference. I've never experienced that attentive level of support with any other vendor. This dynamic facilitated uniformly smooth and efficient progress.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I wouldn't change anything. Based on our great experience so far, I’ve extended their engagement.

5.0
Overall Score I had a top-notch experience, especially lacking prior knowledge of their team. They really did a great job.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    We never missed a deadline or had a breakdown in communication.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They built an extremely high-quality product for the quote.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    The quality of the final deliverable markedly exceeded my expectations.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I’ve already recommended them and will continue working with them this year.

Hybrid Mobile App Dev for Swimming Pool & Spa Manufacturer

“They do high-quality work.. … I'd absolutely recommend them.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Dec. 2017 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Zco built a hybrid mobile application that is compatible with iOS and Android. The app lets users create a product catalog based on various search parameters.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Los Angeles, California
Christine Schaeffer
VP of Administration, Meissner Mfg. Co., Inc.
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The app is widely used and received favorable feedback from customers. Responsive and experienced, Zco delivered a secure, high-quality product on time and stayed within their cost estimates, while their exceptional communication skills contributed to the positive experience.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the VP of Administration at a manufacturing company. We manufacture swimming pool and spa filters.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Zco?

About five years ago, Zco built an iOS application for us and we wanted to update it to make sure it's compatible with the iPhone X. Since we also wanted to have an Android version, we decided to develop a hybrid mobile app that would work with both iOS and Android. We reached out to Zco and asked them to update the application they had developed previously.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The hybrid application they built was essentially a duplicate of our existing app in terms of functionality, but they changed the look of the app and added new graphics. When we noticed there were some issues with our initial version, they addressed those issues. I also asked them to turn off some database searches that I wasn't maintaining correctly.

The app is for swimming pool and spa professionals, but it has some free functions and can also be used by homeowners. It helps users find cartridge filters based on the size and the model. Users can enter different parameters in the search fields and the app determines relevant cartridges, creating a catalog. Also, users can set reminders for cleaning their filters and watch instructional videos.

In addition to managing the app development, they’re helping us redesign our website and update its content.

What is the team composition?

I primarily work with our project manager and one developer.

How did you come to work with them?

Originally, one of my other vendors referred me to Zco.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent over $100,000. (This doesn't include the website redesign, which will be over $40,000.)

What is the status of this engagement?

Our latest project began in December 2017 and we're still working with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app is widely used in my industry. When I do trade shows, people come up to me and compliment me on the app. Zco delivered everything on time and made sure the app is secure and bug-free.

How did they perform from a project management standpoint?

They're very upfront and responsive, explaining the process to me in a way I can understand. (I don't have an IT background, but they answer all of my questions.) We usually communicate via email, but initially, I talked to them on the phone to explain what exactly I needed. Sometimes, I send them emails at odd times and they respond almost immediately if it's within reasonable business hours. They also use Basecamp for project management.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I appreciate their response time and their willingness to work with my budget. They're very fair in their pricing.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. I'm very satisfied with their work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They're a great fit for anyone who needs to develop an app or a website, but doesn't have a background in IT. They're great communicators, so they’ll ask you many questions.

5.0
Overall Score They do high-quality work.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They've never missed a deadline.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They adhered to the cost estimates they had given me.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They app is very attractive and gets positive feedback.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I'd absolutely recommend them.

Mobile App Dev for Storybook Gaming Application

"It’s been fantastic working with like-minded individuals who understand my vision."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
Oct. 2016 - Jan. 2018
Project summary: 

Zco built an animated iOS app game that included dialogue, voice over and original music. They also provided marketing, SEO expertise, and promotional content for the app’s launch and subsequent performance.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Brooklyn, New York
Aliya LeeKong
Founder, ALK Ventures, LLC
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Zco not only understood the vision for the app, but they helped shape it to be more robust and interactive. As a result of their forthcoming input and high-quality development, the app has received a tremendous amount of positive feedback from its market.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a chef, author, and TV personality, as well as the founder and CEO of ALK Ventures.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Zco?

I hired them to help build my storybook/game app, Issa’s Edible Adventures, which surrounds a little girl named Issa who travels around the world to gather ingredients for her mom’s recipes.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I came to Zco with the app idea, and we worked together to develop the imagery. Initially, it was going to simply be a storybook concept, but after working on character development, design style, and the 3D and 2D animation, the app evolved into more of a game concept. Zco helped me develop three game episodes that center around three of my recipes. From there, we underwent a lot of crafting and editing the dialogue. We then did voice-overs and developed music for the app. 

Zco has also been extremely helpful in launching and marketing the app. They submitted it to the App Store and created the promotional content for it. They’ve helped me with SEO as well, assisting in putting together keywords and phrases to boost the app’s ranking. They’ve also sent it to news outlets to help promote it.

Currently, the app is for iOS only, but we intend to create an Android version once I get more traction.

What is the team composition? 

Kevin Morrow, the senior account manager of Zco, was my initial point of contact. During development, I worked closely with Don Austin, Zco’s Executive Vice President, who liaised with about two or three of their developers on my behalf. I also worked with Matt Henry, their creative media director, who handled the sound and video production.

How did you come to work with Zco?

I had a very specific vision of an animated concept, so in my search, I prioritized developers who were skilled in animation. I was also interested in a work-for-hire basis to ensure I owned the future assets.

I came across Zco, and they had incredible reviews. I spoke to the references they provided, and they raved about them. I also appreciated that, unlike a lot of other firms I spoke to, they didn’t have to get external graphic designers to create images for me and then attempt to manipulate it into an app. They have a very holistic approach. Last but not least, I loved their work, so it wasn’t a difficult decision.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working on the app in October 2016 and wrapped up development in early January 2018. The timeline was initially shorter, but as the scope of the project increased, so did the timeline. I didn’t have a strict deadline; I just wanted the product to be perfect. It took a bit longer than we thought, but I’m really happy with the end result. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Because we just launched, I don’t have any data to offer currently. I can say that the reception to the app has been great. People are extremely impressed with the product. I’ve especially received positive feedback from charter and private schools, where I’ve been able to demo the app as a teaching and enriching tool. Some museums have shown interested in the product, and I’ll be doing a demo at the New York Hall of Science soon.

How did Zco perform from a project management standpoint?

Their communication is great. There was a lot of minutiae within the project, so we went back and forth a lot.I was able to reach someone on their team within a day. They work normal hours, so someone was always available to address my concerns within my eastern standard work hours. They’ve been great partners and I’m thankful I found them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

It’s been fantastic working with like-minded individuals who understand my vision and are dedicated to bringing it to life. They’re able to take your idea to the next level. I didn’t start with the same app I ended up with, and I’m really happy for that because I ultimately got a better product in the end.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have anything negative to say about them. They’ve done everything I’ve asked them to and were forthcoming throughout the process.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Don’t hesitate to work with Zco. They’re upfront about the cost, and they’ll deliver the best product.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Mobile App Dev for Electrical Connector Manufacturer

"Their technical expertise is spot-on and they're highly responsive, even post-launch."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
Nov. 2016 - June 2017
Project summary: 

Zco designed and built an iOS and Android app to highlight the products of an electrical connector manufacturer. The solution includes detailed guidelines for installation and best practices.

The Reviewer
 
501-1,000 Employees
 
Boston, Massachusetts
Sr. Product Manager, Manufacturing Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The completed app functions flawlessly, with only a single error discovered during beta. Users approve of the layout and ease of use. Zco’s organized team responded promptly to any questions and provide ongoing post-launch support. Competitive pricing makes them a likely partner on future projects.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a product manager at an electrical connector manufacturer. We sell connectors and installation tools for utility and distribution in various markets.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Zco?

We wanted to build an app to highlight our wide range of products and clarify proper installation methods. We wanted customers with a particular connector, for instance, to be able to quickly identify which tool to use and understand how to use it.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

This was a multi-tier project. We initially provided an Excel wireframe that listed the basic functionalities we expected and the necessary data. We left the design work in their capable hands and they provided a custom user interface.

We then built a basic version of the app which we added onto in stages. The initial model focused on helping installers identify the connectors and tools necessary for any given job. Next, we added a feature to help inspectors validate electrical installations. We then built a function that allows users to easily find local sales representatives. Finally, we added our tool catalog.

They provided a beta version for us to test and made changes based on our feedback.

We’ve launched the iOS and Android models and plan to build a Microsoft version in the future.

What is the team composition?

We initially spoke with one of the sales representatives who set us up with a principal project manager. We stayed in constant contact with both of these individuals and they communicated our needs to their developers.

How did you come to work with Zco?

We found them on Google. We conducted an in-person meeting since they were nearby and we had a nice, comfortable discussion about our goals. They seemed very knowledgeable and offered a competitive price, so we made the decision to go with them.

How much have you invested with them?

Slightly more than $30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November 2016 and completed the project in June 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app has only recently launched, but the feedback we’ve received so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Users appreciate the functionalities and find the interface easy to use. We currently have roughly 100 registered users, though registration is not required.

It will take time for the app to catch on among our diverse network of distributors and end customers, but the tool works flawlessly and we haven’t received any complaints.

How did Zco perform from a project management standpoint?

Communication was very effective and responsive. We worked together through email and used GoToMeeting to conduct video conferences. We also conducted in-person meetings during the early stages of the project.

They utilized an effective system for improving on the app’s beta model, using a web portal to go over wireframes. We provided feedback, they made adjustments, and we repeated this process until we were satisfied with the product.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have excellent customer service, responding to any questions within 24 hours. They also rely on highly skilled developers. We only found a single error in the beta test and the issue was resolved within 12 hours. Not only did they fix the problem, they also explained what went wrong in order to assure us the issue wouldn’t reoccur. Not many companies take that kind of care.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We worked well together and our project was a success, so I don’t have any suggestions.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It’s important to have a clear goal in mind when working with any developer. They may be unfamiliar with your industry, so it helps to precisely articulate your requirements and establish clear parameters. If you’re disorganized, your project may encounter issues.

We also set up a focus group on our end to ensure our product met all demands. We had our internal sales team and customers come in to review the app at various stages to gauge its usability. In this way, we took proactive steps to guarantee the success of our product on the market.

5.0
Overall Score Their technical expertise is spot-on and they're highly responsive, even post-launch.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They hit every deadline without issue, as any delays were caused by our end.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They’re competitively priced.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    The sole error was fixed immediately. The app runs flawlessly and they provide ongoing support as needed.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I’ve already recommended them for other company projects.

BLE Mobile App Dev & Web Dev for Smart Accessories

"...[W]e’ve been very pleased with the work Zco has provided."

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4.0

Quality: 
4.0
Schedule: 
n/a
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
4.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
Aug. 2017 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Zco designed and built native mobile apps for smart accessories. The product allows users to easily alert emergency services with their wearable device. Zco also provided website development and marketing help.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Boston, Massachusetts
Co-Founder, Wearable Tech Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Zco offers highly competitive rates and transparent, responsive project management. They typically meet deadlines, though delays naturally occur given the niche nature of the project. Their dedication allows them to tackle the challenges of the burgeoning wearable technology field.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the Co-Founder of a company developing smart accessories capable of alerting friends, family, and police in the event of an emergency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Zco?

We hired Zco to develop the app for pairing our software with wearables.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The app essentially presents users with onboarding tutorials that explain the setup process and how to use the product. It also prompts users to fill out personal information to assist police before pairing with a smart device. Zco provided design, as well as frontend and backend development, for the native iOS and Android versions of the app.

To begin, they designed screens based on a list of requirements we provided. We went back and forth on edits before development began. From here, they arranged the project in detailed milestones, producing deliverables for testing every couple of weeks.

In addition to developing the app, they provided website development at no extra charge. They also volunteered to assist with the production of marketing materials, creating a promotional video. As we approach completion, they’re helping launch our product on the App Store.

What is the team composition?

There are four or five people assigned to our project in total, though we communicate directly with two. We have a U.S.-based project manager who oversees the project, as well as a team lead who manages their overseas developers.

How did you come to work with Zco?

We were looking for developers in the Boston area and came across Zco, one of the world’s largest app development firms. They had a number of positive reviews, offered better rates than other agencies we considered, and had experience with projects similar to our own. We also seemed to connect with the team, so we decided they’d be a good fit.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2017 and our relationship is ongoing. We’re currently in the final testing phase of the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

While we haven’t yet launched the app, we’ve been very pleased with the work Zco has provided.

How did Zco perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicate through Basecamp on a daily basis. They’re very responsive and transparent about updates. They also stick to the budget, though our price did increase after we added to our initial scope.

While they stick to project deadlines, we did run into a software pairing issue that caused a month and a half of delays. Still, they worked diligently to identify the root cause of the issue and have done everything in their power to fix the bug.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They offer significantly better rates than their competitors. Additionally, while they rely on overseas developers, having a U.S.-based project manager ensures smooth communication.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s been a bit of a learning curve in working with wearable devices, but this is understandable since it’s a bit of a niche field.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure your requirements are clear because they’ll provide exactly what you ask for. Be sure to be as detailed as possible.

4.0
Overall Score
  • N/A Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 4.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They did a good job overall, though we did have occasional change requests.
  • 4.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Mobile App Dev for Academic Medical Center

“Their comprehensive skills make them capable of anything.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
Sept. 2016 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Zco built the front- and backend of native iOS and Android apps to specifications. Customized features and sensor integration allows health researchers to gather additional data through user interaction.

The Reviewer
 
5,001-10,000 Employees
 
Boston, Massachusetts
John Torous
Co-Director, Digital Psychiatry Program, BIDMC
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The app met rigorous standards, and other departments are eager to replicate it. Zco delivered on every milestone, and efficiently navigated any changes in scope. They are easy to reach, and quick to respond.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a clinical informatics fellow and psychiatrist in the digital psychiatry program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a Harvard Medical Center affiliated teaching hospital.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Zco?

We wanted to build a custom smartphone platform that would enable high-quality clinical research in mental health and psychiatry. After an industry review, we did not identify any apps or products that met our specifications, so we needed a partner to build one.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped us brainstorm and build the app, from backend to user interface design. They produced all the code for the native iOS and Android apps and integrated various sensors like Apple Health Kit and Google Fit. The app can also work with Amazon Web Services, with unique accounts for each user and research group. We host the app through the hospital’s IT department in a secure environment.

We asked for a variety of customized features that don’t exist in other apps that record interactive signals. With users’ consent, we can collect additional data from touch rate and other behavioral cues.

What is the team dynamic?

Randy [Business Development, Zco] is our account executive, and Mike [Designer/Product Engineering Specialist, Zco] is our lead engineer. There is a larger team working for us, but those are our two main contacts.

How did you come to work with Zco?

We spent about four months researching companies in New England. We collected quotes and bids via the internet. Zco submitted a reasonable bid, and their track record of quality work in app development helped us to trust them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began in September 2016, and continue to work with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

As a healthcare provider, our institutional review board and ethics panel must approve any study we conduct. We brought the app to them for review. They are strict, but the app met their safety standards for patient use.

It is an engaging tool, and other departments throughout the hospital are interested in expanding its relevance to their work. They’ve seen our success with the app, and are eager to replicate it. We haven’t uploaded the app to the public market, as we’re still in development. If we do, we will have more metric data.

How did Zco perform from a project management standpoint?

We scheduled releases for milestones, and they’ve delivered on every one. We’re excited by the success so far, so we keep adding new milestones, and they coordinate those changes efficiently.

Communication is terrific, and mostly virtual. They’re very responsive to emails, which is our primary channel. It’s also easy to reach them by phone. We have regular Skype meetings every other week and occasionally meet in person. Their responses are always direct; they don’t deal in hypotheticals.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their comprehensive skills make them capable of anything from design, to backend work, to mobile development. Their quotes are reasonable, and a good value. They always deliver on time, and never make excuses. Even when we change the scope of a project, they are able to stay within budget and accommodate us without any difficulty.

5.0
Overall Score We’re excited to continue to work with them and expand the scope of the project.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    Over a year of work, they’ve met every deadline. They’re easy to coordinate with.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They had the most competitive, realistic quotes of any company we researched. They made our hiring decision easy.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    The design and functionality are impressive. The app made it through a strict regulatory review, which is a testament to its quality.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    We recommend them to many people.

Mobile App Dev for 3-D Model Technology

"The team was communicative; they were upfront about challenges, escalations, and obtaining detailed requirements."

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4.0

Quality: 
3.5
Schedule: 
4.0
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
4.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
Jan. 2016 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Zco helped integrate a cross-platform solution using Unity with an existing iOS app. They assisted with systems analysis, design, creation of the 3D visualization solution, and then integration.

The Reviewer
 
51-200 Employees
 
San Diego, California
Software Engineering Manger, IoT Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Zco is a proactive team. They are upfront about changes, and although they could provide more long-term context, they gave clear incremental deadlines. There was more back-and-forth than necessary due to time zone challenges and minor integration issues, but Zco is overall collaborative and helpful.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are an IoT [Internet of things] company developing a motion sensor which measures the athletic performance of baseball players and golfers, namely swing speed and style. I am a software engineer and manager of the company, in charge of our mobile application and web services teams.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Zco?

We were looking to develop a 3D model which visualized a player’s swing. Our staff lacked the expertise for building a cross-platform solution using Unity.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Zco has worked with us on getting our model integrated with the existing iOS app. The project was broken up into a few milestones, with the first phase consisting of systems analysis and design. They sat with us, looked at our requirements document and decomposed it into technical items. I and some of our engineers worked with Zco in a review process for hashing out what the integrations would look like, and how we would build them.

We created a proof-of-concept in order to make sure that Unity would work within iOS. After we approved it, we went through various milestone-based agreements by which Zco implemented certain features, had us approve them, and repeated the process.

One example would be getting the 3D model of a baseball player visualized in the app. Following this, we would be displaying sensor data, and drawing a 3D tracer of the player’s swing. We scrubbed through that tracer, and retrieved the data for any point in time. We went through an iterative process in order to build out the final feature set.

Our main interfaces were Zco’s project manager and the technical lead. They did have 1-2 developers in charge of the actual implementation, but we didn’t interface too much.

How did you come to work with Zco?

We made a Google search for Unity developers who also had experience with iOS and Android. Zco had an impressive portfolio, and we had a light technical interview in order to determine if they knew iOS to the level we wanted. From there, we got a request for quote, and came back with a favorable bid. We decided to proceed with Zco.

How much have you invested with Zco?

[Confidential]

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Zco in January or February 2017. The proof-of-concept took 2 weeks to build, after which we went through another 2 weeks of system analysis and design. This was followed by 6-8 weeks of actual development. The project has wrapped up, but we are planning a phase 2 of the feature set, and we plan to use Zco.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

We have just launched the new feature set, so there is no customer data for its adoption. From a competitive standpoint, it has allowed users to visualize their swing without shooting video or having a reference point. This is quite important, since, looking at all analyzers in this space, our feature is something which every customer wants to have.

How did Zco perform from a project management standpoint?

I would give them a 7/10 in this area. The team was communicative, they were upfront about challenges, escalations, and obtaining detailed requirements. I would like to see Zco do more long-term project planning. We were given milestone dates, but we didn’t know when the project itself would end, until we got closer to the finish.

The development team is in India, but we did have overlap times early in the morning and late at night. Interfacing more frequently would be good. The project manager was based in New Hampshire, which made it easy to get in touch, but we also needed to talk directly with technical leads, who were based in India. We had to wait for a day or at least a couple of hours for this purpose.

We used Basecamp for communication, which was Zco’s tool of choice. We entered commentary, screenshots, and builds into it. Towards the end of the project, when our own QA team became involved, we reported bugs in our JIRA project, and invited Zco to it. They used that as a reference.

What did you find most impressive about Zco?

Skillset-wise, Unity development isn’t exactly known or adopted by most developers, which gives Zco a unique advantage. Their rates were good, based on the bids we looked at and compared to hiring a full-time resource or a U.S. contractor for the same type of development. The quality was very good for the price, so it worked out from a business perspective.

Are there any areas Zco could improve?

Towards the end, when we were doing bug fixes, having Zco be more involved when sending builds would have been good. They were integrating their code into our own, so sometimes things would break. Although they weren’t as familiar with it as us, taking more time to understand what broke and fixing it on their end, versus sending it over to us and having our team fix it, would have saved us a bit of time, and would have sped things up a bit.

4.0
Overall Score Interfacing with Zco’s project manager was pretty good. We were able to scope things out while they managed the development team. We didn’t have to get too involved, for the most part.
  • 4.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They were fairly accurate with estimates.
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    The value for the money is very good, but the scheduling and back-and-forth could be improved.
  • 3.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    While Zco was able to deliver to our expectations, there was a bit more back-and-forth towards the end. Improving on that would have gotten them to a 4 or 5 rating. As we engage more, we will get there.
  • 4.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I would highly recommend Zco. The quality was good for the cost, and the overall communication was also good.

App Development for Executive Coaching and Workshops

"They’re great at figuring out why something isn’t working and coming up with a solution."

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4.5

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
Project summary: 

Zco stepped in for this client to deliver a cloud-based application and payment system after her prior 4 developers could not successfully complete the project.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Boston, Massachussetts
Claudyne Wilder
Owner, Wilder Presentations
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

This client applauds Zco's ability to translate problems into solutions and taking a half-baked project to fruition.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Wilder Presentations offers workshops and executive coaching focused on getting to the message, sooner rather than later. Participants learn to categorize information from the highest level to the finest data point, and then to choose just the right amount of detail for their audience.

I’m the owner.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Zco?

I have courses on presenting that I do in companies but I wanted to make a special online coaching survey.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The product is an app that sits in the cloud. They helped me finish it because the developer I had before didn’t finish it. They set the payment system up and fixed things that weren’t done correctly.

How did you come to work with Zco?

I had four different developers I worked with but none of them finished the project. I was looking for a company that had a reputation that I could count on.

How much have you invested with Zco?

The project cost is between $10,000 and $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began the project summer 2016 and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What did you find most impressive about Zco?

They listen and get back to me. They’re very good about explaining why things are working and why they’re not working.

Are there any areas Zco could improve?

It’s a hard project to take on when things weren’t done correctly in the beginning. They didn’t have a good chance to stay on schedule because there was so much that didn’t work right. They’re great at figuring out why something isn’t working and coming up with a solution.

4.5
Overall Score
  • 4.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    A schedule doesn’t work because it’s not a simple project.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They’re reasonable. They get work done without charging me too much.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    What they’ve done so far is great.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

App Development for Automotive Company

"When we indicated there was a problem, they jumped into trying to understand what the problem was and then take care of it."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
Project summary: 

Zco delivered on the development side of this iOS and Android mobile platform, following the specifications and design provided by the client.

The Reviewer
 
51-200 Employees
 
Los Angeles, California
Software Manager, Auto Parts Manufacturer
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The quality of work delivered by Zco compared to the cost of their competitors' offerings sticks out in this client's mind as one of the key measures of success.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My company is a manufacturing company of aftermarket auto parts. I am the software manager for the development.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Zco?

We wanted a mobile application with various functionalities, and therefore we partnered with Zco to achieve that objective.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They did the development of the mobile platform. We did the APIs and the backend. A lot of the functionality was graphical. We have an art department which comped the layout, and they followed it. We did incorporate search algorithms to be used. They took care of that for us.

We are expecting to roll the app out in January, and it will be for iOS and Android.

How did you come to work with Zco?

I did some searching and came across their website. I also read a couple of reviews about them. I called in and talked to them and a few other companies. Based on the conversation and what they have already achieved, they looked like a good candidate.

How much have you invested with Zco?

We have invested between $10,000 and 50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

A little over six months.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

The cost, quality, and look/feel of the app were big successes to me. I assume most other mobile app developers would have been able to incorporate the functionality. We did not do anything revolutionary with the design or functionality. But to me, it’s more about the cost associated with the deliverables that Zco delivered as promised.

How did Zco perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very responsive. When we indicated there was a problem, they jumped into trying to understand what the problem was and then take care of it. That’s a big thing on my part. The project manager and the manager, Kevin, were professional and independent.

Are there any areas Zco could improve?

I do not have any complaints. They did what I needed them to do. The problem we ran into was more on us as far as being more organized and giving them the information they needed.

5.0
Overall Score Everyone is very professional.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They were able to deliver in a timely fashion.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    Compared to the competitors and since it was a flat rate, a 5.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They delivered on exactly what we had comped out.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

App Development for Tax Aggregator App Startup

"Zco  stood out through their ability to listen and understand what we were trying to achieve at a conceptual level."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
Project summary: 

Zco built a cross-platform app that tracks and stores sales tax information. They took the client's storyboard and successfully delivered on the design and concept.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Stratham, New Hampshire
Mike Moreau
President, SalesTaxTracker.com
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

This client looks forward to expanding their partnership with Zco highlighting their project management and deliverance of a product meant to scale to 83 million users.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We're an app development firm which has developed a product called SalesTaxTracker.com. It's our first app, but we have a plan to take it globally, not just in its current form.

Our product was derived from personal experience. I live in New Hampshire and sold a company 2 years ago in that area. The US government allows people to either deduct their income or sales taxes. There is no sales tax in my area, except for restaurants and hotels. In these situations, because I was meeting with clients, I was able to write everything off. I started keeping records of this and soon realized what a pain it was. I did a little research, coming up with our solution, which basically keeps track of the sales tax users pay through an app on their phone.

For the 8 other states that do not have an income tax, there are sales taxes on everything. The 83 million people living in those states can use our product. Our catchphrase is "Snap, track, and save".

I am the president of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Zco?

We are not developers, so we did some research, looked for resources, and found Zco as a partner.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We were given the option to develop the apps as native versions, or through cross-platform technology. We chose the latter option, which has allowed us to make changes quickly during operating system updates. Zco is also designing our website.

In order to track sales taxes for the user, our app takes a picture which is associated with the expense and tax information. The data is backed-up in the cloud account associated with the user's operating system. As a wildcard, Dropbox can also be used. The backend creates a database in this way, but we came to the realization that a new database would be created each time a new description was created. We needed to create a solution around this, given that by having a number of databases at the end of the year, the purpose of the app would be defeated. We got together with Zco's engineer and project manager, coming up with a good solution. Things like this have made it easier for a company like mine.

Another situation we ran into was a technical issue with Apple. I gave Zco administrative access to my domain service. They got together with the engineers from Whois (the company which I use for hosting) and found a working solution for our Linux database issue. Zco's approach is to call in whoever is needed in order to get the work done. I am sure that the 3-4 hours needed to get my issue fixed wasn't in the quote, but Zco was willing to put in a few extra hours. I've worked with other companies that charged extra for any unforeseen problems. I can understand this, but when working with new technologies, they need to account for something going wrong. 

How did you come to work with Zco?

We came up with a concept and created a storybook on how the app should work, and met with 4-5 companies in the Boston and New Hampshire areas.

I chose Zco based on reviews, personal recommendations, and based on our meeting with their team. Zco's people were very good, so we felt confident in them. They had worked on similar projects in the past and had an understanding of what we're trying to do. I feel we've made a very good choice in partnering with them.

How much have you invested with Zco?

The cost of Zco's work has been between $10,000 and $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We have been working with Zco since July 2016. Our app is currently up on the Apple and Android app stores. We made a mistake with our Microsoft account, but we're also working on having the app published there as well. After that point, we will be launching our product.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

The application we've created with Zco is intended for 83 million US citizens. We are also working on an international version of the app, for value-added tax, so our relationship with Zco will extend beyond our current project.

How did Zco perform from a project management standpoint?

I especially want to mention Zco's project manager, who has been spot-on. Many other companies I've worked with don't offer good customer skills, but our contact from Zco has been great.

What did you find most impressive about Zco?

I've had some experience with software development in the past. Zco stood out through their ability to listen and understand what we were trying to achieve at a conceptual level.

Zco put together user interfaces with us, working through the process from A to Z, based on our storybook. Zco's project manager fully understood what we were trying to do. Some of the other companies we interviewed were completely clueless. In one case, after spending an hour and a half talking to a rep, she told us she wasn't the technical person, so there were parts she didn't understand. By bringing the technical project manager into what was a sales meeting, Zco made us feel comfortable. As we went forward, Zco came back with proposals on how to make our vision better. They're a true partner.

Zco gave us 2 different options for many of the creative aspects of our app, like its interface design and logo. Their designs have been crisp and clear, and Zco has also allowed us to make tweaks to the work, and combine elements of each proposal.

Are there any areas Zco could improve?

Like with all projects, we encountered a couple of glitches due to items which I may not have communicated properly. Zco was willing to address the issues, and resolving them only took a few hours of extra work. Zco didn't try to nickel and dime us, even though our project was quoted on an hourly basis. It was very easy to work with them.

5.0
Overall Score The collaboration will be ongoing for the future.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    The only delays were due to some things that I did wrong. Zco gave me an estimate of how many days it would take to complete the project, and stuck to it.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    Zco was spot-on in terms of budget.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    I was given more than what was initially proposed. Zco made sure we were happy at every step of the way.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    Zco was also referred to me by a friend and colleague.