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Verified Profile
Over the last 15 years, Skalfa provided software and mobile app development services to companies of all sizes, from independent startups to government NGOs and multinational enterprises. In recent times we focused on Progressive Web App (PWA) development, as it becomes a major selling point for many businesses. Our work is built around Agile principles, which allows us to keep all clients happy and informed about every stage of sprint-based project development, introduce changes on-the-fly, and deliver results on time. In addition to development and design teams, we have in-house project managers, quality assurance and research teams, all ready to tackle projects of any scale.
Locations
United States
5 Centerpointe Drive Suite 400,
Lake Oswego,
Oregon
97035
(+1) 516-226-7657
Focus Areas
Service Focus
- Mobile App Development
- Software Development
- Testing Services
- Maintenance & Support
- Cloud Computing Services
Client Focus
- Medium Business
- Small Business
Industry Focus
- E-commerce
- Social
- Government
Skalfa Executive Interview
Emil Sarnogoev
Founder & CEO
Please introduce your company and give a brief about your role within the company?
Initially, we were a consumer startup and were trying to build a network of niche websites but in the process, we discovered that somebody cared about our product much more than the target audience — businesses and other startups! We realized that we could make a much more significant difference if we did it together. Since then, we have built hundreds of business products for customers from various fields.
What are your company’s business model–in house team or third party vendors/ outsourcing?
We have our own, powerful in-house team. Apart from developers, we also have UI and graphic designers who complement our skillset. This allows us to take customers starting from a sketch (or just an idea!) to complete products. Whenever we tell customers that we can do something, it means we have competent specialists on the team, able to make it happen.
When it comes to building a working product, a customer can rely on us being the single-stop partner for everything related to specification, design, implementation, quality assurance, and subsequent support and maintenance. The customer does not have to arrange a complex process of co-operating with other vendors. Another benefit is, even if only one of our developers is hired for the project, that comes with complete project management, reporting and essential quality assurance included. Usually, these costs are hidden and are not reflected in the lower face-value hour rate. We believe in a transparent conversation with a customer from the start.
When it comes to building a working product, a customer can rely on us being the single-stop partner for everything related to specification, design, implementation, quality assurance, and subsequent support and maintenance. The customer does not have to arrange a complex process of co-operating with other vendors. Another benefit is, even if only one of our developers is hired for the project, that comes with complete project management, reporting and essential quality assurance included. Usually, these costs are hidden and are not reflected in the lower face-value hour rate. We believe in a transparent conversation with a customer from the start.
Our customers have been tackling diverse challenges in mobile, big data, payments, video, and niche marketplace areas. Organically we have been taking on a lot of small to the middle to big community/marketplace projects. Typically, only larger customers have an ongoing demand for development services, and we’ve been enjoying a high rate of retaining business in that segment.
Mention the objectives or the parameters critical in determining the time frame of developing a mobile app.
Mention the objectives or the parameters critical in determining the time frame of developing a mobile app.
It’s typically how well the customer understands their field to anticipate hidden challenges beyond tech and guides us to create an effective product without having to make dramatic changes to the product after receiving market data. Another crucial thing is the level of detail put into specification and UI sketches. We have been trained to understand these factors and their possible impact, even when we accept a completely new customer from a unknown area of business, haha.
How much effort in terms of time goes into developing the front end and back end of a mobile app?
70% or more goes into the frontend because it requires working out and iterating a lot of details. A big part of that iteration is ideally informed by user behavior and other market data. The backend is relatively straightforward. When sufficiently abstracted, it only requires proper test coverage.
What are the key parameters to be considered before selecting the right platform for a mobile application?
1) Developer experience with recognized technology. As a rule, it’s the main factor impacting quality, time, and cost of development; 2) Unique product requirements in terms of UI; 3) Unique business needs.
At this point, you have to have both iOS and Android, which we do all the time. If you don’t want to develop both native apps at once, you may opt for Progressive Web Apps (PWA) technology implemented with the Ionic framework. It’s one of our core competencies, including Audio/Video via WebRTC. A big benefit of PWA is launching an idea 2-3 times faster (saving budget) to guide further development by user reaction.
At this point, you have to have both iOS and Android, which we do all the time. If you don’t want to develop both native apps at once, you may opt for Progressive Web Apps (PWA) technology implemented with the Ionic framework. It’s one of our core competencies, including Audio/Video via WebRTC. A big benefit of PWA is launching an idea 2-3 times faster (saving budget) to guide further development by user reaction.
Android or iOS, Native or Hybrid — which platform is best to use to build your app? What are your recommendations?
If a project doesn’t require heavy interaction with the device (most don’t), we advice to start — and possibly stick — with Hybrid. You simply can not ignore the time and budget savings, which is critical for time-to-market in lean startups. If the app assumes dynamic graphics and/or extended hardware functions, building native iOS and Android apps is the only way to go. In that case, these apps will probably end up being significantly different.
What are the key factors that you consider before deciding the cost of a mobile application?
1) Customer’s experience in their respective area of business; 2) Level of detail in the UI prototypes/sketches; 3) Available timeframe. It costs more to rush.
What kind of payment structure do you follow to bill your clients? Is it Pay per Feature, Fixed Cost, Pay per Milestone (could be in phases, months, versions, etc.)
We have two approaches: 1) Pay-per-Milestone: Each iteration gets specified, evaluated in hours (and cost) and agreed with the customer. After implementation, it gets tested, deployed and verified with the customer. Ready to plan out the next iteration! This approach is right for companies that require to document all work being done. 2) Full-time: The customer pays upfront for specific resources (usually a team assembled for the project) hired for a month. This is a speedier yet costlier way to develop, requires constant (often real-time) communication, and course-correction on the go. Preferred by customers who’s a priority is time and being as close to us as sitting next to each other.
Do you take in projects which meet your essential budget requirement? If yes, what is the minimum requirement? If no, on what minimum budget you have worked for?
Yes, in certain cases, we can take on projects starting from USD 10,000. There’s always an upfront amount of communication and specification required for any project.
What is the price range (min and max) of the projects that you catered to in 2018?
With some variations depending on the size, complexity, and involved technologies, our flat rate is $50/hr for the team lead developer + $40/hr for additional developers. All project communication and reporting are included with the team lead.
Which business model do you suggest to your clients, enabling them to generate revenue from mobile applications? Why?
This much depends on the type and niche of the business. For consumer apps, a great approach is usually the In-app-purchase model. Users can use limited functionality free but pay for specific mission-critical functions. This model has become very popular and effective, as top-grossing apps in the Apple App Store demonstrate.
Kindly share your feedback on how GoodFirms has been doing so far in increasing your visibility among potential clients.
GoodFirms is a quality resource for those seeking reliable partners in mobile/web development. Skalfa is happy to be recommended among the most prolific companies in the space.
Skalfa Clients & Portfolios
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Skalfa Reviews
3 Reviews
- All Services
- Mobile App Development
- Software Development
- Relevance
- Most Recent
- Rating: high to low
- Rating: low to high
László Ágoston, Director at Moltopera
Posted on Nov 04, 2019
Dating site for ethical non-monogamous people
Review Summary
I was looking for an out-of-the-box solution for my dating site and after thorough research, I decided to work with Skalfa. I very much appreciated that they were very responsive and supportive during the site building process and brought in a lot of useful expertise. I recommend Skalfa and I'm happy to work with them in the future!
Jason Wilson, Strategic Hiring Consultant (Manufacturing) at MatchRecruit.ca
Posted on Oct 11, 2019
Skalfa websites and support service
Review Summary
I have been using skalfa services for just over 2 years. Even though they are not a 24/7 support team, they are prompt on their responses within their working hours. Any questions or support I have needed for my website has been top notch. They are extremely friendly and care about your business and take pride on how they can help you to be successful.
What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?
Their support team, and tools they provide to make modifying the websites very user friendly.
What was it about the company that you didn't like which they should do better?
Support hours. Different time zone, it seems they their support hours are during my sleep time so there can be a delay on support at times but overall, very happy with the service and support. All staff have been very friendly and supportive
Alexander Rief, Click - find - care worldwide AuPair at AuPair.click GmbH
Posted on Jul 19, 2019
AuPair.click our opinion
Review Summary
Skalfa gave us great support in our project. We now have a fully functional platform and apps where AuPairs and host families can find themselves. I would also like thank the whole team and especially thanks to Margareth, who had been involved. She has made an above-average commitment