Skalfa

Developing web & mobile products for businesses

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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.

$25 - $49/hr
10 - 49
2004
Locations
United States
5 Centerpointe Drive Suite 400, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035
(+1) 516-226-7657

Focus Areas

Service Focus

30%
30%
10%
10%
10%
10%
  • Mobile App Development
  • Software Development
  • Testing Services
  • Maintenance & Support
  • Cloud Computing Services

Client Focus

50%
50%
  • Medium Business
  • Small Business

Industry Focus

50%
20%
10%
10%
10%
  • E-commerce
  • Social
  • Government

Skalfa Executive Interview

Emil Sarnogoev
Emil Sarnogoev
Founder & CEO
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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

VIDEOTREFFIT
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VIDEOTREFFIT
  • VIDEOTREFFIT screenshot 1
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$10001 to $50000
30 weeks
Social

VIDEOTREFFIT - an online dating website in Finland with a unique commission structure and referral system.
Website users can upload pictures, send gifts, use video and text messenger, buy/spend coins and earn for inviting other active members.
Daily visitors spend coins for video and text messenger and have access to photo upload and gifts.

Visitors can apply to a referral program and start earning coins for inviting other active visitors.
Coins are deposited to referrers' balance when referees use video/text chat and can be withdrawn to a bank account.

VIDEOTREFFIT - date, make friends and earn all at the same time.

DNAmatch.love
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DNAmatch.love
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$10001 to $50000
10 weeks
Social

DNAmatch.love offers free online dating that uses scientific techniques employing DNA comparative analysis. DNAmatch.love partner lab at Instant Chemistry analyzes and scores biological and emotional DNA markers between you and a potential partner increasing your chances to find relationship satisfaction. Neurocompatability analysis will compare your genes related to Serotonin, Oxcytcine and Dopamine to someone you are interested in. This establishes compatibility scores from an emotional level using our proprietary algorithm.

To initiate the DNA test, you need to be registered as a user on the site and be logged into the site . Then you need to go to "DNA Analysis" on the top menu bar and order using the order tab.The DNA Analysis section will then show you the people you will be able to initiate a comprehensive report with. Both people will have to approve the fact that the report is being requested, and the person initiating the report request will pay for it.

If you sign up for the DNA match portion of the website or you are initiating a comprehensive DNA assessment you will pay for the test on the DNAmatch.love site. You will then be contacted by representatives at Instant Chemistry who will mail you a DNA kit to your home. This kit will collect saliva which you will send back to Instant Chemistry for Analysis.

Userswith DNA results have a large DNA logo on profile to make it obvious to other users that they have DNA information ready to be compared to.
Proprietary algorithm analyzes your DNA results you can pay for additional matches at that point if additional matches do exist which match our criteria of a score of 70% or better.

DNAmatch.love will post the percentage compatabilty scores based on a group of DNA markers we have determined to be most important, though 1000’s of other DNA markers exist which DNAmatch.love doesn't Analyse.

If you see someone that interests you can initiate a conversation with that person and if you both agree you can order a comprehensive DNA match report. This report will explain the details of each component making up our DNA Analysis and how you are compatible with each other on those specific DNA markers. Moreover you will also complete a psychological assessment to augment your DNA compatibility analysis to give a broader picture of your compatibility.

 Date Finder: universal dating Android app
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Date Finder: universal dating Android app
  •  Date Finder: universal dating Android app  screenshot 1
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$50001 to $100000
37 weeks
Information Technology

Date Finder is a universal application that can connect to any website based on SkaDate platform. How it works: you have a site example.com powered by SkaDate > your site users can download Date Finder app from Google Play Market > after app installation users can enter your website URL into the app > application will fetch and render content of your example.com to an end user including user's profile data.

The app has a free choice of a dating model: trendy swipe-based, or traditional search-and-find of future partner. Photo Gallery, Hot List, Chat, Bookmarks, and other features are included.

Technologies used: ionic, javascript, html, css

Oxwall: free, open source script
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Oxwall: free, open source script
  • Oxwall: free, open source script screenshot 1
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$50001 to $100000
100 weeks
Information Technology

Oxwall® is a free open source software package . It is a flexible community website engine developed with the aim to provide people with a well-coded, user-friendly software platform for social needs. Anyone can use this software for any purpose including commercial: freelance developers willing to streamline work for their client projects; an individual willing to create a community site; or a brand planning to set up a destination for your customers.

Platform comes with a Store where third party developers can distribute their work ( free or paid) and community based forum.

Technologies used:
Software: LAMP, Oxwall, 3rd party Oxwall plugins, proprietary plugins
Cloud platform: AWS, EC2, S3
Database: MySQL
Web: Nginx
System software: Proprietary tools

Platform features include:

  • photo, video sharing
  • blogs, forums, wiki groups, events, friends
  • comment, tag, rate any kind of content
  • privacy and profile customization
  • collaboration, file sharing, video-conference tools
  • administrative: complete member and content management
  • administrative: powerful appearance building tool
  • extensive collection of themes
  • ability to install/upgrade plugins (and the core engine) right from the admin panel, with a few clicks
  • flexible privacy and permissions management
  • for developers: structured and evident core code.
AuPair.click - Meeting room
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AuPair.click - Meeting room
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$50001 to $100000
21 weeks
Social

"AuPair.click" is the largest AuPair agency in Austria that's designed to bring German-speaking families together with international AuPairs. Core features of the project are manual background check ( security clearance), automatic matching algorithm, detailed profile data collection ( includes introductory video upload, availability status, profile printing), back end administrative tools, custom design development and much more.

Technologies Used: css, firebase, javascript, ionic, objective c, php

Skalfa Reviews

5.0 3 Reviews
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László Ágoston

Dating site for ethical non-monogamous people

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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!

What service was provided as part of the project?

Mobile App Development, Web Hosting

Jason Wilson

Skalfa websites and support service

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  • Schedule & Timing
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Project Detail

$0 to $10000

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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 service was provided as part of the project?

Mobile App Development, Web Development, Business Services

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

AuPair.click our opinion

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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

What service was provided as part of the project?

Software Development