Where 20thFloor Techease is based in? What is the workforce?
We are headquartered in Lahore, Pakistan. Lahore belongs to the state of Punjab, and is a one of the fastest growing cities. We have our development center in Lahore, Punjab as well. We have a very talented team of more than 100+ great people, majority of which are in our headquarter in Lahore.
What is your core expertise and industry experience?
We have a extremely talented team who can build great Mobile Apps, Websites and Games. When we started in 2002, we began with web development. Since then, we’ve come a long way, especially since the launch of smart phones. We’ve developed very successful projects for web, mobile apps and games all these years.
Does your company provide paid support contract?
Yes, we do. You may ask for extension of our project support after the project is completed. Nevertheless, the charges depend vary from project to project. You may ask this once the project size and scope is defined.
What about secrecy of my Idea?
Everything begins with an Idea and we know – each idea is precious. We take great responsibility in ensuring your idea remains confidential. To accompany our commitment, we sign Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) right before any discussion. Even during the project development – we ensure strict security and confidentiality measures to nullify unauthorized sharing of information. We also have a legal agreements with all of our employees for maintaining security and trust.
Do you re-use code?
It is a tricky question to be honest. We do not re-use your proprietary algorithms, license keys, trade secretes, trademarks, patented processes any where else. However, considering the authoring process of producing the code, we do use lot of open source libraries and our own libraries to save development time and avoid re-inventing the wheel all over again. This ensures you do not have to pay for something that can be produced quicker and with more quality.
What is your project development methodology?
Every project is unique and requires a fresh approach, but most projects pass through the some of the most common project development steps – i.e. Requirement gathering, analysis, solution consulting, wireframe / prototyping, UI design, development and testing. However, depending on the scope and type of the project, the sequence and selection of steps may vary.
Can you send over the resources onsite for initial startup?
Yes, if the project requires it and where our representatives are present, we will be happy send over the resource onsite for initial startup. Nevertheless, in case where our office is not present in your city/country and if the project is big, we may visit your place from our corporate office.
Do you work according to client’s time zone?
All of our development team works out of our headquarter – Lahore, Pakistan. However, depending on the nature of the work, specific situation and in case of special meetings, we can certainly stay awake to ensure we connect during your working hours. However, we’d prefer having this be scheduled prior to the event so that we can plan our rest of the schedules accordingly.
What is the Quality Control Methodology which you have in place?
We follow robust process to ensure the best quality. For software testing, we use black box method. We have dedicated division for QA and QC that ensures every project is scanned through them. Covering all the different kinds of testing, they give a final ‘OK’ before the final handover and deployment.
Do you have Service Level Agreement in place?
Yes, we do have.
What’s your pricing model?
We have a very simple model. We work based on “Fixed Scope” model, where we give you finite timeframe and fixed price. The second scenario is for “Evolving Scope” – where you’re not sure how big or detailed the project is going to grow. In this case, we will compose a team of different technology experts who will work with you on building project as it evolves. Since it is difficult to determine short deadline for such projects – we charge you for each team player that is required on per month bases. In both Fixed Scope and Evolving Scope – we let you know the milestones on which you have to make payment. In most general cases, these payment milestones are tightly aligned with the delivery milestones.
How do we communicate the project development team?
We use Basecamp for project communications. We sign you up in there and loop you in with the rest of 20thFloor Techease team who’s going to work on your project. Apart from basecamp – we of course use Email and Skype. You’ll generally discuss with a Project Manager and Tech Lead – but we’re not having constraints in case you want to speak to any member of the team who’s working on your project.
What is the average time you take to develop a website?
The overall time to build a website depends on several factors. The first one is the complexity of the project. A static website usually takes less time than eCommerce websites or websites that require flash development. Some minor or major changes may increase the time limit. An average time taken by our web developer for a static website will be lesser than a website with flash and other dynamic graphics. Nevertheless, to develop complex websites such as eCommerce website takes a bit more time.
What’s your USP as web development company?
Our quality service at affordable cost is our USP. We know the value of your money and hence, we work with full dedication and devotion to turn your venture into a successful one. We have pool of experts in various technologies including php, Microsoft (.net), Java etc. Whether it is a simple, static website or a complex, eCommerce project, we never let our clients’ compromise with the quality. We put the same efforts and dedication into a static website as we do in a complex project. We provide efficient web development services in various top frameworks including the various open source PHP frameworks.
Do you offer mobile device compatible website?
Of course, we do! It’s called as Responsive Web Designing. Our experts have hands on latest technology based on HTML5 and CSS3. We develop eye-catching and graphically convincing web designs that fit even on mobile devices. Nevertheless, you may have to specify this in your objectives before the project begins.
What design options you provide? Do you provide templates as options?
Yes, we do provide a few options. However, we encourage our buyers to be precise in their requirement and elements on the website depending upon what, we develop a few options. This saves time and money and fastens the process of web development.
How many changes I can make during the website development?
Generally, no company provides you with this. But 20thFloor Techease offers a couple of changes during website development other than the objectives specified. Nevertheless, we firmly suggest discussing and defining the scope and elements before project begins. This saves time, resources and money.
Do you provide web hosting as well?
We do it only if clients ask.
Do you have similar websites as mine designed earlier?
Over the last 15 years, we have developed thousands of websites for companies belonging to different industry verticals. Be it blogs, portals, ecommerce sites or enterprise-level sites, we have expertise and experience in every aspect of website development. We’d have to analyze your specific requirements to say with certainty that we have developed websites similar to yours. But more likely than not, you’ll find that we have worked on projects similar to yours.
What is your architecture to design or develop the websites? Do you have different frameworks?
We use standard architecture –Mobile View Controller (MVC), a type of UI separating the representation of information from the user interaction. We do have different frameworks and use as per the project type and demand.
What is open source? What is difference between open source and MS tech (.net)?
Open source denotes to apps development wherein the coders can access and alter the source code. MS Technology (.net) is a commercial source with limitations on code use, change, and distribution. Open sources are free to download (and so low in cost) and has good community support.
What is static/dynamic website? Which one suites me?
A static website is coded entirely with HTML where every webpage is a separate document without any database or external file to depend. Said this, the only way to edit such page is editing each page separately. A dynamic website has complex code like php or ASP with greater degree of functionality such as integrated with content management system. This has database and other source support. In this, you can update web pages without having knowledge of HTML or software. It solely depends upon your project type and the purpose. While fixed websites (that don’t require much data to be drawn from external sources) are better developed in static, others are good in dynamic.
What are cloud services?
Cloud computing is having specific data you require ready for use anytime from anywhere. For this, data should be transportable and mobile. The purpose of cloud services is to synchronize data among several devices and fast access. As of now, we don’t provide cloud services but we certainly develop mobile and web applications that are cloud compatible. You may mention this while developing app and we take care of it.
If I have eCommerce to develop, what’s your recommendation and why?
eCommerce requires special coding and huge flexibility. We recommend closed or paid sources (such as ASP.net) over open source technology for several reasons, security and flexibility being the major concern.
What is CMS? Do I require it?
Content Management System is a software package, which makes maintenance of websites in more systematic way. The owner can manage their websites without any help. In case you want multiple users with multiple roles for your website, CMS is recommended.
What is portal? What are the benefits?
A web portal is a basically a website that uniquely fetches data from various sources. Generally, every information source has its own section on the webpage to display info. These days, revolutionary changes in technologies have made portals rendering greater benefits. Portal promises to deliver a more consistent and logical info management platform. As a result of this, it is a more use oriented approach for better accessibility.
How you test the project?
We have special department (QA & QC) to test projects. We follow series of below mentioned robust testing for the projects we develop… 1. GUI testing 2. Cross browser testing 3. Black box testing 4. Navigation testing 5. Network testing 6. System testing 7. Unit and integration testing 8. Functional testing 9. Testing on various devices and platforms Before the project is ready for above mentioned testing, we parse the code using special software and also manually. Our special programmers leave no stone unturned in screening the codes before executing them for the final version.
What is the difference between Native App and Web Based App?
Native apps are built for specific platforms (e.g. iOS, Android, Windows Phone etc.). They are built using platforms’ native SDK and development platforms and are able to use some of specific features of device – e.g. Camera, Volume controller, speaker etc. The web based apps (also web-apps) run within the mobile browser and are virtually webpages that imitate the look of a native mobile UI. Such apps are advantageous over native apps as they give same user-experience on different smartphones. However, they can’t use some features of devices like native apps.
Do you develop mobile app for all platforms?
Yes, we build mobile applications for all major mobile development platforms. You can hire our developers for developing app for iOS (iPhone and iPad), Android, BlackBerry, Symbian and Windows Mobile. Whether you want to develop apps for just one or two platforms, or want to develop an app that works on all the mobile platforms, we are at your service.
Suppose you develop app for me, what about the revenue this may generate?
We don’t have control over this. Nevertheless, most of the applications developed by 20thFloor Techease do well on the market. If you are keen to earn out of the application, we recommend using our Business Analysis provided by the experts. 20thFloor Techease offers consultancies in such cases.
Are you open to go for App development on partnership basis?
Yes, we are. We have professional partnership model for clients who want to grow in business with us. As of now, in the year of 2012, we have more than 10 partners globally.
What if I want changes to be made in the app once it is launched or delivered?
If you want the changes to be made in the app, it will cost you. We recommend having the project scope defined before beginning the project to save time and money.
Do you also upload the application to app store?
Yes, we do at free of cost! Nevertheless, you’ll have to pay the minimum amount of charge (fees) by the main company (for example Apple AppStore Yearly charges US$99.00).
Which frame work or programming language would you use to develop the application?
The framework or programming language that we use to develop applications depends upon the chosen platform by the client. For example, for iPhone application, we use iOS SDK, Objective C, Swift, Xcode, and other tools and technologies provided by Apple. Similarly, for Android application, we use Android SDK. We expertise in frameworks of Open Source and Microsoft Technologies for Web Service and API based applications.
Do you also do marketing of Mobile apps?
Yes, we do.
Can I make one app which would work in all platforms (like iPhone, iPad, Android, BB)?
Yes, you can get an application that would work in all platforms. For such development, you need to go for cross-platform mobile development in which our developers use frameworks that are used to develop the main application and then deploy it across your desired platforms. For more information on our cross-platform development services, you can check out our services for cross-platform mobile development.
Can you use the graphics / UI which I have created?
Yes, we can. You can hire us for just writing codes for programming.
Does your company guarantee that Apple won’t reject the app?
Most of the apps we develop don’t get rejected. There are no special criteria for this but just making a neat and clean app works. Our apps are foolproof and bug-free as they pass from various robust testing. Though we don’t guarantee of approval on iTunes as it may be rejected other than technical fault.
Do I require Hosting or Website to get mobile application developed?
Need of hosting or website depends on what architecture your application is using. If your application requires database and web services that connect database to the app, you need hosting in order to manage database and those web services. If you already have hosting infrastructure and server – we can help you utilize the same. As far as website goes, if you need your end users to do any activity or you need website for marketing your app, we can help you develop that as well.
Can we update the content of application after it’s built?
You may! Nevertheless, this may be chargeable.
What are web services / API?
Unlike web apps, mobile apps do not have access to remote databases. In order to fetch the data from the servers, an alternative service is needed. Web services or APIs are that alternative. By creating XML/JSON files from the database, we can use data from these files for user application.
Can we use Flash?
No. Flash is not supported on any iOS device. The support for flash is going to be discontinued from Adobe (who owns flash now) for mobile devices. Also, the flash is very rapidly being replaced by core SDK capabilities and HTML5.
Do you get my app listed under “New and Noteworthy”?
Well, who doesn’t want to be there in that spot? Saying that, it totally depends on how cool is your app idea, as well as the app as one solid product. Apparently, it is all up to Apple and Google staff when it comes to selecting an app to feature there. But having a great concept put together well increases your changes. So, it is not just us, however our role could be significant in having you take your app to that place.
Can I select my preferred developer? If yes, how do I do so?
You may choose your team if you’re going for a Evolving project scope model. You have to share with us the profile of ideal candidate and we’ll schedule interviews with you and our team member.
Is there a minimum limit for hiring developers under Evolving Scope model?
Well, there’s no limit as such. You can hire as little or as much as you think your project will require. However, our team will certainly help you compose the best team that helps you take your idea to the market with the most cost effective composition of the team.
Is there any minimum period of hiring programmers for my project?
This is applicable for Evolving Scope model. We require that you hire a team for at least 3 months minimum – so that they get to know your objectives, align closely with your team (if you have) and ensure all critical aspects of the projects are taken care of. During this period – they’ll not work on any of the project except for yours. If you see you need shorter engagement, we’d recommend you go for a fixed price model.
Can I alter the scope of the during development?
Well, we always prefer that project scope is outlined and concluded upfront in case of Fixed Scope model (as the name suggests). Obviously, it is purely due to the planning and expectations set in terms of timeline and cost. While in the case of Evolving Scope model, you’re free to make alterations because you’ll be directly driving the team here – giving you enough room to set new goals, scope, timelines and everything else. Although – even in the later case, we recommend you plan small, execute it and then set up new goals.
I am not a techie. Will I still be able to work?
Certainly. While we absolutely love our clients to be technical, we also carry years of experience with us to fill in the gap for technology on your behalf.
My documentation and project scope are ready, and my requirements are clearly defined. What next?
It couldn’t have been better. If you know what you’d expect from the development team and know what to execute, it will require much less time to get started. We just need to understand everything you’ve got for us on the table and we can figure out the right engagement model for the project. We can provide you the estimates and Fixed Scope model would just be right for you.
May I interview the developers I hire for my project?
Yes, you can! In the model where you build your own team, it is possible to interview and evaluate the skills of programmers at 20thFloor Techease. Nevertheless, you are provided with each developer’s resume that contains information about their expertise and experience in the domain.
What technologies does 20thFloor Techease works with?
Oh we are absolutely in love with modern technology. We carry tremendous enthusiasm to learn, adapt and implement new technologies. There is an array of technologies we have excelled when it comes to Web including PHP and .NET – of course with a bunch of open source and SaaS products. For Mobile – we work with Native SDKs for iOS and Android. We also work at times with cross-platform tools such as Titanium, PhoneGap and Configure.IT. For creating stunning UI and Graphics, we use a combination of softwares such as Adobe Photoshop, Sketch, Affinity and Corel Suites.
I have a technical team at my end. Can you work in conjunction with them?
Of course. We’d love to collaborate with fellow team members at your end who can make a great team along with our team. We recommend to hire team of people from our us – who can fill in the gap of your team to establish a perfect balance for your project.