Modification date: October 21, 2021

Software Development for Startups

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Algothic
Software Development for Startups

Brilliant ideas die before they are actualized all the time, whether due to financial struggles, incorrect internal process engineering, ineffective cooperation within the team, insufficient demand, lack of appropriate implementation tools, or stiff market competition. In software development, there are additional pitfalls: changes to scope and functionality, transformation of the root of the project, and unqualified or overstretched vendors are common ones.

At Algothic, we’ve seen it all: startups with more-than-sufficient funding watching their ideas fall apart, startups with limited funding making it, and everything in between. Having said all this, as Daisaku Ikeda put it, “With love and patience, nothing is impossible.”

So, through all of this, what have we seen startup clients doing that increases their chances of succeeding in bringing their custom software to life — and using it to achieve and exceed their business goals?

Proof of Concept (PoC)

Risk and uncertainty are inevitable at the start of any innovative project, but it’s possible (and smart) to minimize that risk by obtaining proof that the new product will work before investing time, money, and other resources into bringing the idea to life. In software development, it is wise do create your proof of concept before committing to full-blown development, as any innovative idea needs to be tested at the pre-development stage and prior to attracting investors.

It might be tempting to take successful businesses as inspiration, thinking that developing a similar product will bring automatic success. However, it is invaluable to remember the concept of survivorship bias — essentially, looking at success stories as inevitabilities while forgetting all the similar concepts that failed. Though emulating previous successes is certainly a worthwhile goal, it’s always important to invest in research researching the market conditions, studying competitors, and identifying unique selling propositions.

Proof of concept comes as a demonstration of the practical feasibility and potential success of a method, idea, or technology. Even when a startup’s tech stack is mainstream, a proof of concept helps compare the effectiveness of applying a specific technical solution to the given task with the purpose of reaching an optimal result.

To summarize, a well-delivered proof of concept helps to answer the following questions:

  • Is the idea technically viable?
  • Is the idea viable from the business standpoint?

Clickable Prototypes

A prototype is a basic layout that helps to visualize the placement of main elements and functionality of a product. The prototype allows a startup to demonstrate the notion of the product and to discover and introduce any necessary amendments at a lighter cost. Prototypes allow the product owner, the development team and other stakeholders to synchronize their vision of the final product. This especially comes in handy when demonstrating a business vision to potential investors.

Let’s break down some of the main benefits of creating prototypes before the start of development:

  • Visualize the product’s requirements
  • Get an idea of the look and feel of the end product
  • Obtain an interim result in order to plan next steps; this is useful for both the startup and investors
  • Check the effectiveness of the business logic; this is especially true when using clickable prototypes as they allow for modeling of user flows
  • Introduce changes before code and designs are in place, saving both time and money
  • Evaluating a realistic timeline and cost estimate

MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

An MVP allows the development team to make sure of the relevance and demand for the product — or, on the contrary, pull the plug in a timely manner. The key idea of an MVP is to create a real product that can be offered to real users, with the minimum functionality required to provide value, then observe the reaction and tweak the product according to the obtained feedback.

However bright an idea might seem in the beginning, it is not a real product or a real result just yet. By creating an MVP, a startup can make great strides in investing smartly in their new product.

  • Save money by minimizing investment in a potentially doomed project
  • Verify that the product will gain traction with the target audience
  • Use an iterative development approach to establish the optimal focus area one step at a time
  • Prove the functional performance of the product
  • Stay up to date with the ever-changing market tendencies
  • Gather a database of real users and early adopters

For startups looking to develop successful applications, the key is in the planning. It is always useful to compile a list of desired features and functionality, and then set priorities for implementing each. It is advisable to start with a leaner scope, launch the product, and get feedback from users. Then the startup can decide whether to carry on with the rest of the desired scope, or make adjustments based on the feedback received.

By applying all or some of our suggestions, startups can plan more effectively and dramatically increase their chances of success in creating and launching an innovative new product.

Publication date: October 21, 2021

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What our customers say about us

Algothic’s team was highly responsive and communicative, managing our project smoothly, responding immediately to any issues that arose, and delivering great software at a reasonable price.

Richard Harkness

CEO, ADEPT Driver

Elk Grove, CA

How we help ADEPT Driver Company

We developed a web-based driving simulator for teens and another for adults. The products run on Chromebooks, and the team added features that enable them to measure a driver's ability to avoid a crash.

Technologies used

I don't think you could find a better company to manage and build your project. I get so many compliments on my application, and it has a lot of unique and complex development.

Todd Surber

CEO, PIXRIT

Charleston, South Carolina

How we help PIXRIT Company

A photographer approached us to build a web-based software platform that combines the fastest social media manager with state-of-the-art galleries and provides the ultimate tool for photographers to upload, store, back up, and share their photos and manage their SMM activities.

Technologies used

The high-quality, user-friendly software Algothic created for us has helped grow our clientele, and we were very pleased with their partnership. Algothic was straightforward and consistent in their communication, met every deadline, and ensured a hassle-free development process.

Vince Hughes

Owner, Steel Estimating Solutions

Knoxville, TN

How we help Steel Estimating Solutions Company

Our client was inspired to create a product that helps steel erection companies perform faster, more efficient estimations and bids. We developed original proprietary software from the initial concept.

Technologies used

Algothic delivered world-class service for a cost-efficient price. They communicated well with our team throughout the process, breaking down steps and utilizing a streamlined management system to keep everyone in the loop at all times. The resulting new platform far outperforms its predecessor and has received rave reviews.

Bill Fahy

Owner, FDI Creative Services

Houston, TX

How we help FDI Creative Services Company

Following strict regulations and requirements, we used AWS to develop a custom e-commerce web app that includes shipping integration. Since the site’s launch, the team has continued to make updates.

Technologies used

The application was delivered on time and within budget. Algothic explained their process thoroughly and accommodated to scope changes effortlessly. Their stellar project management, highly responsive communication, and proactive attitude set them apart.

Ricardo Casas

CEO, Fahrenheit Marketing

Austin, TX

How we help Fahrenheit Marketing Company

We developed a large, complex .NET application with various third-party integrations. The team built the software from scratch based on existing wireframes.

Technologies used

The end solution exceeded the client’s expectations. Algothic delivered high-quality products on time and at outstanding value. They provided frequent updates and repeatedly sought feedback at each stage. Customers can expect a highly experienced team that easily translates concepts into solutions.

Rudy Milkovic

Executive Director, Velikom

Austin, TX

How we help Velikom Company

Our team built video streaming software as a web and desktop app for a third-party client. We completed end-to-end development—from scoping to feedback cycles to QA—using PHP and Wowza Streaming Engine.

Technologies used

Algothic has significantly improved our existing platform, and they continue demonstrate their dedication to our business goals and needs by making thoughtful suggestions for enhancements. The Algothic team is communicative and reliable, mitigating all our concerns about outsourcing software development.

Cory Kowal

VP of Products, THG Energy Solutions

Tulsa, OK

How we help THG Energy Solutions Company

Taking over for another vendor, we served as the ongoing software engineering partner for an energy company’s cloud-based platform. The company provided scoping, development, testing, and deployment services.

Technologies used

Algothic has been an invaluable partner in development. Their impressive team was more than able to fulfill our project needs, and their expertise and dedication led to smooth collaboration every step of the way. The result was a successfully launched product that has received lots of positive feedback.

Chris Cox

CTO, MyMelo

Louisville, Kentucky

How we help MyMelo Company

We provided staff augmentation resources for a development project. The team contributed engineers to follow an established roadmap to perform updates and add features.

Technologies used

The database Algothic developed has empowered 40 organizations to help in the fight against COVID-19. A communicative partner, the Algothic team worked quickly and efficiently to launch the website, and they continue to invest their time and efforts into the project.

David Snyder

Product Director, Covid Resource Network

West Orange, New Jersey

How we help Covid Resource Network Company

The company developed a website that serves as a database where organizations can find and donate to other organizations. Currently, the team is working on enhancing the website and fixing bugs.

Technologies used

Algothic was a patient partner, making this engagement feel like a true collaboration. The system they created for us will save our team significant time and frustration.

Joyce Cubio

VP of Operations, Ernie's Mobile Home Transport

Yuba, California

How we help Ernie's Mobile Home Transport Company

The team built an information hub for a mobile home transport and permit service. After discussing the existing system and processes, we delivered a new structure for forms and data.

Technologies used

The Algothic team is skilled at juggling multiple projects. Though they are in high demand, we were confident that they had the resources and the expertise needed to focus on our partnership. Their constant dedication led to a truly successful engagement, and the final product exceeded all our expectations.

John Fox

Executive VP, Fox Business Automation Solutions

Lakeland, Florida

How we help Fox Business Automation Solutions Company

Brought on as a third party, we supplied ongoing development services. The team work on multiple projects and deliver according to predetermined design specifications.

Technologies used

Contact us to learn more about how Algothic can help your business achieve its every goal!

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