FAQ's
Answers worth knowing
Obviously website visitors and clients will have queries relating to the company, its products and services offered. For the convenience of our visitors and clients, we have assembled all the questions along with helpful answers in a single page named as FAQ page. No more our audiences have to keep on browsing to find the answers as they can get the answers to their questions from our FAQ section in no time.
General
Where MobiTab is based in? What is the workforce?
Since 2013, we have been a leading offshore software development IT company headquartered in Ahmedabad, India. Ahmedabad belongs to the state of Gujarat, and is one of the fastest growing cities. We have presence in Los Angeles, USA too. We have a very talented team of more than 450+ great people, the majority of which are in our headquarters in Ahmedabad.
What is your core expertise and industry experience?
We have an extremely talented team of web and mobile app developers who can build great Mobile Apps, Websites and Games. When we started in 2013, we began with web development services. Since then, we’ve come a long way, especially since the launch of smartphones. Over the era of more than two decades, we have been a class apart when it comes to web development, mobile app development, and game app development services.
Does your company provide a paid support contract?
Yes, we do. You may ask for the extension of our project support after the project is completed. Nevertheless, the charges vary from project to project. You may ask this once the project size and scope are 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 web or mobile app development project, we ensure strict security and confidentiality measures to nullify the unauthorized sharing of information. We also have legal agreements with all of our employees including software development teams for maintaining security and trust.
Do you reuse code?
It is a tricky question to be honest. We do not re-use your proprietary algorithms, license keys, trade secretes, trademarks, patented processes anywhere else. However, considering the authoring process of producing the code, we do use a 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 web or mobile app development project is unique and requires a fresh approach, but most projects pass through 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 software development 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 to send over the resource onsite for the initial startup. MobiTab offers affordable engagement for global clients to hire dedicated developers to work on client locations. Nevertheless, in the case where our office is not present in your city/country and if the project is big, we will 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 – Ahmedabad, India. 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 processes to ensure the best quality. For software testing, we use the black-box method. We have a 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. We are a trusted offshore web and mobile app development company since 1997, adhering to protocols of IT industry. We have a service level agreement in place as a symbol of trust and quality IT services delivery.
What’s your pricing model?
We have a very simple model. We work based on the “Fixed Scope” model, where we give you a 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 a short deadline for such projects – we charge you for each team player that is required on monthly basis. 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 with the project or software development team?
We use Basecamp for project communications. We sign you up in there and loop you in with the rest of the MobiTab 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.
Web Development
What is CMS? Do I require it?
Content Management System is a software package, which makes maintenance of websites in a 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 basically a website that uniquely fetches data from various sources. Generally, every information source has its own section on the web page 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 user oriented approach for better accessibility.
How do you test the project?
We have a special department (QA & QC) to test projects. We follow the 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 the 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 average time you take to develop a website?
The overall time to develop 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 is known as Responsive Web Designing and Development. Hire web developers from MobiTab, who have hands-on experience on the latest technologies 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 website or web app development project begins.
What design options you provide? Do you provide templates as options?
Yes, we do provide a few options. However, we encourage our clients to be precise in their requirements 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 project?
Generally, no software development company provides you with this. But MobiTab 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 the project begins. This saves time, resources and money on iterations as much as possible.
Do you provide web hosting as well?
We do it only if clients ask.
Do you have similar websites as mine designed earlier?
Since 2013, 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.
Mobile Development
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 the specific features of the device – e.g. Camera, Volume controller, speaker, etc. The web-based apps (also web-apps) run within the mobile browser and are virtually web pages that imitate the look of a native mobile UI. Such apps are advantageous over native apps as they give the 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 an 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 MobiTab 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. MobiTab offers consultancies in such cases.
Are you open to go for App development on partnership basis?
Yes, we are. We have a professional partnership model for clients who want to grow in business with us. Since 1997, we have been in collaboration with partners from multiple global locations with whom we have established a long term vision and business relationship.
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 it for free. Nevertheless, you’ll have to pay the minimum amount of charge (fees) by the main company (for example Apple App Store Yearly charges US$99.00).
Which framework or programming language would you use to develop a mobile application?
The framework or programming language that we use to develop applications depends upon the chosen platform by the client. For example, for iPhone applications, we use iOS SDK, Objective C, Swift, Xcode, and other tools and technologies provided by Apple. Similarly, for Android applications, we use Android SDK. We have 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.
Hiring Models
Can I select my preferred developer? If yes, how do I do so?
You may choose your own software development team if you’re going for an Evolving project scope model. You have to share with us the profile of the ideal candidate and we’ll schedule interviews with you and our team members.
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, we will certainly help you in composing the best team that helps you take your idea to the market with unmatched quality and customer service.
Is there any minimum period of hiring programmers for my project?
This is applicable to the 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 projects 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 web or mobile app development team, it is possible to interview and evaluate the skills of programmers at MobiTab. Nevertheless, you are provided with each developer’s resume that contains information about their expertise and experience in the domain.
What technologies does MobiTab work with?
Oh we are absolutely in love with modern technologies. 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 software 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 hiring a team of people from our us – who can fill in the gap of your team to establish a perfect balance for your project.
Dedicated Teams
Why should I hire dedicated developers from MobiTab?
We’ve been in outsourcing service for more than two decades now. We were there when nobody was around, and we’re still going strong since 2013. We have had situations with clients and have continuously refined our internal operations, service quality and communication with the help of learnings of all these years. We have a very strong team bond, where we share a lot of things – good and bad. That’s what keeps us on our toes to ensure to excel at what we do – while we continuously learn from our mistakes.
During the execution, does your team completely rely on client to provide all the information?
No. They don’t rely 100% on you for generic cases. Most of the time and more often than not – they’ll find out the solution by seeking advice, consulting and technical help from their peers, supervisors and experienced members within the team. However, the more the team knows about long term goals and you treat them as your own team, the better they can perform. All and every expectation shared during the early stage of engagement ensures meeting them over a period easier. Nobody likes surprises and it’s the communication at an appropriate time that can cover it up.
Just in case, our hosting services or any other related services are down, do you own the problem or you prefer to say “that’s not what we’re supposed to do”?
We believe it is our responsibility. However, something that’s within our reach or access – we can certainly chime in and help you to fix the issue even before it arises. However, in certain cases – our clients prefer to leave a few parts of the project to their own teams. In such cases, we can’t do much – except to guide you or show you the solution. To be able to “FIX” the problem itself – we need to have your permission along with the access.
Can you give quote over quick phone call?
Certainly. The pricing in terms of number is not a difficult. However – as you’d expect, it is not JUST about the price and quote only. The core benchmark of pricing depends on lot of factors such as composition of team, experience level required and type of engagement as well as the length of minimum commitment for the contract.
Do you have public holiday calendar for days you’ll not be working?
Certainly. We will share our holiday calendar upon initiation process – and will also keep you informed a week in advance for any public holiday.
Do you allow developers to come to our offices and work with our local team?
Absolutely. This is totally possible. We can arrange for the developer(s) to visit your country and stay there to work with your team for a period. In such cases, you have to bear the costs of Visa, travel, accommodation and per diem expenses on top of their monthly fee. This can be discussed and may vary on a case-to-case basis.
How much experience do your developers carry?
We have developers from 1 year to 8 years of core programming, project management and QA experience. Many of them also have industry specific experience in terms of driving solutions catering to a domain. Having said that, our core expertise is programming. The more domain knowledge and expectations in terms of technical requirement and solution brief you provide, the better the development quality that can be exhibited.
Do you have certifications for your developers?
Yes. We recruit experienced developers who have done bachelors or masters in computer science, information technology and computer engineering. On top of that, we time and time again obtain certifications from applicable technology vendors to pass through their examination and eligibility process. We already have developers who have Magento Certification, Appcelerator Titanium Certification, Unity 3D certifications and many others at organization level.
Do your developers keep them updated with the latest in technology?
Staying updated in the modern technology world is not a choice. We totally understand the importance of staying up to date and not only just that, ensuring to update the knowledge which is trivial in terms of communication, technology trends, version updates etc. For the same, we conduct regular internal and external training programs as well as participate in online courses, to gain knowledge.
What in case if the developer decides to leave your company?
We require that anybody in our company who wishes to leave us – they notify their immediate supervisor, delivery head and HR team at least 2 months in advance. When they resign from their job and we accept their resignation – we immediately plan to switch the resource and initiate a handover process along with knowledge transfer (KT) to the new developer. During the transition the new developer takes up the front seat while the person leaving the job have to support and ensure the new developer is in full control of what is supposed to be worked upon. Before leaving the company, the resigned developer signs EXIT NDA with MobiTab, where they undersign the confidentiality and non-compete, non-sharing terms. They also handover all credentials and access and communication rights back to the relevant authorities at MobiTab.