Dev Partnership for Healthcare Software

Solution

What was the scope of their involvement?

We hired one developer initially, but have since brought on three more to help with the rebuild. This isn’t a typical software project where we start with requirements, scope out the work, and then design the product. Instead, we’re doing all those things at the same time, in addition to building prototypes and incorporating feedback. We’re using an agile approach to try and be as responsive as we can to our clients.

We built the original web app with a .NET Webforms and VB.Net in the backend, some JavaScript/JQuery in the frontend, and an MS SQL database system. For the rebuild, we’re transitioning to a Dockerised microservices architecture using .NET Core and C#, Angular 6, and a hybrid MS SQL and MongoDB database solution. We’re also introducing new technologies around data caching and SignalR for performance and user experience improvements.

What is the team composition?

We started with one developer and a part-time architect, who did a bit of consulting work. In August, we brought on their senior architect to help design our rebuild, as well as two more developers. After bringing on another developer last week, we’re now working with a part-time architect, four developers, and a project coordinator, who’s also a scrum master.

How did you come to work with Arcanys?

After doing online research, I contacted a few companies whose websites I liked. They were all based in China or the Philippines, and I decided to with the Philippines because I thought we’d face fewer cultural and language barriers.

Arcanys' service stood out from the first phone call. I loved how they introduced themselves and immediately started onboarding one of the people we’d be working with, making them a part of the conversation right away. When I went over to meet them, they took me through their office and explained how we’d work together.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $75,000 so far and will spend $20,000/month for the foreseeable future.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since September 2017.

Results & Feedback

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We wouldn’t have been able to accomplish all we have this year without outsourcing to Arcanys. We’re more responsive to our clients, and we didn’t have to delay the rebuild because of a lack of investment. Even though Arcanys is quite affordable, we haven’t had to sacrifice quality at all. They’re as good as any developers we could’ve hired in other countries.

How did Arcanys perform from a project management standpoint?

We’ve had no issues with communication since I screened everyone beforehand to see if they’d fit well with our team. Our project coordinator manages the team, tracking timesheets and reporting and ensuring everyone stays on task.

Arcanys has worked with a number of other startups, so they understand our timeframe and budget pressures. We have a flexible arrangement where we pay for dedicated resources on a monthly basis. This lets us bring people on and take them off as needed.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’d previously outsourced to a company in India and had major communication issues. A 15-minute conversation would take an hour, and we’d still receive work that was different than we discussed. This is the opposite of the case with Arcanys. Their people are highly experienced in .NET and Angular and pick up new technologies very quickly.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not that I’ve seen.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be open and transparent with them regarding your finances and needs. They’re trustworthy and use open communication to build a strong relationship. The back and forth helps them be more responsive and meet your needs better.