Virgin Radio Oman, a part of Sabco Media

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work for a unique cross-platform of radio, outdoor, publishing, and digital media channels. We offer our partners strategic and cost-effective media choices.

What challenge were you trying to address with Boldare?

We were introducing a new brand into our product portfolio and wanted to target the millennial demographic. We hired Boldare to develop a website and mobile apps with a fresh, appealing design.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Boldare designed, developed, and implemented a responsive website with corresponding iOS and Android apps. We released the platform in three phases over several months. The team proactively developed a viable plan to deliver and implement the final product. During phase one, we needed to build a basic platform and mobile apps by our radio channel launch date. They managed minute aspects of design and development.

We help workshops to develop the direction and formulate the features and design. Designers created mood and vision boards, wireframes, prototypes, and mockups. The web app team implemented the WordPress site. It features SHOUTcast live streaming and a Google DoubleClick for Publishers (DFP) for ad management. The Android and iOS teams coordinated to produce uniform content and UX for both versions. We’ve completed the first launch so far. Subsequently, they’ve added several enhancements to maximize functionality.

What is the team composition?

The product business owner was instrumental in assembling the team. It initially included more than 8-10 resources so we could meet a challenging deadline. I deferred responsibility for this selection process since I lacked insight on individual competencies. We scale the team based on fluctuating requirements. I provided minimal direction about expectations. They took full responsibility for assembling the solution.

How did you come to work with Boldare?

After clarifying the scope, we listed potential vendors found through Google. Set criteria included websites, online and social presence, references, clients, and finished product designs. We contacted the four most promising vendors to discuss our project brief and pricing. Boldare was the best option based on design implementation, project approach, delivery timeline, cost, UX/UI expectations, and use of cutting-edge tools.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $30,000 so far and are due to invest an additional $20,000.

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

The product launched a few days ago, so we’re still evaluating quantitative data. We’ve received nothing but praise thus far for the product from both end users and our in-house team. Boldare performed better than most vendors we’ve used for similar projects. They took ownership of the product as if it were their own. The team took a hands-on approach, worked autonomously, and required minimal oversight.

How did Boldare perform from a project management standpoint?

Boldare’s product business owners and scrum masters supervised the team to ensure adherence to sprint deadlines. Slack, Basecamp, and Jira helped us organize the project. They used InVision for prototyping. We limited email correspondence to scheduling. Our meetings took place over Skype, Appear.in, and Google Hangouts.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I admire their organized methodology. At several stages, their work made me feel confident I’d chosen the right partner. Their constant feedback at the micro level provided tremendous reassurance. Frequent updates let our management and in-house team easily track progress.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Boldare uses a time and material budget model that was hard to digest. Their vague estimate was disconcerting, especially since we had no input. Thankfully, they’ve since promised to deliver within our fixed budget. They use a rigid system to plan, estimate, then allocate resources. It works 95% of the time but doesn’t account for emergency requests.

Sometimes they were hard to contact. They rely heavily on tools that can easily be filtered or switched off. It wasn’t always possible to call them about escalating urgent problems. They struggled with turnaround for time-sensitive, ad hoc tasks. Ultimately, they delivered on time and beyond this scope. Team members even worked late nights and weekends as needed.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Boldare provides thorough support for inexperienced buyers. Their approach is simple to follow. The skilled product business owners will guide you through the whole journey.