Sober Selects Appstem As Their Mobile Development Partner

1. What is the Sober app?

Sober is the first “true” social network for people in recovery. Our team and Appstem have collectively worked together to design, develop, and offer the best mobile application for people in recovery. Our app includes all of the same features found in other prominent social networks, as well as geo-location services. Furthermore, Sober is a Recovery Social Network meaning we welcome anyone from any form recovery, as well as anyone living a lifestyle along the same principles. We hope to launch in January and more information and social media links can be found at our website matchmesober.com.

2. What attracted you to Appstem to include them in your vendor evaluation process?

Finding the right company and team to work with was not the easiest of tasks. With the increasing popularity of mobile application, a sort of “app rush” has developed and everyone has been trying to develop and launch his or her own ideas. Just as the app store has been flooded with applications, the mobile application development market has emerged with a multitude of companies. Many companies claim to offer something unique, special, and different from their competition. The question still remains though, which one do you choose?

After performing my own due diligence, making some choices based on location of development, and quality of app development portfolios, I was left with two companies—Appstem being one of them. This is when I began going into deeper conversation with each company’s individual representative. What caught my eye with Appstem was that they did not have a sales team and I was in fact speaking with the CEO directly. Robert took time out of his day on many occasions to talk me through the Appstem process and their approach with mobile development. Furthermore, when I was on the cusp of making a decision, Robert met with me personally, which helped me put a face to company. This was a green light for me, especially since I like knowing who I’m working with, and tend to invest in people. The combination of these factors lead me to believe that the company was transparent, honest, had a methodical and effective procedure for developing mobile applications, ultimately leading me to make the decision in working with Appstem.

3. What were you looking for in a development partner?

To start things off, I come from a technical background being a software engineer myself. Therefore, it was crucial for me to understand how each person/institution was planning on developing the application, and their experience. I began speaking to individuals who claimed to be able to develop the application on a contract basis. What I learned here though was the lack of accountability, experience, and high risk involved in doing this. You’re pretty much investing everything into one person, betting that they will be able to do it on their own. This led me further to start looking at development firms, where there was at least a team that could help work through the application, in case the main developer happens to have some issues. When working with a firm, you also are working with a reputable company that has a portfolio, a structure to follow, and reputation to uphold, ultimately minimizing risk. Then came the questions of “well do I develop off shore to minimize expenses or work with a company on shores”. During different stages of my idea and learning more about the mobile development market, my path in choosing mobile development firms changed. I came to the conclusion that I was looking for a company that I could speak too, meet with if necessary, and even visit when it came down to it. Throughout the process though, I would say that I spoke about eight different firms with some interest, and received quotes and development explanation from four.

4. Why did you decide not to use an offshore development team?

So developing off shore can definitely be attractive due too such low costs, but you run the risk of losing everything, coming out with a buggy, poorly constructed, and unsuccessful application. Don’t get me wrong though, there are definitely some good offshore firms. Finding the right firm here is already a struggle, trying to do the same offshores almost seems impossible. I always try and minimize the risk, and being able to work with a tangible, local, and reputable company was definitely the way to go for me—even with having to pay more. You’re paying for quality and service that off shore firms almost never deliver.

5. You originally selected another firm, why did you change your mind?

Before actually making the choice and beginning the process with Appstem, I had been seriously contemplating working with another company. Both companies offered similar opportunities, had astonishing portfolios, and a strong technical team. I can’t lie; this was indeed a difficult decision to make. After meeting with both companies personally, asking some technical questions about the actual development, and getting to know the company, I made the decision to go with Appstem.

6. Why is Appstem the best partner for you?

I would have to say that the combination of Appstem working closely with me to accommodate my needs and meet my limits, having an impressive portfolio, working with my timeline, and being personable. The more collective experience and knowledge that I can have helping me with my application and helping me to conceiving a successful company, the better. Working with Appstem now has only further confirmed my thoughts that I made the right decision. Appstem offered what I was looking for: assurance, guidance, quality, feedback, and experience, and I feel confident that I made the right choice. If you’re thinking about choosing Appstem, I highly recommend them and even support them 100 percent!

You can learn more about our San Francisco mobile app developers at Appstem by contacting us.