General
Where Mind Riders is based on? What is the workforce?
We are headquartered in Basmath Nagar, India. Basmath belongs to the state of Maharashtra. We have our small office in Sheffield, United kingdom as well. Also, we have our development office in Kolkata, India. We have a very talented team of more than 40+ great people, the majority of which are in our development office in Kolkata.
What is your core expertise and industry experience?
We have an extremely talented team who can build great Mobile Apps, Websites and Games. When we started in 1997, we began with web development. Since then, we’ve come a long way, especially since the launch of smart phones. We’ve developed very successful projects for web, mobile apps and games all these years.
Does your company provide paid support contract?
Yes, we do. You may ask for an extension of our project support after the project is completed. Nevertheless, the charges depend to vary from project to project. You may ask this once the project size and scope is 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 a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) right before any discussion. Even during the project development – we ensure strict security and confidentiality measures to nullify unauthorized sharing of information. We also have a legal agreements with all of our employees for maintaining security and trust.
Do you re-use 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 lots 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 project is unique and requires a fresh approach, but most projects pass through the 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 project, the sequence and selection of steps may vary.
Can you send over the resources on site for initial startup?
Yes, if the project requires it and where our representatives are present, we will be happy send over the resource on-site for initial startup. Nevertheless, in the case where our office is not present in your city/country and if the project is big, we may 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 Development Centre – Kolkata, 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 schedule accordingly.
What is the Quality Control Methodology which you have in place?
We follow a robust process to ensure the best quality. For software testing, we use black box method also we use tools like mantis and JIRA for automated tracking mechanism. We have 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 a Service Level Agreement in place?
Yes, we do have.
What’s your pricing model?
We have a very simple model. We work based on “Fixed Scope” model, where we give you finite timeframe and fixed price. The second scenario is for “Evolving Scope” or "Dedicated Model" – 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 short deadlines for such projects – we charge you for each team player that is required on per month 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 the project development team?
We 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
Can I select my preferred developer? If yes, how do I do so?
You may choose your team if you’re going for an Evolving or dedicated scope model. You have to share with us the profile of the ideal candidate and we’ll schedule interviews with you and our team member.
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, our team will certainly help you compose the best team that helps you take your idea to the market with the most cost effective compositions of the team.
Is there any minimum period of hiring programmers for my project?
This is applicable for Evolving Scope model or dedicated hiring model. We require that you hire a team for at least 6 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 project 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 the Dedicated Scope model, you’re free to make alterations because you’ll be directly driven the team here – giving you enough room to set new goals, scope, everything else. Although – even in the latter 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.
What technologies does Mind Riders works with?
We are absolutely in love with modern technology. We carry tremendous enthusiasm to learn, adapt and implement new technologies. There is an array of technologies we have excelled when it comes to the Web including PHP, Angular. Js, Node. Js – of course with a bunch of open source products. For Mobile – we work with Native SDKs for iOS and Android. We also work at times with cross-platform tools such as React Native, PhoneGap, Ionic And Xamarian. For creating stunning UI and Graphics, we use a combination of softwares such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator.
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 to hire a team of people from our us – who can fill in the gap of your team to establish a perfect balance for your project.
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 specific features of device – e.g. Camera, Volume controller, speaker etc. The web based apps (also web-apps) run within the mobile browser and are virtually webpages that imitate the look of a native mobile UI. Such apps are advantageous over native apps as they give 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 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 IndiaNIC 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. IndiaNIC offers consultancies in such cases.
Are you open to go for App development on partnership basis?
Yes, we are. We have professional partnership model for clients who want to grow in business with us. As of now, in the year of 2012, we have more than 10 partners globally.
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 at free of cost! Nevertheless, you’ll have to pay the minimum amount of charge (fees) by the main company (for example Apple AppStore Yearly charges US$99.00).
Which frame work or programming language would you use to develop the application?
The framework or programming language that we use to develop applications depends upon the chosen platform by the client. For example, for iPhone application, we use iOS SDK, Objective C, Swift, Xcode, and other tools and technologies provided by Apple. Similarly, for Android application, we use Android SDK. We 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.
Does your company guarantee that Apple won’t reject the app?
Most of the apps we develop don’t get rejected. There are no special criteria for this but just making a neat and clean app works. Our apps are foolproof and bug-free as they pass from various robust testing. Though we don’t guarantee of approval on iTunes as it may be rejected other than technical fault.
Do I require Hosting or Website to get mobile application developed?
Need of hosting or website depends on what architecture your application is using. If your application requires database and web services that connect database to the app, you need hosting in order to manage database and those web services. If you already have hosting infrastructure and server – we can help you utilize the same. As far as website goes, if you need your end users to do any activity or you need website for marketing your app, we can help you develop that as well.
Can we update the content of application after it’s built?
You may! Nevertheless, this may be chargeable.
What are web services / API?
Unlike web apps, mobile apps do not have access to remote databases. In order to fetch the data from the servers, an alternative service is needed. Web services or APIs are that alternative. By creating XML/JSON files from the database, we can use data from these files for user application.
Can we use Flash?
No. Flash is not supported on any iOS device. The support for flash is going to be discontinued from Adobe (who owns flash now) for mobile devices. Also, the flash is very rapidly being replaced by core SDK capabilities and HTML5.
Do you get my app listed under “New and Noteworthy”?
Well, who doesn’t want to be there in that spot? Saying that, it totally depends on how cool is your app idea, as well as the app as one solid product. Apparently, it is all up to Apple and Google staff when it comes to selecting an app to feature there. But having a great concept put together well increases your changes. So, it is not just us, however our role could be significant in having you take your app to that place.
Hiring Models
Can I select my preferred developer? If yes, how do I do so?
You may choose your team if you’re going for a Dedicated 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 member.
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, our team will certainly help you compose the best team that helps you take your idea to the market with the most cost effective compositions of the team.
Is there any minimum period of hiring programmers for my project?
This is applicable for Evolving Scope model. We require that you hire a team for at least 6 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 project 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 driven the team here – giving you enough room to set new goals, scope, timelines and everything else. Although – even in the latter 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.
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.