Q.1 What is company's project management procedure?
Ans:For every project (big or small), there is one project manager, who is responsible for heading the project and ensuring the delivery of the end solution on time and on budget. The client corresponds with the project manager directly and he/she is the sole point of contact for the client for any issues related to the project. The Project manager manages the resources internally using Microsoft Project Server 2000. Internally, the tasks are assigned to the teams through a custom developed solution, known as TAR. This ensures that the team is allocated with sufficient amount of work and the progress of the same can be monitored and measured using this system.
Q.2 Do offshore programmers write code in their native language?
Ans:Code development is done using English language and all code is written using the same tools used by developers in the U.S and elsewhere. Development team members have good knowledge of English language and world-class communication skills. Our Project Managers work directly with the clients and regularly communicate using a host of channels like email/telephone/IM chat etc. English language is never a problem working with us.
Q.3 Is the code documented?
Ans:Yes, we document all the codes that we develop. We have processes in place that make it compulsory for our programmers to document the codes and we also follow standard coding practices. Code documentation also helps us better maintaining the code and providing warranties during the active life of the application.
Q.4 How is testing and quality assurance performed?
Ans:We have a well organized process for testing and qualification. We have a team of quality assurance specialists located in our offshore development center who provide systematic testing, verification and quality assurance. aligned our We have a process in place to ensure that quality is maintained every single time. These processes are derived from industry standard practices and have been fine-tuned to meet the unique requirements of remote development. The following points summarize our quality initiatives:
- Testing is performed at every step in the SDLC
- Quality is assured through our rigorous project management methodology and quality assessment procedures
- EpiComm has a dedicated team that ensures Software Quality Assurance
- All quality issue tracking will be done using our proprietary TAR Manager.
Q.5 How do you deal with urgent bug fixing?
Ans:We have a bug fixing and bug tracking mechanism. In this system we prioritize the issues on the basis of priority P1, P2, P3 and P4. All urgent bug fixing issues are put in the priority P1 list and our support team addresses them immediately.
Q.6 How do you handle change request and changes in project scope?
Ans:We use a time-tested change management procedure for any changes in the project. For ongoing minor changes in the running project, the changes are communicated to the project manager concerned, who gets them executed. If the changes are significant and can greatly add to the work-load that has been estimated at the beginning of the project, then we scope creep the project again and submit the revised quote, for acceptance to the
Q.7 How do you deal with people who change their minds all the time and want something changed in mid-project?
Ans:This is a very difficult question. Our processes have been designed around "XP" Extreme Programming? Which works towards being able to handle just this situation? We spent close to 50% of the time allocated to any project on Design, Architecture, Prototyping and thorough documentation before we write a line of code. We do understand that no client can be hundred percent sure about their requirements at the start of the project. To counter this we first develop the prototype of the entire application (Minus the backend code) and get that signed off screen by screen for the entire application. Usually it has been seen that majority of gaps get filled up at this phase and the chances of missing out important functionality as well as making changes mid-project are reduced. In addition we recommend a iterative process for managing changes. Our methodology makes this possible and practical.
Q.8 How can we be sure that the software you develop for us will not end up in a competitor's hands after it is completed?
Ans:We have confidentiality agreement with our with each and every team member. This confidentiality is also validated on the basis of existing laws. Most importantly, our team consists of skilled professionals, who would not risk their career or professional integrity by misusing a customer's code.
Q.9 What kinds of guarantee do we get that the work is done well?
Ans:We give you a one month of warranty after the final delivery for all bug-fixing, etc. After the warranty period, we sign a separate monthly or quarterly support/maintenance contract with you, so that you continue to get ongoing support.
Q.10 How does EpiComm protect confidentiality?
Ans:Before a initiating a project, EpiComm signs a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and Project Confidentiality Agreement with the client. Under this agreement, we keep the client and offshore project-related information in strict confidence. Any references or client's outsourcing project details are not revealed without the prior approval of the client. We also sign a Non Disclosure agreement with our employees so that the confidential information of the client is not shared with any external entity.
Q.10 Can you provide references?
Ans:Yes, we can provide you with our client references. We have built solid relationships with our clients and partners by helping them meet their business objectives and providing them high quality service that exceeds their expectations.
Q.11 What is the typical website development process?
Ans:The typical web design process begins with an interview or questionnaire. We want to be sure we know exactly what you are looking for in a website, what type of feel your going for and what your goals are. Once we have good grip on what you need we begin designing a look for your site and begin programming if needed.
When developing the look and layout for your website we take into consideration your competition, your likes and dislikes and develop a design that will allow your business to be competitive in your market. We'll design site ideas and show these ideas to you. Once you approve the design we'll move on to the next step.
Now that we have the design complete it's time to add content. Content can be text, image or a database of 10,000 products if needed. During this phase we also complete all necessary programming, if applicable to your project. Now that we have a design, content and your website is fully functional, what else is left to do?
Marketing! You now have website that looks professional and is full of information for your customers and clients, but we need to draw new customers and clients to your website. Search engine optimization is the final step in the development process. We'll research what keywords are best for your website and then add these keywords to your site in all of the necessary places.
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