Interview with Vitaliy Dyachenko, CTO - UppLabs

Vitaliy Dyachenko  

CTO, UppLabs

Give us a quick overview on UppLabs. When and how did you begin this journey and what were your motives to be successful in app development?

Officially, I started UppLabs in 2014. But, in 2012 I already created its prototype. 

As for computer science, I was inspired by the result and the process. And usually, I did more than it was necessary because it was “fun” for me. I helped my classmates in their coursework. I really enjoyed programming and besides, I had a financial interest. All of this helped to level up my skills very quickly. Trying to always be a little ahead of the program, in the third year I’ve already proceeded with the program part of the coursework for the fifth year. 

In the fourth year of my study at university, my classmates and I decided to create our own small product that could organize all the companies in our city into one online community. This was the first idea that the three of us started working on.  

In the fifth year, we made a second attempt and it appeared to be successful. An acquaintance from a previous product called me and said that a friend of his friend had approached him in order to make an application for his company. 

We developed an application for this project together with a friend of mine and it took us about six months, then we started working on other small projects. Six months later I decided to start my own online product that could organize the work of other companies in this area. 

By that time I already had my reliable team and decided to start my first UppLabs project. 

What is your role in the management and development of UppLabs? 

As a business owner, I went through several phases, and each time I had certain thoughts and knowledge that seemed important at the time. What I always believe is that you definitely need to have the right team that can help you develop and show the best results. As for my part, I’m the one who has to manage all risks. This is critical.

Tell us about your biggest achievement in the industry

My biggest achievement is the IT company organizational structure UppLabs became the first representative of. I believe that the Flat Company structure is the future of IT business.

“Flat Company” is a company where everyone can approach anyone and share their thoughts, their suggestions, their propositions on improvements of the company and the processes, and any other issues. This way we motivate our employees and let them feel their importance and value. They feel responsible and become more productive and efficient. Moreover, this approach encourages better communication and friendship in the team.  

How do you schedule the development phases of the apps to promise the timeline to your clients?

UppLabs project managers always on call with our clients. We go the extra mile to develop not just the best app out there, but also to understand the client’s business needs and set our development schedule accordingly. The development timeline is always based on the estimations, so we are 100% transparent with our clients for these estimations to be precise and the timeline kept.  

How do you help your clients in choosing the right yet profitable platform for app development?

Firstly, we try to find out the core idea and validate it, because depending on the purpose of the app the client wants to develop, we might consider and offer different tech stack. Secondly, we try to educate them. We write about technology and the best use cases for each programming language and platform. Thirdly, UppLabs obtain huge expertise in different domains and technologies, so we know the best implementations, and we consult our clients (and not clients as well).

Which would you suggest for a successful and profitable business progression, Native or hybrid apps? How do you define the factors that influenced you to make this choice?

Both types of apps and technologies behind them are important and equally in demand now. Their need is defined by the platforms the client wants to have and the business purpose, target audience, and core functionality. From the UppLabs side, we provide the analysis and the proposition based on it.

How do you scheme your pricing model? How do you fix your budget?

Our pricing model, depending on a project type, can be based on hourly rates or on fixed price model. Usually, there’s no need to fix the budget as far as we always provide a prior evaluation before agreeing on a budget with the client. Also, Sprint Planning 2 weeks ahead allows us to allocate the budget accordingly to the plan.

How helpful are the mobile apps developed by your team, for enhancing your clients’ business?

Mobile apps developed by UppLabs are always, Of exceptional usability. From the on-boarding to guiding customers through all necessary project’s steps; Feature-packed; Of great performance; Secure; Created with the use of the latest innovations; Receive timely technical support; Having a high level of maintenance for our customers’ businesses.

Moreover, UppLabs go the extra mile to show our commitment. 

We have developed apps that help to streamline operational processes, analyze, and automate work of different specialists in Healthcare, Fintech, e-commerce, and Real Estate. This way, we saved the client’s money and time they would rather spend on their business development. 

What according to you are the best practices to attain client satisfaction?

Commitment, honesty, loyalty, transparency, and professionalism.

How do you update your business system to be in pace with the technological advancements?

We monitor the trends, participate in different tech events, communicate with other experts, and ready to invest in the training and education of our employees.

What are your thoughts about AR, VR and Internet of Things (IoT)?  

These trends are parts of digital transformation services UppLabs is also providing. The Digital Transformation approach involves not only the installation of modern hardware or software but also, fundamental changes in the approaches to management, corporate culture, and external communications.

We help our clients with AI and Machine Learning. These include a variety of tools for processes automation to reduce human efforts and bring the software model at a high-developed level as NLP, Automating the code generation and testing services.

IoT is going to shape the new model that will consist of Networks, Sensors, Cloud, and Applications. The system was invented to easily connect any device to the Internet. It is a vast network that connects things and data and makes it possible to share them:

Devices with more Human-Device Interaction;

Voice-User Interface;

Expansions of smart IoT;

Industrial and Digital Twin Technology;

Increasing AI capabilities;

Standardization challenges;

Use of blockchain for security reasons;

Unified Framework for Integration;

Better Data Analytics

And all of these UppLabs is providing for our clients.

What do you think will be the future of Mobile technology?

Mobile apps are one of the key features of today’s digital environment is a multichannel system. Organizing effective presence across different channels that reach potential customers is a vital task for any business. In order to be closer to the customers, every company needs not only a proper website but a better mobile application. Focusing on mobile gadgets is not just a modern trend, it is a must-have strategy to avoid losing existing and potential clients.