endorsedCompleted

iOS App & AWS Backend with Alexa Skill for Smart Kitchen IoT Startup

Services Covered:

Mobile Application Development • Cloud Consulting and Services • IoT Development

Industry

Information Technology

Duration

21 months

Budget

200K - 999K

Start Date

1 March 2018

Team Size

6-10 Employees

Engagement Model

Onshore

Project Capability Score (PCS)

74/100

Good

Project Capability Score (PCS) estimates how capable FarShore Partners is of successfully delivering a project like this, based on its past experience, track record, and ability to handle similar work. Learn more about PCS

Client

Confidential

Chicago, United States of America

Project Summary

FarShore designed and built an iOS application with an AWS backend and an Amazon Alexa Skill for a smart kitchen IoT startup, with an Android version planned. The vendor provided a flexible, scalable global team (US, Croatia, India) that could shift size by phase and supported the client from raw idea to a functional product. The product received strong public reception at trade shows and positive consumer writeups.

Key Challenges

Founders were non-technical and needed a development partner
Very small in-house team (two founders) lacked the ability to define technical needs
Uncertainty about project requirements and unknown technical challenges at project start

Project Deliverables

iOS mobile application
AWS backend
Amazon Alexa Skill
Android app (planned)

Project Solution

FarShore collaborated with the founders to turn a raw idea into functional software. They developed the iOS app, implemented an AWS backend, and created an Amazon Alexa Skill; an Android version was planned. The engagement included US-based leadership (JC and a senior relationship manager), a four-person architecture/project management team in Croatia, and a flexible programming team in India that could be scaled month-to-month based on needs. The vendor operated on a flexible retainer and provided on-the-ground US contact for in-person coordination while managing cross-border weekly standups.

Project Outcome

A working mobile app with integrated Alexa Skills
Positive reception at CES and the International Home + Housewares Show with rave consumer reviews and media writeups
Enabled successful demonstrations to investors and generated strong public perception
Reliable project management with regular standups and an available local US contact

Platforms

Mobile
Cloud
AI/ML Platform

Tech Stack

iOS
Android
Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Client Endorsement

Overall Review Rating

4.5

Timeliness

Cost Rating

Willing to Refer

Quality of Deliverables

“The product has received rave reviews from consumers. FarShore clearly has an experienced team and extensive resources. They provided a flexible and scalable team that shifted in size depending on the phase of the project.”
Anonymous
Head of Product
Date: 08/28/2020