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Let’s Be Frank: Have an Awesome Idea For an App? What Does It Really Take to Develop a Mobile Application With Fusion of Ideas?

When starting something new,  it’s never a bad idea to do a little research online to get an understanding of what it is you’re getting into.  This is never more true than when you’re starting to research and brainstorm for a business app you’d like to create.  Through Entrepreneur.com and other top sites, we’ve found lists of recommended questions to ask potential developers.  To take some of the guesswork out of reading the details on our website at www.fusionofideas.com, we sat down with our Business Development Manager of Applications, Tim Hurlbut, and asked some of the top recommended questions to ask when interviewing an app development company.  

May I have a list of your current and past clients?  

Just to name drop a few, we’ve done custom applications for Hilton Grand Vacations, Warner Brothers, Lakers, Delta, Hennessy, California Pizza Kitchen, Barney’s New York, Lionsgate, LensCrafters, NuSkin, CapitalOne, Audi, New York Public Library, etc.  We’ve built all kinds of applications; whether it is a dynamic content solution for a small business or an intense client facing sales tool, our expert developers can do it all. Upon request, we would love to share some samples of our work depending on your area of interest.

Where can I find examples of mobile apps you’ve developed?

The majority of our clients utilize apps for B2B and internal purposes, so most of the apps we develop are not public. However, some of the applications we have developed can be found on the App Store & Google Play. Upon request, we would love to share some samples of our work.  

Which platforms do you develop?

We are experts in both iOS and Android app development. We also have an expert team of Web Developers who are able to work in multiple programming languages.

Do you provide documentation for the apps you develop?

Yes, documentation is provided for apps we develop. It is also provided for source code.

How do you manage quality control and testing?

Quality control and testing is always provided with each phase of the project.  We use the AGILE development mythology.  This process includes weekly reviews and updates.  

Do you develop everything yourself? Do you outsource to anyone?

Our team is all in-house, plugging away at their work in our offices in Southern California.  We do not outsource.  And better yet, you can get a hold of us at anytime with clear communication.  How many App Developer companies can boast that they do all of their work under one roof, all in the USA?  We can.   

Do you partner with an app designer or would you need us to handle that?

We have our own skilled app designers who are able to take your vision to life. We are also available to work with a clients’ own design partner or style guides.  

What are the steps you usually take prior to building an app?

Upon request, we would love to provide you with our brochure that outlines the entire app development process. Here is a sneak peak of the steps we go through to make sure we build you exactly what you want.

9 Steps For An Effective Application Development Project (from Fusion of Ideas Brochure)

Will you manage the process for uploading to the various app marketplaces? Do you have a developer account to do this?

Yes, we will handle the app submission process to App Store, Google Play, etc. We do have our own app developer account, however the majority of our projects are built using the clients developer account, which we help them secure.

Do you offer long-term app maintenance and support?

Yes, we have multiple options available to clients depending upon their requirements.  

How will we communicate during the development process?

Generally through initial phone conversations, followed by email & webinar sessions. We are available to travel if required to meet with clients.

Who will own the mobile app?

The app projects are primarily owned by our clients. We are a work-for-hire partner and do not retain ownership rights.

What are your fees and payment terms?

All of our projects are quoted as fixed price projects.  We learn the clients needs. We document those requirements in a statement of work. We quote a firm fixed price and timeline to the details quote. Determining on the clients specific needs, payment terms are usually in phases or can also be done in monthly payments.

For more information about Fusion of Ideas and our application development services, please contact us at 949-453-0740 or info@fusionofideas.com

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Think Pink with Mission Hospital’s Valiant Women Support Group

It has been another successful year working with Mission Hospital’s Valiant Women Support Group, which hosted its fifteenth annual Think Pink Breast Health Wall of Honor last October.  The proceeds of this annual fundraiser go to support Mission Hospital Breast Health Services, which funds mammogram screenings and diagnostic care for under or uninsured women in the community.  

Every two minutes, a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer. Women have a one in eight chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their life. Breast cancer is not a death sentence; it can be treated. Mammography is the most effective breast cancer screening procedure. Early detection saves lives.

The Mission Hospital Valiant Women Support Group saves lives and makes a huge impact on families and the local community. The Wall of Honor was a place for individuals supporting and donating to write notes, thoughts, and tributes to those who have been affected by breast cancer.  Two years ago, Fusion of Ideas started working with the group. As an alternative to the traditional handwritten cards placed on walls, Fusion of Ideas helped create an app that displays special honoree messages on TV screens at the mall during the fundraising event.  Through the interactive application, users can also contribute to the cause by purchasing special merchandise, donating funds, and learning about various activities and events taking place during the month of fundraising. The app also displayed the Think Pink Wall of Honor Instagram account, specific sponsor videos and feeds, and featured product shots of merchandise being sold for the fundraiser.  Fusion of Ideas also helped create the application that houses the donations.

The whole fundraiser is made possible through sponsors such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Volvo, Infinity and countless others who have dedicated funds, services, and time.  The Fusion of Ideas team has been honored to work with Mission Hospital’s Valiant Women Support Group and looks forward to participating in future years.  For more information and to participate or donate to this wonderful fundraiser, please visit https://www.mission4health.com/mission-hospital-foundation/fundraising-support-groups/valiant-women/

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How Delta Defense Turned 200,000 Subscribers Into a Million Viewers

Delta Defense is the first and largest member-owned association that educates, trains, equips, and insures responsibly armed Americans.  President and CEO Tim Schmidt, embracing his new role as a protector after having his first child, was inspired to create the “Concealed Carry Magazine” in 2003 and later the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) in 2005.  With over 200,000 subscribers, the Concealed Carry Magazine is a prominent aspect of Delta Defense. But they’re not stopping there – in their attempt to reach an even greater audience, the organization continues to explore additional avenues for growth and expansion. This philosophy is what led Delta Defense to explore today’s modern platform: mobile applications.  

After some unsuccessful partnerships with other app developers, Delta Defense was in need of a trustworthy app development company.  They needed a developer who could take their vision and translate it into a functional mobile app.  FUSION was able to address all of their concerns by aligning specific designs and functionality for their mobile application with the necessary tools to make their vision come to life.  The app (free to download in the Apple App Store and Android Play) incorporates key features such as a news feed, articles, podcasts, issues of the Concealed Carry Magazine, upcoming events, gun legislation, a Reciprocity Map, and a detailed map of local gun ranges. Fusion also created an easy-to-use backend for managing all of the information and pushing updates to the app.

Since the release of their mobile application, Delta Defense is now reaching and educating over one million people.  FUSION’s commitment to open communication and true collaboration allowed Delta Defense to oversee all aspects of the development process from initial conception to completion.  Now, more than ever, the mobile app is helping Delta Defense reach a larger, broader audience, resulting in more informed and responsible armed Americans.

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Creating An Unparalleled Welcoming Experience For New Homeowners

For over 30 years, Consultatio Real Estate has successfully developed innovative high category real estate projects in prime locations.

Passionate about transforming ordinary into extraordinary, Consultatio Real Estate wanted the most high-end, absolute best for their tenants. They wanted to create an unparalleled welcoming experience for new homeowners of both the Oceana Key Biscayne and Bal Harbour properties that reflected the union of art, real estate and technology.

In 2014, Consultatio needed a solution for their welcoming process with their Oceana Key Biscayne project.  They wanted a very unique gift experience for the tenants of Consultatio Real Estate that would capture the attention of future homeowners and provide a suitable resource for displaying the many amenities the property had to offer. As an unprecedented solution to enhance Consultatio’s welcoming process, FUSION created fully equipped and branded iPads, including a custom sleeve, branded Smart Cover, and preloaded with custom iOS content, providing each tenant with a little piece of art for their new home. The tenants loved the gift so much that Consultatio knew it needed to be part of their next project.

This year, when the Bal Harbour property neared completion, Consultatio Real Estate connected with FUSION again to discuss the next rollout of customized iPads. It was quickly discovered that among the many exquisite works of art on the Bal Harbour property, one in particular stood out above the rest. Created by iconic Americana artist Jeff Koons, the mirror-polished, stainless steel sculpture “Pluto and Proserpina” stands over 10 feet tall and serves as a centerpiece of the property. Using this masterpiece as an inspiration, FUSION presented a new complete iPad package with a design that surpassed expectations. Consultatio loved the new packaging and exquisite custom gift boxes built specifically for their custom project with high-end materials fit to be displayed on a coffee table. The iPads were customized with pre-loaded content about the property and its amenities. A custom printed Smart Cover paired nicely with the full-color printed iPad. A custom sleeve was also fitted around the iPad box before it was inserted into the gift box. The result was a stunning, one-of-a-kind gift for each tenant to feel welcomed and cherished.

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