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Case studies
Smart Guidance for Any Software Projects
Protecting a Client from Vendor Lock-In
Case study
Background
A large company had been working with an external contractor on a major software project. As the project neared completion, they asked us to step in to review the deliverables and ensure a smooth handover.
Our Approach
We started by carefully reviewing the source code and supporting tools. Our goal was to confirm that everything needed to continue maintaining and developing the software was handed over properly.
Findings
At first glance, everything seemed in order — the main code was delivered. But on closer inspection, we discovered that a critical piece was missing: a script used to compile, link, and deploy the software.
Without this script, the process of building the software (with all its complex dependencies) would have been a nightmare. It would have created:
Analogy: This is like buying a car but being told that the key isn’t included — you technically have the car, but without the key, you can’t drive it unless you keep paying the original dealer.
The Recommendation
We flagged the missing tool and made sure the contractor provided it before the project closed. This ensured the client had full control and independence over their software.
Results
By catching this issue in time, the company:
Takeaway
Unfortunately, cases like this are common. Some contractors use unfair tactics to make switching away from them difficult — whether by hiding key scripts, using “black box” third-party libraries, or withholding documentation.
With careful oversight, these traps can be avoided. In this case, our intervention ensured the client’s independence and protected them from unnecessary long-term costs.
A large company had been working with an external contractor on a major software project. As the project neared completion, they asked us to step in to review the deliverables and ensure a smooth handover.
Our Approach
We started by carefully reviewing the source code and supporting tools. Our goal was to confirm that everything needed to continue maintaining and developing the software was handed over properly.
Findings
At first glance, everything seemed in order — the main code was delivered. But on closer inspection, we discovered that a critical piece was missing: a script used to compile, link, and deploy the software.
Without this script, the process of building the software (with all its complex dependencies) would have been a nightmare. It would have created:
- Delays in any future updates.
- High costs if new developers had to figure out the process from scratch.
Analogy: This is like buying a car but being told that the key isn’t included — you technically have the car, but without the key, you can’t drive it unless you keep paying the original dealer.
The Recommendation
We flagged the missing tool and made sure the contractor provided it before the project closed. This ensured the client had full control and independence over their software.
Results
By catching this issue in time, the company:
- Avoided unexpected expenses tied to contractor dependency.
- Secured full ownership of the project deliverables.
- Ensured flexibility to work with any future developers.
Takeaway
Unfortunately, cases like this are common. Some contractors use unfair tactics to make switching away from them difficult — whether by hiding key scripts, using “black box” third-party libraries, or withholding documentation.
With careful oversight, these traps can be avoided. In this case, our intervention ensured the client’s independence and protected them from unnecessary long-term costs.
Cutting Website Costs and Boosting Marketing Speed
Case study
Background
Like many companies, we regularly need to create and update websites for our own products. At first, we used a complex technology stack (Laravel with React). While powerful, this approach required real programming and careful testing for even the simplest changes. Updates that looked small on the surface often took weeks of developer time and significant budget.
Like many companies, we regularly need to create and update websites for our own products. At first, we used a complex technology stack (Laravel with React). While powerful, this approach required real programming and careful testing for even the simplest changes. Updates that looked small on the surface often took weeks of developer time and significant budget.
Helping a Hotel Chain Avoid Unnecessary Complexity
Case study
Background
A large company had been working with an external contractor on a major software project. As the project neared completion, they asked us to step in to review the deliverables and ensure a smooth handover
A large company had been working with an external contractor on a major software project. As the project neared completion, they asked us to step in to review the deliverables and ensure a smooth handover
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