Client Overview
GiveWise, managed by Flight Software, is a platform dedicated to charitable giving and simplifying the process for both donors and charities. Over a year and a half ago, GiveWise faced challenges with maintaining and evolving their platform. Tammy Kyte, CEO, and Dan Kyte, CFO, needed a solution that could take them beyond maintenance mode to a future-focused, feature-enhancing approach. That’s when they turned to UDP Software Inc., managed by Univerus, for a comprehensive Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) support model.
The Challenge
Flight Software, which owns and operates GiveWise.ca, was in search of a partner capable of transforming their software management. They needed an IT partner that could not only handle regular bug fixes and maintenance but also provide consistent improvements and enhancements to the platform. The objective was clear: move beyond just keeping the platform running smoothly and start building toward a more innovative future.
Our Approach
UDP Software Inc., known for its FTE program, provided GiveWise with dedicated, comprehensive software management. Our approach involved:
- Daily Engagement: We set up daily stand-ups between our team and GiveWise’s team, led by Tammy Kyte, to ensure seamless communication, immediate issue tracking, and progress updates.
- Product Council: Weekly product council meetings were established to align both parties on product roadmaps, discuss new feature development, and prioritize tasks. These discussions align with UDP’s strategic goals, focusing on adding value through roadmap features that enhance GiveWise’s platform capabilities.
- Proactive Issue Management: UDP Software Inc.’s FTE program focuses on more than just resolving bugs. The team actively monitors software health and anticipates potential issues, ensuring that GiveWise maintains uninterrupted service for users.
- Continuous Feature Development: The collaboration extends beyond maintenance. The team integrates new technologies and innovative solutions, enhancing GiveWise’s functionality. This includes developing features that cater to user needs, improving user experience, and implementing efficient workflows.
- Seamless Deployment and Bug Fixing: Leveraging robust DevOps practices, UDP manages smooth deployments of updates and fixes. This includes managing complex tasks like the migration from VoPay to ZumRails, a significant project that required meticulous execution to avoid disruptions.
- Security and Compliance Improvements: As part of the ongoing maintenance, UDP ensures that GiveWise meets industry standards for security and data protection. This includes developing compliance features aligned with GDPR and CCPA standards, as well as improving the platform’s resilience against emerging security threats.
- Innovation in Payment Processing: With the transition to ZumRails for payment processing, UDP demonstrated its capability to implement significant changes without service interruption. This innovation kept GiveWise competitive and aligned with industry trends.
- AI-Powered Developments: UDP Software Inc. supported GiveWise with strategic AI initiatives like ‘GiveAiAdvisor’, an AI-powered platform aimed at enhancing charitable giving. These efforts have positioned GiveWise as a forward-thinking organization in the nonprofit tech space.
- Enhanced User Interaction Tools: UDP’s involvement included building components for improved user engagement, such as interactive tools on the platform and wiki support that empower users to navigate and utilize GiveWise’s features more effectively.