Who Is Amit Mehta
Amit Mehta is a visionary thinker, a master marketer, and a trailblazing serial entrepreneur, with a remarkable track record spanning more than two decades. As the founder and CEO of Ace Infoway, Amit is on a mission to propel the company to new heights as the GO-TO technology partner for startups, SMEs, fortune 5000s, and web-enabled businesses across the globe.
“The winner will always be the business that can effectively implement cutting-edge technologies while saving the cherished traditions of the 'old business view’.”
For many organizations, digital transformation means a shift away from traditional thinking to a new experimental approach that relies on new solutions and technologies that enhance customer experience, improve employee productivity, and drive business growth.
As a result, businesses are increasingly relying on IT service providers to adopt a digital-first approach, leading to a projected global IT outsourcing revenue of $587.30 billion by 2027.
Software development, UX design, AI/ML integration, AR, IoT, and automation tools are some of the most demanded services, according to Amit Mehta, founder and CEO of Ace Infoway, one of the major players shaping the tech industry.
In this exclusive interview, we dive into the importance of embracing new technological trends and also cover various aspects of Ace Infoway’s strategies and being the “go-to” technology partner of businesses.
Spotlight: Research shows that 94% of people cite bad design as the main reason for not trusting certain websites. Why do you think website design plays a crucial role in establishing credibility and trust with online audiences?
Amit Mehta: As of today, even yet, many businesses are unaware of the fact that most of their customers check their websites before making a purchase. Online presence can dramatically impact the success of any business, regardless of industry. If a website appears outdated, disorganized, or unprofessional, visitors may assume that the business behind it is also outdated, disorganized, or unprofessional. A well-designed website, however, creates a positive first impression and conveys professionalism. When it comes to generating more revenue, website design can be a make-or-break factor.
I believe that excellent website design can contribute a lot to establishing credibility and trust with online audiences. For this to happen, you will need a secured website with a modern design, easy navigation, well-organized and personalized content, mobile optimization, and quick loading speeds.
Ace Infoway prioritizes seamless and user-friendly experiences for both web and mobile app users. How does this commitment to UX/UI contribute to building trust and credibility with your client's customers?
A stunning UX creates a higher level of customer engagement and loyalty. I call this phenomenon "KillerBond". At Ace Infoway, UX/UI design is part of our DNA. Our ethical business guidelines are clearly defined in a comprehensive set of policies in the Code of Conduct. An intuitive user interface, responsive, personalized, customer-focused, legal compliance, as well as aspects of safety, security, data privacy, and ethical AI, are assured by dedicated departments.
Moreover, we have a dedicated team that manages inclusive design and related product standards. All of it works simultaneously and continuously with our end users. The idea is that today more than anything else, our user experience determines the success of our web, products, and businesses. In addition, it determines the success of our client's customers.
How do you ensure consistency in user experience and visual design of both the website’s desktop and mobile app versions?
What's that name your mind sparks in the case of cab booking? We all immediately think of Uber, aren't we? Rental cars and taxis existed long before Uber. However, it is known for its consistent user interface and functionality.
“Whenever designing screens, you need to keep in mind how human cognition interacts with them.” Keep this golden rule in mind for consistency in user experience and visual design.
As the CEO and founder of Ace Infoway, I have been involved in software and application development for years and have collaborated with developers to create functional and visually appealing software. Our team of engineers starts by establishing a clear brand identity and design guidelines that can be applied consistently across all platforms. This includes creating a unified colour scheme, typography, icons, and overall layout.
It's important to prioritize mobile-first design and consider differences in screen sizes and exchange patterns between desktop and mobile devices. Then moving on to user testing, collecting regular reviews, and gathering feedback from users across different devices, our team of designers identifies areas where the design needs to be adjusted for a more consistent and seamless experience.
One of your products is Budgie Carts, a mobile app builder for eCommerce stores. What sets it apart from other mobile app builders in the market? How does it stand out in terms of functionality, AI integration, and customization options?
Budgie Carts is a truly pragmatic and straightforward mobile app builder that enables online shops to create mobile applications in a matter of minutes. Whether you're skilled or not, there is no coding involved. It's as easy as plugging and playing. It has powerful push marketing tools, cart recovery options, and a super-classified analytics dashboard to track customer engagement.
Also, there's a set of features like email support, real-time store sync, etc. that make app development more hassle-free than ever before thanks to an AI-powered engine that automatically pulls information from the web store, and it configures 90% accurate information about the app from the online store in a click.
A new version of Budgie Carts is now called Qe Native Mobile App Builder. There are two plans available that start at $99/month, including a dedicated app manager and advanced features such as deep linking, a user-friendly interface, compatibility with any device, shareable product links, abandoned cart push notifications, custom design and features development, and third-party app integration. Also, there are 30 days of free trial available.
Ace Infoway has seen a few rebrands in its 24-year history. What were the reasons behind these rebrands? What positive results has the company achieved from these efforts?
Rebranding is scary, especially when what you've created has been working really well, and changing it is a difficult decision. There is an emotional connection that exists between your brand and your customers, your team, and you. However, whenever I rebrand any of my ventures, I ensure it is attached to the core value. So far it has been profitable and served its purpose.
My journey began in 1997 when our brand consisted of one room, two computers, and three people. 'Planet Ace' was its name. At the time, we knew nothing about the business; all we knew was that we loved technology and were passionate about making a difference in the new economy. However, the company had grown to much more than that in just a few years. As a result, we were able to offer software engineering, web and app development, SaaS-based products, machine learning, AI integrations, and much more. It was time for our brand to mature and grow in its new role as an industry leader which was renamed Ace Infoway.
A little more than a decade later, around 2015 one-room business has grown to be something special. Our company employed hundreds of people, generated impressive revenue numbers, and grew rapidly. It was then as the founder I had the vision and conviction about venturing deep into the eCommerce business, that’s where we started eCommerce services for global B2C clients with few divisions under the umbrella of “Qe (Quintessential)”.
Fast forward to 2023, today we have 350+ aspiring team members in eight distinct business divisions catering to different sectors; the journey has been a roller coaster ride filled with many memories and created value for all internal and external stakeholders.
How do you ensure that clients receive comprehensive and integrated solutions for their technology needs?
We are a technology and development partner helping companies navigate complex digital business transformations through innovative technology solutions. From ideation to implementation, we take charge of web, app, and software development for businesses that want to be at the forefront of technological advancements. It is for this reason that we have emerged as the “GO-TO” technology partner.
In the practical world, what it means is that for any client that we serve, we remain their first and only 'stop' to go to for any of their technology needs. Starting with simple designs, we go on to develop websites, business applications, revenue-generating SaaS products, back-office support, marketing automation, and digital marketing, as well as provide short-term technology and technology enablement services. They consider us just as their extended offshore team that enjoys contributing to their success.
We have always operated with a flat organizational structure, with authority and decision-making functions distributed among the workforce. This significantly shortens the time to market and accelerates the customer's requirements.
What strategies or processes do you have in place to streamline development efforts and deliver high-quality results?
There are a few key elements we practice. First, it is important to be fast, be it in adopting new technologies, tools, or innovations. We have this attitude to learn as we go (on the job). Second, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and effectively requires strong processes and we tailor the process to customer needs, speed, and budget. Third, you must be responsive to your customers because they expect timely service. Through these traits, we build a solid foundation that will help us succeed no matter what challenges we face.
At Ace Infoway, we adhere strictly to a solid development process and structure. Certain aspects are given a lot of importance, like having a detailed scope of work, followed by creating a visual proof (non-functional prototype), this ensures we demonstrate to the customer what he will eventually get. Only then the project moves into the development phase. Using software development best practices, reusability, and automation tools as much as possible, we optimize time and resources. And after all this, there is integrated QA and testing that moves along with the project.
One special ingredient, as we call it, lies at the heart of the entire software or product development and delivery process — outstanding customer experience. Our organization places a great deal of emphasis on this as a critical success factor. On a regular basis, the client is updated on the progress until the final release. As a result, high-quality results are delivered, and long-lasting partnerships are formed by building trust and transparency.
How are you leveraging the advancement of AI and ML in the development of apps and software? How do you foresee them further impacting or changing the way vendors deliver apps and software in the future?
AI and machine learning will continue to drive the software and app industries' growth. Taking a fresh approach to solving old problems will rely heavily on these technologies. It will lead to a change in how software and apps are developed and used.
AI/ML algorithms have greatly aided and bolstered app and software development. On either Android or iOS, there are a number of APIs included in the SDKs that allow developers to harness the device's machine-learning capabilities. There is a dedicated neural engine in Apple's iPhone chips for accelerating certain workloads. A machine learning feature is also incorporated into Google's Pixel phones. With these SDKs, developers can leverage hardware prowess in their apps.
The use of AI services in software or app development can help find patterns in the big data collected from your users. Using unstructured data, machine learning algorithms can provide useful insights into user behavior, enabling businesses to deliver more relevant experiences. Based on factors such as traffic, time of day, and weather conditions, a ride-hailing or food delivery service can more accurately estimate the time of arrival and cost of a trip using data from previous rides. Apps for cameras can reduce noise and correct HDR and exposure using algorithms. To accomplish this, multiple shots are taken, analyzed, and the resultant image is then enhanced and cleaned up.
In order to get the desired output from machine learning, you will need to do a lot of trial and error. There is no such thing as throwing money at a problem and expecting it to go away in a week. My recommendation is to start with a team of data scientists who are experienced in handling and managing data appropriately.
Based on your experience, what is the biggest demand in terms of IT services and how interested are businesses in achieving digital transformation?
From my personal perspective, the winner will always be the business that can effectively implement cutting-edge technologies while saving the cherished traditions of the “old business view.” As the technology landscape rapidly changes, businesses must transform digitally to remain competitive.
In my experience working with many diverse clients from various industries, I continue to see how important it is for businesses to embrace new technological trends. The digital transformation journey has already been embarked on by many businesses, but others are still hesitant.
I believe that the biggest demand for IT services will still be driven by software development — whether it's a website, software-as-a-service, eCommerce, or web/mobile apps. Today, almost anything we see in the modern world is supported by software, including smartphones, computers, online presence, IoT gadgets, AR/VR, cryptos, and many others.
Second, the concept of "user experience design" has evolved into a completely new service. Third is digital marketing. As the attention economy booms, businesses and brands are spending more than ever on marketing and automation to capture their customers.
In 2023 and beyond, I believe those who are successful in industry and enterprise will be able to combine smart machines and software with a "human touch" where needed. So lastly, new services such as AI/ML integration, AR, IoT, and automation tools are in high demand as companies are transitioning to software-driven operating systems.
Thank you for your time, Amit Mehta. Best of luck to you and Ace Infoway!
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