Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our services, pricing, technology, and process.
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What is the difference between SES and Lab-type development?
SES places our engineers on-site at your Japan office as part of your team, working under your direct supervision. Lab-type development creates a dedicated team in Vietnam that works remotely under your control.
SES suits short-term resource needs or specific skill gaps; Lab-type fits ongoing development partnerships. Vietsora offers both models, and many clients start with SES and transition to Lab-type once trust is established.
Do you handle small-scale projects?
Yes. Vietsora is a small team of 4 core members, which allows flexibility for small projects. We can start with 1–3 engineers and handle short-term engagements.
Unlike large enterprises with rigid team structures, we adjust the team size to fit your budget and requirements.
What is the Japanese language level of your engineers?
Japanese levels vary by engineer. Core members and SES-dispatched engineers typically hold business-level Japanese. For Lab-type teams, a Bridge SE handles Japanese communication while development engineers' Japanese levels vary by project.
We assess client requirements upfront and propose the best-fit members.
What is the process from inquiry to contract?
The typical process: contact via form or email, reply within 24–48 hours, online meeting to discuss requirements (30–60 minutes), proposal and quote delivery, contract terms negotiation, NDA signing if needed, main contract execution, and project kickoff.
Timeline ranges from 2 weeks for clear requirements to about 1 month for complex engagements.
For talent placement, do you support visa applications?
Yes, visa support is included. We assist with Engineer/Specialist visa applications and document preparation. Post-arrival support including onboarding assistance is also available.
What does your Market Expansion service include?
We support both directions: Japanese companies entering Vietnam and Vietnamese companies entering Japan. Services include local market research, partner introductions, and localization support.
Operating from both Japan and Vietnam gives us practical experience to share. For specialized legal, tax, and accounting matters, we refer partnering experts.
How is pricing determined?
Pricing depends on engineer level, team size, duration, tech stack, and work location (Japan or Vietnam). Rather than fixed rate cards, we balance your budget and requirements to propose the best fit.
Quotes are free, with flexibility to adjust during requirements definition.
What is the approximate monthly cost for SES?
Monthly SES costs vary by engineer skill level, experience, and tech stack. Rates differ between Junior, Mid, and Senior levels, with specialized skills (OCR, embedded) in a different range.
Specific figures are provided after understanding your requirements. Contact us for a quote.
Are quotes free?
Yes, quotes are free. Initial technical consultations (online meetings) are also free. No fees apply if you decide not to proceed.
What is the minimum contract duration?
Minimum durations vary by contract type. SES starts from 1 month (monthly basis), Lab-type from 3 months, and project contracts vary by scope. Short-term PoC (Proof of Concept) projects are also accommodated.
Can you suggest ways to reduce costs?
Yes, actively. Examples: reducing Japan-based engineers and increasing Vietnam-side allocation, prioritizing requirements to narrow scope, using open-source solutions, and phased development (MVP then full build).
Flexible team design tailored to budget is one of Vietsora's strengths.
What tech stacks do you support?
Languages: Java, Kotlin, Swift, Python, C/C++, C#, Ruby, PHP, JavaScript/TypeScript, Node.js. Frameworks: Spring Boot, Rails, Django, Vue.js, React. Databases: PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, Redis, Snowflake. Cloud: AWS, Azure, Docker, Linux.
Specialties: OCR/image recognition, IoT/embedded, ERP/CRM, BigData Pipeline, Microservices. See the About page for details.
What is your track record with OCR development?
We have delivered smartphone OCR libraries and barcode reader SDKs. Features include GS1 standard compliance, Android/iOS support, handwriting recognition (Kana/Kanji), and multi-barcode simultaneous scanning.
Implementation used C++ for core processing with Java/Swift mobile layers, delivered as SDKs for client integration.
Can you integrate with existing systems?
Yes, system integration is one of our specialties. We support REST API, gRPC, direct database links, and file transfers (FTP/SFTP). We have experience building data linkage platforms for multiple existing systems.
Do you handle cloud infrastructure?
Yes, with experience on AWS and Azure. This includes Docker containerization, CI/CD pipelines, security design, and monitoring.
Do you have IoT/embedded development experience?
Yes, with multiple deliveries. A key example is our Smart Vending IoT solution implementing C/C++ embedded software, MQTT communication, and AWS-based cloud management. We also have UGV development experience with sensor integration.
Do you handle AI/Machine Learning projects?
We handle these, though AI/ML is not Vietsora's primary focus. We have experience with image processing/recognition AI like OCR. For large-scale ML projects, we honestly assess feasibility after reviewing requirements.
Can you provide code review or consulting only?
Yes, spot contracts are available. We handle code reviews, architecture consultations, and tech stack selection advice on hourly rates. You can use us as a technical second opinion.
What project management methodology do you use?
We use PMP-certified methodology. Cost, schedule, and risk are tracked daily with numeric reporting. We support both Waterfall and Agile/Scrum, selected based on project characteristics. Weekly progress meetings are standard.
How do you ensure quality?
Quality is ensured through design reviews, mandatory code reviews, systematic testing (unit/integration/system), automated testing, and CI/CD-based continuous validation. External reviews can be added for critical projects.
How frequently do you report progress?
Weekly reports covering achievements, next week's plan, issues, risks, and effort tracking. We adapt to your preferred tools (Backlog, Jira, Notion, Confluence). Urgent issues are escalated immediately.
Do you provide post-delivery support?
Yes. Warranty periods are defined per project in contracts. Ongoing maintenance is available on monthly contracts covering bug fixes, security patches, and minor feature additions.
How are scope changes handled?
Scope changes are expected and handled flexibly. Minor changes are absorbed; significant changes trigger impact analysis and revised quotes. We focus on communicating change impacts clearly for informed decision-making.
Who owns the source code and IP?
Generally, code developed on your request belongs to you, explicitly stated in contracts. Vietsora-owned pre-existing libraries remain with us. Open-source usage complies with licenses and is disclosed.
How do you handle time zone differences?
The 2-hour time difference between Vietnam and Japan is manageable. Core working hours (Japan time 10:00–17:00) overlap at both locations. Communication uses Slack/Teams for text, Zoom/Meet for meetings, and Notion/Confluence for documentation.
Can you sign an NDA?
Yes, NDA signing is a standard part of our process. We can sign before quoting at your request. Both Japanese and English versions are available.
Where is source code stored?
Primarily in your Git environment (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket). If you don't have Git infrastructure, we provide a private repository. Access is limited to project members with mandatory code reviews.
What security measures apply?
Our baseline includes disk encryption on engineer PCs, VPN access to client environments, and multi-factor authentication. Additional measures can be discussed for stricter requirements.
How do you handle data protection?
We comply with Japan's Personal Information Protection Act (APPI). For projects requiring GDPR or other international regulations, we assess requirements and discuss feasibility upfront.
What makes Vietsora different?
As a small team of 4 core members, we engage personally with each client. Unlike larger providers with fixed menus, we offer flexible proposals matching your budget and circumstances.
Core members have 15+ years in Japan's SI industry with deep understanding of Japanese development culture. PMP-certified management ensures transparent numeric reporting. We value building trust through daily work rather than showcasing flashy numbers.
Have a question not listed here?
Quotes and technical consultations are free. We'll reply within 24–48 hours.