<h2>How to choose the right CRM for your business and implement it at a minimum cost</h2><p>Small businesses are often in a mess: customer data is in various tables, agreements are lost in the mail, and the status of transactions has to be clarified manually. As long as the company is small, it seems like a "work scheme". But with the slightest increase, this approach becomes a critical barrier and a direct source of financial loss. A CRM system (Customer Relationship Management) is a necessary tool for bringing order to sales and automating the sales department. The main priority for small businesses is to get started quickly and cheaply. But it's important to look ahead: sooner or later you'll run into the limitations of off-the-shelf software. This article is a complete guide to choosing a CRM system. We will show you how to get started optimally and then strategically switch to your own CRM when your business requires maximum flexibility and control.</p><h2>CRM for Beginners: Choosing and Implementing with Minimal Effort</h2><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/CRM%20dlya%20starta.png"></p><p>The goal of this stage is to achieve basic transparency and manageability without capital investments.</p><h3>Needs analysis and the MVP principle</h3><p>Small business mistake #1 is to buy a CRM with excessive functionality. This leads to overpayment and complicates adaptation. You need an MVP (Minimum Viable Product).</p><p>Critical functionality to get started:</p><ul><li>A centralized customer database. A single repository where each contact and company has a complete history of interactions, including calls and emails.</li><li>Visual Sales Funnel. Should clearly display 5-7 key stages. For example: New Lead → Qualification → Sending a quotation → Payment. No complicated branching at the start.</li><li>Setting and monitoring tasks. The system should automatically create tasks as soon as a deal enters a new stage. For example, "call back in 3 days".</li><li>Basic integration. The ability to connect a corporate email or one of the IP telephones for automatic logging of all communications.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Criteria for budget selection and cost assessment</h3>To get started, choose affordable, cloud-based SaaS customer management solutions. Be careful of potential pitfalls.<p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/Kriterii%20byudzhetnogo%20vibora.png" style="font-size: 1rem;"></p><p>At the start-up stage, your total cost of ownership is minimal. The main cost is the time spent on implementing the CRM system on your own.</p><h3>Integration</h3><p>CRM implementation should take days, not weeks.</p><p></p><p>Here is a step-by-step instruction:</p><p></p><ul><li>Pilot launch. Select 2-3 motivated "champions" from the sales department. They will test the system and become your internal experts.</li><li>Settings. Leave only the fields and steps you need for today. Disable all unnecessary functionality. The simpler it is, the faster the adaptation.</li><li>Automation. Set up automatic creation of a deal when you receive a request from a website or email. This eliminates routine tasks and prevents the loss of leads.</li><li>Training as a practical exercise. Conduct a short, practical training session. Instead of teaching "buttons," teach work scenarios: "How to close a deal quickly," "How to see what I need to do today."</li></ul><p>The iron rule is that if a customer and a deal are not in the CRM, the deal does not exist. Check the system's completeness daily.</p><h2>Top 5 Budget-Friendly CRM Solutions for Small Businesses&nbsp;</h2><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/Top-5%20byudzhetnikh%20CRM.png"></p><ul><li>AmoCRM. For active sales with a well-structured funnel. It features powerful built-in telephony and deep analytics at every stage of the deal. The free plan for 2 users allows you to test all the key features.</li><li>Bitrix24. Offers an all-in-one comprehensive solution, from CRM to tasks, documents, and chats. It has powerful tools for automating business processes and managing projects. The free plan offers unlimited users, but with limited functionality and a disk space of up to 5 GB.</li><li>Megaplan. stands out for its intuitive interface, which allows you to get started quickly without extensive training. It offers flexible sales funnel settings for different types of businesses. It is particularly suitable for service companies and complex multi-step sales processes.</li><li>Class365. One of the simplest CRM systems for microbusinesses and startups. Quick implementation — you can start working within one day. Integration with popular services and an affordable price for novice entrepreneurs.</li><li>PlanFix. An automation system for companies with complex business processes. Flexible work settings and the ability to fine-tune them to meet the unique requirements of the business. Suitable for medium-sized businesses that are ready for deep automation.</li></ul><p>Test 2-3 systems on free plans to choose the best option for your processes.</p><h2>When developing your own CRM is a necessity</h2><p>Successful use of a ready-made CRM will eventually lead you to a strategic choice. At this stage, you will move from "buying" to developing your own CRM system.</p><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/razrabotka%20svoei%20CRM.png"><br></p><h3>Signs that you've outgrown the "box"</h3><p><b>Unique business logic</b></p><p>When your processes become too complex for standard solutions, a ready-made CRM can no longer cope: whether it's a non-standard sales funnel or the need for an internal cost calculator. Custom development ensures that the system architecture perfectly aligns with your actual business processes.</p><p></p><p></p><p><b>High cost of ownership</b><br>If monthly payments for licenses, paid modules, and improvements start to exceed the budget for developing your own MVP, it's a clear signal to switch. Your own CRM provides full control over costs and eliminates subscription fees for each user.</p><p></p><p></p><p><b>Complex integrations</b><br>When a business needs to set up seamless communication within its ecosystem, such as ERP, production accounting, and warehouse systems, a ready-made CRM may not always be able to provide this. A custom-built system offers a free API and the ability to integrate deeply without restrictions.</p><p></p><p></p><p><b>Dependence on the vendor</b><br>A strategically dangerous situation when you become a hostage to the pricing policy and technical development of a third-party developer. Your own CRM eliminates this dependence by giving you full control over the code and future development of the system.</p><p></p><p></p><p><b>Compliance with laws and safety requirements</b><br>Data protection or industry-specific security standards do not always align fully with the capabilities of market-based solutions. Custom CRM provides complete sovereignty over data and its protection.</p><p></p><h3>CRM Development: Process, Architecture, and Team Selection</h3><p>Before ordering CRM development, it is important to address your fears and assess the risks.&nbsp;</p><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/Razrabotka%20CRM.png"><br></p><p>The development of a CRM system begins with a migration plan. The first step is to analyze your business processes and determine what you want to automate. Then, prioritize your needs and consider the best way to implement your scenarios. The second part can be delegated to a team member.</p><p></p><p>1. Planning and architecture</p><ul><li>A clear technical specification with requirements and dependencies. The more involved you are in creating the architecture, the better the product will be.</li><li>Modular approach. The system should be built from independent modules: contacts, reports, tasks. This ensures that the platform will be easy to develop.</li><li>Choosing a stack. Choose popular and reliable technologies: PHP (by the way, almost all ready-made CRMs are based on it), Python, and .NET. This will make it easier to support and find new developers.</li></ul><p>2. Choosing a performer:</p><ul><li>In-House vs Outsourcing In-House. An in-house team will provide better control and understanding of the company's internal culture. However, it requires high ongoing costs for salaries and HR. It is suitable for large companies with a steady flow of development. Outsourcing.</li><li>An external contractor is a quick start to MVP and access to broad expertise. Has a fixed budget and timeline. Optimal for launching a CRM without your own development team.</li></ul><p>3. Long-term viability and support</p><ul><li>Fault tolerance and SLA. Configure backup and quick recovery mechanisms. Define a service level agreement to resolve critical errors.</li><li>DevOps. Set up automated testing and deployment processes. This will speed up the release of updates, making them stable and secure.</li><li>Documentation. All code and APIs should be documented in detail. This way, another team can provide support.</li></ul><p>Projects to create your own CRM require in-depth expertise. The MediaTen team can help with both the development of a custom solution and the customization of pre-built systems. We start with a detailed business analysis to ensure that the system architecture aligns with your unique business logic. Our goal is not just to develop a CRM, but to create a scalable and long-lasting asset.</p><p></p><p></p>

<h2 class="">Как выбрать CRM под свой бизнес и внедрить с минимальными затратами</h2><p>Малый бизнес часто утопает в беспорядке: клиентские данные в разных таблицах, договоренности теряются в почте, а статус сделок приходится уточнять вручную. Пока компания мала, это кажется «рабочей схемой». Но при малейшем росте этот подход становится критическим барьером и прямым источником финансовых потерь.
CRM-система (Customer Relationship Management) — это необходимый инструмент для наведения порядка в продажах и автоматизации отдела продаж. Главный приоритет для малого бизнеса — быстро и дешево начать. Но важно смотреть вперед: рано или поздно вы столкнетесь с ограничениями готового ПО.
Эта статья — полное руководство по выбору CRM системы. Мы покажем, как оптимально стартовать, а затем — стратегически перейти на собственную CRM, когда ваш бизнес потребует максимальной гибкости и контроля.&nbsp;</p><h2 class="">CRM для старта: выбор и внедрение с минимальными затратами</h2><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/CRM dlya starta.png"></p><p>Цель этого этапа — получить базовую прозрачность и управляемость без капитальных вложений.</p><h3 class="">Анализ потребностей и принцип MVP</h3><p>Ошибка №1 малого бизнеса — покупать CRM «на вырост» с избыточным функционалом. Это приводит к переплате и усложняет адаптацию. Вам нужен MVP (Минимально жизнеспособный продукт).
</p><p>Критически важный функционал для старта:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Централизованная база клиентов. Единое хранилище, где каждый контакт и компания имеют полную историю взаимодействий, включая звонки и письма.
</li><li>Визуальная Воронка продаж. Должна четко отображать 5-7 ключевых этапов. Например: Новый лид → Квалификация → Отправка КП → Оплата. Никаких сложных ветвлений на старте.
</li><li>Постановка и контроль задач. Система должна автоматически создавать задачи сразу после перехода сделки на новый этап. Например, «перезвонить через 3 дня».
</li><li>Базовая интеграция. Возможность подключить корпоративную почту или одну из IP-телефоний — для автоматического логирования всех коммуникаций.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3 class="">Критерии бюджетного выбора и оценки стоимости владения</h3><p>Для старта выбирайте доступные, облачные SaaS-решения управления клиентами. Внимательно оценивайте потенциальные ловушки.&nbsp;</p><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/Kriterii byudzhetnogo vibora.png"><br></p><p>На этапе старта ваша совокупная стоимость владения минимальна. Основные затраты — это время, потраченное на самостоятельное внедрение CRM системы.
</p><h3 class="">Внедрение
</h3><p>Внедрение CRM должно занимать дни, а не недели.</p><p><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Вот пошаговая инструкция:&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li>Пилотный запуск. Выберите 2-3 мотивированных «чемпиона» из отдела продаж. Они протестируют систему и станут вашими внутренними экспертами.</li><li>
Настройка. Оставьте только те поля и этапы, которые нужны для работы сегодня. Отключите весь лишний функционал. Чем проще, тем быстрее адаптация.
</li><li>Автоматизация. Настройте автоматическое создание сделки при получении заявки с сайта или письма. Это устранит рутину и исключит потерю лидов.
</li><li>Обучение как практикум. Проведите короткий, практический тренинг. Обучайте не «кнопкам», а сценариям работы: «Как быстро закрыть сделку», «Как увидеть, что я должен сделать сегодня».&nbsp;</li></ul><p>Железное правило — если клиента и сделки нет в CRM, сделки не существует. Ежедневно проверяйте заполняемость системы.</p><h2 class="">Топ-5 бюджетных CRM для старта малого бизнеса&nbsp;</h2><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/Top-5 byudzhetnikh CRM.png"></p><ul><li>AmoCRM. Для активных продаж с четко выстроенной воронкой. Отличается мощной встроенной телефонией и глубокой аналитикой на каждом этапе сделки. Бесплатный тариф на 2 пользователя позволяет протестировать все ключевые функции.
</li><li>Битрикс24. Предлагает комплексное решение «все в одном» — от CRM до задач, документов и чатов. Имеет мощные инструменты для автоматизации бизнес-процессов и управления проектами. Бесплатный тариф — без ограничения пользователей, но с сильно урезанным функционалом и объемом диска до 5 ГБ. </li><li>
Мегаплан. Выделяется интуитивным интерфейсом, который позволяет быстро начать работу без длительного обучения. Гибкие настройки воронок продаж под разные типы бизнеса. Особенно удобен для сервисных компаний и сложных многоэтапных продаж.
</li><li>Класс365. Одна из самых простых CRM для микробизнеса и стартапов. Быстрое внедрение — можно начать работу в течение одного дня. Интеграция с популярными сервисами и доступная цена для начинающих предпринимателей.
</li><li>ПланФикс. Система автоматизации для компаний со сложными бизнес-процессами. Гибкие настройки работы и возможность тонкой донастройки под уникальные требования бизнеса. Подходит для среднего бизнеса, готового к глубокой автоматизации.</li></ul><p>Протестируйте 2-3 системы на бесплатных тарифах, чтобы выбрать оптимальный вариант для ваших процессов.</p><h2 class="">Когда разработка своей CRM — необходимость</h2><p>Успешное использование готовой CRM со временем приведет вас к стратегическому выбору. На этом этапе вы переходите от «покупки» к разработке собственной CRM-системы.&nbsp;</p><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/razrabotka svoei CRM.png"><br></p><h3 class="">Сигналы, что вы переросли «коробку»</h3><p><b>Уникальная бизнес-логика</b><br><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Когда ваши процессы становятся слишком сложными для стандартных решений готовая CRM перестает справляться: будь то нестандартная воронка продаж или потребность во внутреннем калькуляторе стоимости. Кастомная разработка — это идеальное соответствие архитектуры системы вашим реальным бизнес-процессам.
</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>Высокая стоимость владения</b><br>Если ежемесячные платежи за лицензии, платные модули и доработки начинают превышать бюджет на разработку собственного MVP — это явный сигнал к переходу. Собственная CRM дает полный контроль над затратами и отсутствие абонентской платы за каждого пользователя.
</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>Сложные интеграции</b><br>Когда бизнесу нужно настроить бесшовную связь в своей экосистеме: ERP, производственный учет, складские системы — готовая CRM не всегда это может обеспечить. Собственная система предлагает свободный API и возможность глубокой интеграции без ограничений.
</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>Зависимость от вендора</b><br>Стратегически опасная ситуация, когда вы становитесь заложником ценовой политики и технического развития стороннего разработчика. Своя CRM устраняет эту зависимость, давая полный контроль над кодом и будущим развитием системы.
</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>Соответствие законам и требования безопасности</b><br>Защита данных или отраслевые стандарты безопасности не всегда полностью совпадают с возможностями рыночных решении. Кастомная CRM — это полный суверенитет над данными и их защитой.&nbsp;</span></p><h3 class="">Разработка CRM: процесс, архитектура и выбор команды</h3><p>Перед тем как заказать разработку CRM, нужно развеять страхи и оценить риски.&nbsp;</p><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/Razrabotka CRM.png" style="font-size: 1rem;"><br><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Разработка CRM-системы начинается с плана переноса. В начале надо проанализировать процессы бизнеса и понять, что именно вы хотите автоматизировать. Потом — расставить приоритетность и продумать, как лучше реализовать сценарии. Вторую часть можно перенести на исполнителя.</span></p><p>1. Планирование и архитектура
</p><ul><li>Четкое ТЗ с фиксацией требований и зависимостей. Чем больше вовлечен в создание архитектуры, тем лучше будет продукт на выходе.
</li><li>Модульный подход. Система должна быть построена из независимых модулей: контакты, отчеты, задачи. Это гарантирует, что платформу будет легко развивать.
</li><li>Выбор стека. Выбирайте популярные и надежные технологии: PHP (кстати, почти все готовые CRM на нем), Python, .NET. Это упростит поддержку и поиск новых разработчиков.
</li></ul><p>2. Выбор исполнителя:&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 1rem;">In-House vs Аутсорс</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: 1rem;">In-House. Внутренняя команда обеспечит лучший контроль и понимание внутренней культуры. Но требует высоких постоянных затрат на зарплаты и HR. Подходит для больших компаний с постоянным потоком разработки.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Аутсорс.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Внешний подрядчик — это быстрый старт MVP и доступ к широкой экспертизе. Имеет фиксированный бюджет и сроки. Оптимален для запуска CRM без своего штата разработчиков.</span></li></ul><p>3. Долгосрочная жизнеспособность и поддержка
</p><ul><li>Отказоустойчивость и SLA. Настройте механизмы резервного копирования и быстрого восстановления. Пропишите соглашение об уровне обслуживания для устранения критических ошибок.</li><li>DevOps. Настройте процессы автоматического тестирования и развертывания. Это ускорит выпуск обновлений, сделает их стабильными и безопасными.
</li><li>Документация. Весь код и API должны быть подробно задокументированы. Так поддержку сможет вести другая команда.
</li></ul><p>Проекты по созданию собственной CRM требуют глубокой экспертизы. Команда MediaTen сможет помочь как с разработкой индивидуального решения, так и в кастомизации готовых систем. Мы начинаем с детального бизнес-анализа, чтобы архитектура системы полностью соответствовала вашей уникальной логике. Наша цель — не просто разработка CRM, а создание масштабируемого, долгосрочного актива.&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 1rem;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><br></span></p>

A complete guide to CRM for small businesses. Learn how to choose MVP functionality, start with minimal costs, implement the system in days instead of weeks, and when to develop your own CRM for scaling.

Полное руководство о CRM для малого бизнеса. Узнайте, как выбрать MVP-функционал, начать с минимальными затратами, внедрить систему за дни, а не недели, и когда необходимо разрабатывать собственную CRM для масштабирования.

CRM for Small Businesses: Choosing, Budget-Friendly Implementation, and Custom System Migration Strategy

CRM для малого бизнеса: выбор, бюджетное внедрение и стратегия перехода на кастомную систему

CRM for small businesses: choosing, implementing at a minimum cost, and switching to your own system

CRM для малого бизнеса: выбор, внедрение с минимумом затрат и переход на свою систему

Request analysis, common mistakes, and time and budget estimates are a practical guide for entrepreneurs and executives on implementing AI.

Анализ запросов, типичные ошибки, оценки сроков и бюджета — практическое руководство для предпринимателей и руководителей по внедрению ИИ.

Examples of AI chatbots: How to turn an idea into a working solution without breaking the bank

Примеры чат-ботов с искусственным интеллектом — как сделать из идеи работающее решение и не разориться

AI agents for business

<p>Modern business is a digital ecosystem. Your assets are no longer in a safe but in data: customer databases, reports, contracts, and financial records. A single vulnerability — a lost device or a hacker attack — threatens not only the information but also the company's reputation. Protecting data is protecting the business.</p><p>Fortunately, there is a powerful and accessible method of protection — encryption. Don’t be intimidated by this complex-sounding word. In essence, encryption transforms your important information into unreadable code that can only be unlocked with a special key (password).</p><h2 class="">&nbsp;Why is encryption critical for businesses?</h2><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/Почему шифрование критически важно для бизнеса-1.png"><br></p><ul><li>Protection against device loss and theft. This is the most common scenario for data breaches. An encrypted hard drive on a laptop or flash drive makes it a useless piece of hardware for a thief.
</li><li>Compliance with legal requirements.&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 1rem;">Personal data protection laws (such as 152-FZ in Russia) require businesses to ensure the security of this information.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Encryption is one of the best ways to comply with these requirements and avoid penalties.
</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Preserving business reputation. Data breaches can damage customer trust. Partners and clients want to be sure that their information is safe.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Protecting trade secrets. Customer/supplier databases, drawings, and financial plans — all of your intellectual property should be securely protected.</span></li></ul><h3 class="">What data should be encrypted first?</h3><p>It is not always advisable to encrypt everything, as this can slow down your work. Focus on the most sensitive information that is of the greatest value to attackers:</p><ul><li>Customer personal data: Full names, addresses, contact phones, email addresses, and payment details.</li><li>Financial information: everything related to bank accounts, detailed accounting reports, and tax documentation.</li><li>Commercial secrets: Lists of exclusive suppliers, pricing, marketing strategies, patents, and know-how.</li><li>Internal correspondence: Confidential emails, internal reports, and draft documents.</li><li>Portable media data: All information stored on USB flash drives, external hard drives, and other removable media.</li></ul><h2 class="">Simple solutions that can be implemented today</h2><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/Простые решения, которые можно внедрить уже сегодня.png"></p><h4 class="">1.&nbsp;Encryption of the entire disk on computers and laptops</h4><p><b>Problem:</b> Theft or loss of an employee's office computer or laptop.</p><p><b>Solution:</b> Enable the built-in tools.</p><ul><li>For Windows (Pro, Enterprise, Education versions): BitLocker. This is a very powerful and easy-to-use system. You can encrypt the entire system drive. Only those who know the Windows login password can access the data. You can enable it through the Control Panel -&gt; System and Security -&gt; BitLocker Drive Encryption.</li><li>For macOS: FileVault 2. A similar solution from Apple. It is enabled in System Preferences -&gt; Security &amp; Privacy -&gt; FileVault. Once activated, all data on your Mac will be protected.</li></ul><p><b>What if you have Windows Home edition, which doesn't have BitLocker? </b>Use a free alternative like VeraCrypt. 
VeraCrypt is a free and open-source solution for encrypting individual files, folders, or even entire disk partitions. It's a great choice if you only need to protect specific data rather than the entire disk.</p><p><b>How to use: </b>Download and install VeraCrypt. Create an encrypted container (a file that looks like a regular file but contains encrypted data). Mount it as a virtual disk, work with the data, and then unmount it.</p><h4 class="">2. Encryption of USB flash drives</h4><p><b>Problem:</b> Losing a flash drive is a classic leak scenario.</p><p><b>Solution: </b>Built-in tools. The same BitLocker in Windows allows you to enable encryption for removable drives. This is called "BitLocker To Go". Simply insert your flash drive, open File Explorer, right-click on the drive, and select "Enable BitLocker".</p><h4 class="">3. Encryption of mobile devices</h4><p><b>Problem:</b> Employees work with mail and documents from their phones, which are easy to forget in taxis or cafes.</p><p><b>Solution:</b> Modern smartphones already have built-in encryption.</p><ul><li>iOS (iPhone/iPad): Encryption is enabled by default if you use a password, Face ID, or Touch ID. Just make sure your password is set.</li><li>Android: In recent versions, encryption is also enabled by default. Check the security settings to ensure that you are using a secure PIN, pattern, or biometric authentication to unlock your device.</li></ul><h4 class="">4. Encryption of cloud storage</h4><p><b>Problem: </b>You use Google Drive, Dropbox, or Yandex Disk to share files. The service provider protects your data, but your account may be compromised.</p><p><b>Solution: </b>Use end-to-end encryption.</p><ul><li>Create encrypted archives. Before uploading to the cloud, pack sensitive files into an archive with a strong password using 7-Zip or WinRAR.</li><li>Use specialized services. Clouds like Tresorit or MEGA are built on the principle of end-to-end encryption. They do not have access to your keys, which means they cannot read your data.</li></ul><h4 class="">5. Email encryption</h4><p><b>Problem: </b>Sending confidential contracts or personal data via email.</p><p></p><p><b>Solution:</b></p><ul><li>Passwords for archives. The easiest way is to put the file in a password-protected archive (as described above) and send it via email. Send the password to the recipient via another communication channel (such as a messenger or SMS).</li><li>Built-in email services. Some corporate email services (such as Outlook.com) have an "Encrypt Message" option. Check with your provider for more information.</li></ul><h4 class="">6. VPN services: Traffic protection</h4><p>A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts all your internet traffic, making it unreadable to others. This is especially important if you or your employees work from public Wi-Fi networks.</p><ul><li>Advantages: Data interception protection, anonymity on the network.</li><li>How to use: Choose a reliable VPN provider, install the client, and connect to a server.</li></ul><h2 class="">Website and Server Security: Protecting Your Digital Office</h2><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/Безопасность веб сайта и сервера защита вашего цифрового офиса.png"><br></p><p>Your website is your business's storefront, and your server is its digital office. Their security is just as important as the protection of your local data. If you're unsure about their reliability, the Mediaten team is here to conduct a thorough audit and address any vulnerabilities. To help you understand the topic, we've compiled a list of essential criteria for self-evaluation.</p><h4 class="">1.&nbsp;Audit of open ports</h4><p><b>Problem:</b> Unused or misconfigured ports are open doors for hackers.</p><p><b>What to check:</b> Use free online services (for example, ShieldsUP! from GRC). They will show you which ports of your server are visible from the internet.</p><p><b>Ports at risk:</b></p><ul><li>22 (SSH), 21 (FTP), 23 (Telnet): Server management. Should be protected as much as possible.</li><li>80 (HTTP), 443 (HTTPS): Web traffic. Make sure that only 443 works with an SSL certificate.</li><li>3389 (RDP): Remote Desktop Protocol for Windows. Extremely vulnerable to attacks.</li><li>3306 (MySQL), 5432 (PostgreSQL): Databases. Should never be exposed to the outside world.</li></ul><p><b>Solution: </b>Close all ports that are not in use. Configure a firewall.</p><h4 class="">2.&nbsp;Checking SSH server access settings</h4><p><b>The problem:</b> SSH is a powerful management tool, but its default settings are vulnerable.</p><p><b>What to check and configure:</b></p><ul><li>Disable root login. Create a regular user with sudo privileges.</li><li>Use key authentication instead of passwords. It's much more secure.</li><li>Change the default SSH port (22) to a non-standard port.</li><li>Limit the number of login attempts using tools like fail2ban.</li><li>Disable outdated and weak encryption algorithms.</li></ul><h4 class="">3. Checking that the security headers are configured correctly</h4><p><b>Problem:</b> Browsers use special headers to protect users from certain attacks (such as XSS and clickjacking). Their absence makes your website vulnerable.</p><p><b>What to check:</b> Use free online website security scanners. They will check for critical headers:</p><ul><li>Strict-Transport-Security (HSTS): Forces the browser to use HTTPS.</li><li>X-Content-Type-Options: Prevents the browser from "guessing" the content type.</li><li>X-Frame-Options: Protects against clickjacking.</li><li>Content-Security-Policy (CSP): Allows resources to be loaded only from trusted sources.</li></ul><h4 class="">4.&nbsp;Checking the website in the phishing lists and monitoring its reputation</h4><p><b>Problem:</b> Your website may be hacked and used for phishing, even if you don't know about it.
</p><p><b>What to do: </b>Regularly check your domain's reputation using Google Safe Browsing Transparency Report or VirusTotal.</p><h4 class="">5.&nbsp;Checking for server information leaks via requests</h4><p><b>Problem: </b>The default server can "tell" too much about itself: its version and installed software. This information is the first thing an attacker looks for.
</p><p><b>What to check: </b>Send requests to your site and see what is returned in the response headers. Server and X-Powered-By headers often contain software versions. They should be hidden in the web server settings.</p><h3 class="">Simple rules that will enhance protection</h3><ul><li>Use complex passwords and password managers. A password like "123456" defeats all encryption. Use long, unique passwords for each service. Programs like Bitwarden or KeePass can help you store them.</li><li>Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds a second layer of protection to all your accounts (email, cloud, banks). Even if your password is stolen, you won't be able to log in without a code from your phone.</li><li>Train your employees. Technology is powerless if an employee writes passwords on a sticker and sticks it on their monitor. Teach them the basics of cyber hygiene.</li></ul><h2 class="">What not to do in any case</h2><ul><li>Store the recovery keys on the same device as the encrypted data. Print them out and keep them in a safe or use a secure password manager (such as KeePass).</li><li>Think it's too complicated. Modern tools are designed for regular users. Spend one evening setting it up, and it will save you time, money, and reputation in the future.</li><li>Ignore website security. Many entrepreneurs think that their small website is of no interest to anyone, but they are the ones who become easy targets for automated attacks.</li></ul><p>Data encryption is not a luxury, but a necessity for businesses in the digital age. It is your insurance against real and very likely risks. Start small: enable BitLocker or FileVault on your laptop, set passwords on all your work phones, and check the basic security settings of your website. If you encounter complex issues, don't hesitate to seek <a href="https://mediaten.ru/en/services#website-audit%20services" target="_blank">professional assistance for security audits and fixes</a>. These simple steps will significantly enhance your digital security and preserve the most valuable assets - your customers' trust and your business peace of mind.</p><p><br></p>

A practical guide to encrypting devices, cloud storage and email, along with basic website security checks and tips to prevent data leaks

Практическое руководство по шифрованию устройств, облаков и почты, а также базовые проверки безопасности сайта и советы по предотвращению утечек.

Protect your business data: encryption and website security audit

Защитите данные бизнеса: шифрование и аудит безопасности сайтов

Data encryption for small businesses: simple solutions for strong security

Шифрование данных для малого бизнеса: простые решения для большой безопасности

<p>According to StatCounter, people use mobile devices almost twice as often as desktops — 65% versus 35%. That’s why mobile apps have become a key part of digital strategy for businesses. In e-commerce, they help solve practical tasks:
</p><ul><li>
speed up sales and simplify repeat purchases,</li><li>reduce the load on call centers and managers,</li><li>make services available 24/7,</li><li>strengthen brand positioning through constant contact with customers.</li></ul><p>In 2025, a mobile app is not just a sales tool — it's part of the company's internal ecosystem that helps streamline:</p><ul><li>warehouse and transportation logistics,</li><li>HR processes,</li><li>supplier and partner management,</li><li>inventory and order tracking.
</li></ul><p>
However, for a mobile app to be truly useful and user-friendly, it’s critical to plan out the user journey and service functionality during the analytics stage. Otherwise, the platform may fall short of business needs and turn into a financial burden instead of a revenue-generating tool.</p><p>In this guide, we’ll look at how much mobile app development costs and what steps the process includes.</p><h2 class="">How Much Does Full-Cycle Mobile App Development Cost</h2><p>The cost of a turnkey mobile app depends on many factors: business goals, product type, architectural complexity, number of screens, and depth of integrations. Even if the interface looks simple, it may involve complex logic, dozens of user scenarios, role-based access systems, and external services — all of which have a direct impact on the final price.</p><p>Below, we’ll break down the key factors that have the greatest influence on the project budget.</p><h3 class="">App Type</h3><p></p><p>This affects how many specialists need to be involved, how long the development will take, and how many resources will be needed for ongoing support.</p><p>Native apps are the most expensive.Cross-platform apps are more affordable, while hybrid apps are the most budget-friendly — though their capabilities are significantly limited.</p><h3 class="">Number of Screens and Business Logic</h3><p></p><p>Each screen represents a user scenario that requires thoughtful interaction design — what can or should be clicked, where the user can go, and what data can be seen. The more screens and the more complex the logic, the higher the development effort.</p><p>For example, even a basic app where the user simply submits a request may contain around ten screens. If the user can register, track orders, chat with a manager, and arrange delivery, the number of scenarios increases significantly — and so does the cost.</p><h3 class="">Design Level</h3><p></p><p>Template-based designs with standard elements require minimal investment. A custom interface with a unique visual style, animations, and well-thought-out navigation takes more time and requires active involvement from designers and frontend developers.</p><p>A quality design project must include adaptability — the ability for the UI to display correctly across different screens and devices. This is a separate task that also increases the final product cost.</p><h3 class="">Integration Complexity</h3><p></p><p>If the app needs to interact with other systems — such as a CRM, product database, payment services, logistics platforms, or internal ERP — then API setup, debugging, and additional data validation will be required.</p><p>Each integration is essentially a separate module that must be developed, tested, and maintained. The more integrations, the higher the cost. However, paradoxically, it can still be cheaper than building a microservice from scratch.</p><p><br>Based on the factors above, mobile app development costs can be roughly divided into 3 levels.<br><br></p><ul><li>Basic MVP — from $4,500 to $9,000</li></ul><p>This is a minimal version of the product suitable for launching a new service. It typically includes 1–2 user roles and limited functionality, without complex integrations, personal accounts, or advanced business logic. Development time: 2–3 months.
<br><br></p><ul><li>
Mid-level app — from $9,000 to $17,000</li></ul><p>This option suits small and medium-sized businesses when the app is part of a core service. It usually includes features like user authentication, filters, notifications, personal accounts, and a basic admin panel. External services such as payment systems, analytics, and CRM may be integrated. Development time: 4–6 months.<br><br></p><ul><li>Complex solution — from $17,000–$22,000 and up</li></ul><p>Apps in this category are full-fledged business tools. They involve multilayer architecture, offline mode support, synchronization with internal systems, document flow, time and route tracking, analytics, reporting, and distributed user roles. Development time: over 6 months.</p><p>One such project was implemented by MediaTen for a company that has been designing and maintaining fire protection systems for nearly 20 years. They needed an app for team leads and technical specialists working in the field.</p><h3 class="">Example of Mobile App Development</h3><p></p><p>Cost
We built a cross-platform service with offline mode support, ERP integration, the ability to upload photo and video reports, track labor costs, and automatically generate work completion documents. The app solves specific operational tasks and helps reduce human error in work tracking.</p><p>The project cost was over $22,000, and the application became part of the company’s internal ecosystem, enabling full control over key business processes.</p><p>You can read more about this project in our <a href="https://mediaten.ru/en/cases/mobile-app-development" target="_blank">case study</a>.</p><h2 class="">Mobile App Development Stages</h2><p></p><p>In full-cycle development, a single team handles the entire project — from idea to release. They take full responsibility for both business logic and technical implementation. The client doesn't need to hire specialists, manage task distribution among contractors, or oversee internal workflows.</p><p>Below are the main development stages, where each step naturally follows from the previous one. This structure helps avoid delays, rework, and misalignment during the launch process.<br></p><h3 class="">1. Business Analysis</h3><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/МППК 1.png"><br></p><p></p><p>At this stage, the team dives into the business goals and defines what problem the app should solve, who the end users are, what actions they need to take within the app, and which internal processes the company wants to automate or streamline.</p><p>To gather this information, a business analyst or <a href="https://mediaten.ru/en/services/project-manager" target="_blank">project manager</a> conducts sessions with the client, maps out user scenarios, and studies the company’s internal workflows.</p><p>The outcome is a clear scheme that outlines who will do what, when, and why in the app. This becomes the foundation for the architecture.</p><h3 class="">2. Technical Specification and Architecture</h3><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/МППК 2.png"><br></p><p></p><p>Once the analysis is complete, a detailed <a href="https://mediaten.ru/en/services/creation-of-technical-specification" target="_blank">technical specification (spec)</a> is created. This working document describes exactly how the app will function — including user roles, screens, and each step in the user journey.</p><p>The app’s architecture is also developed — a tree-like structure of the future product. It includes detailed diagrams of entities and their relationships, data flow schemes (both internal and external), and flowcharts of user interactions with the API.</p><p>The team lead, tech lead, or project manager defines the technical implementation: what technologies to use and how to link frameworks and modules together.</p><p>A thorough and well-prepared technical spec can save dozens of hours in later stages and helps prevent inaccuracies in the code.</p><h3 class="">3. Prototyping and Design</h3><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/МППК 3.png"><br></p><p></p><p>Alongside the technical specification, prototypes — wireframes of future screens — are created. These show how users will navigate through the app, what blocks they’ll see, and where buttons, forms, and menus will be placed. These are visual schemes without styling, but with clear logic.</p><p>The level of detail can vary. Sometimes, simple black-and-white wireframes are enough to understand the screen structure. In other cases, individual elements like transitions, pop-ups, or dropdown menus are modeled.</p><p>The goal of this stage is to test the logic of the interface before colors, fonts, and icons are added — focusing on usability and user behavior scenarios. Prototypes are faster and easier to modify since they don’t involve visual design yet.</p><p>Once the prototypes are approved, the team moves on to the visual design — <a href="https://mediaten.ru/en/services/interface-design-development" target="_blank">the UI kit and final UX/UI layout</a>. The designer selects colors, fonts, buttons, icons, and animations — everything that forms the app’s visual identity. They also define the behavior of elements: how they respond to taps, show errors and notifications, or transition between screens.</p><h3 class="">4. Development: Frontend, Backend, Documentation</h3><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/МППК 4.png"><br></p><p></p><p>After the design is approved, the main technical stage begins — develop<span style="font-size: 1rem;">ment. The team starts building the client-side and server-side components and works in parallel on internal project documentation.</span></p><p><a href="https://mediaten.ru/en/services/frontend-vuejs" target="_blank">Frontend</a> refers to everything the user interacts with: screens, buttons, forms, animations, data loading, and transitions between sections. Developers convert the approved design into a fully functioning user interface for mobile devices.</p><p>The <a href="https://mediaten.ru/en/services/backend-laravel" target="_blank">backend</a> team handles the internal logic: data processing, database management, role-based access, security, business logic, and integrations with external services.</p><p>Throughout this phase, the team documents the system — producing detailed technical documentation. This is crucial for future support and knowledge transfer to other specialists.</p><p>The result of this stage is an app ready for testing.</p><h3 class="">5. Testing</h3><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/МППК 5.png"><br></p><p></p><p>Before release, it’s essential to make sure that all features work correctly, the interface matches the technical specification, and the app remains stable even under high load. Several types of testing are used at this stage.</p><ul><li><a href="https://mediaten.ru/en/services/manual-quality-assurance" target="_blank">Manual testing</a> — a tester manually goes through screens, forms, and user scenarios step by step. They follow the user journey, identify bugs, and analyze how interface elements behave in different states.</li><li><a href="https://mediaten.ru/en/services/functional-quality-assurance" target="_blank">Unit testing </a>— automated testing of individual pieces of code. It helps detect whether changes in one area affect functionality elsewhere.</li><li><a href="https://mediaten.ru/en/services/manual-quality-assurance" target="_blank">UX testing</a> — evaluation of the user experience. It checks whether navigation between screens is smooth and whether typical actions are easy to perform.</li><li><a href="https://mediaten.ru/en/services/functional-quality-assurance" target="_blank">Load testing </a>— assessment of how the app handles peak user activity and high server load.</li><li><a href="https://mediaten.ru/en/services/functional-quality-assurance" target="_blank">Cross-platform testing</a> — checking the app on different devices, smartphone models, and OS versions to ensure consistent behavior and stable performance.</li></ul><h3 class="">6. Release and Store Publishing</h3><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/МППК 6.png"><br></p><p></p><p>Once the app is complete, the release stage begins. The team prepares screenshots, descriptions, keywords, and uploads everything to app stores — Google Play, App Store, RuStore, AppGallery, Samsung Galaxy Store, and corporate marketplaces.</p><p>Each platform has its own requirements. In 2025, App Store and Google Play have especially strict moderation processes. For example, Apple checks interface quality, stability, security, proper use of the camera, Touch ID, Face ID, and user data handling. Moderation can take anywhere from one day to several weeks, especially if questions arise about the app’s functionality.</p><p>After publication, the app becomes available for download. At this stage, analytics tools are configured to track user behavior and quickly respond to any potential issues.</p><h3 class="">7. Support and Growth</h3><p><img src="https://backend.mediaten.ru/storage/uploads/МППК 7.png"><br></p><p>To keep the app relevant, stable, and useful, it needs continuous support and ongoing development.</p><p>Technical support includes bug fixing, updates for new Android and iOS versions, integration monitoring, and data security. It's important to regularly audit the system and update dependencies — otherwise, the app may stop working on new devices.</p><p>Feature development depends on analytics and user feedback. Over time, new scenarios, roles, and integration requirements emerge.</p><p><a href="https://mediaten.ru/en/services/creation-of-texts" target="_blank">Content support</a> may also be needed — updating texts, images, banners, news, and media files. This is especially important if the app involves products, promotions, or events.</p><h2 class="">Full-cycle mobile app development is an investment in sustainable business growth</h2><p></p><p>To get real value, it’s crucial to define your goals, choose the right format, and find an experienced team. This approach will save time and money on fixing issues later on.</p><p>Start simple: define why you need an app — and reach out to <a href="https://mediaten.ru/en" target="_blank" style="">MediaTen</a> for full-cycle development.&nbsp;</p>

Types of mobile apps and their development costs — analytics, layout, design, and programming. Learn how mobile apps are built on the MediaTen IT company blog.

Виды мобильных приложений и стоимость их разработки: аналитика, верстка, дизайн и программирование — узнайте, как создается мобильное приложение, в блоге IT-компании MediaTen.

From business analysis and cost estimation to release and ongoing support

От бизнес-аналитики и расчета стоимости до релиза и дальнейшего сопровождения

Full-Cycle Mobile App Development in 2025

Создание мобильного приложения под ключ в 2025 году

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Data encryption for small businesses: simple solutions for strong security

Turnkey Mobile App: A Complete Guide for Business

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