Starting a new business can be an exciting venture, but it’s important to recognize the obstacles that may arise along the way. In today’s competitive market, startups need more than just a great idea and determination; they also require strategic guidance to navigate the complexities of the business landscape. That’s where Scalybee Digital steps in. As a trusted provider of startup consulting services, we are dedicated to helping startups achieve their goals and sustain long-term growth. In this article, we will delve into the invaluable benefits of our expert consulting services and how they can unlock your startup’s potential for rapid and sustainable growth.

startup consultant

Understanding the Startup Landscape

The startup landscape is a dynamic and ever-evolving world, characterised by fierce competition and rapid market changes. It’s essential to have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Scalybee Digital’s expert consultants possess extensive knowledge and experience in the startup ecosystem. We have accumulated 105 years of tech experience. They are well-versed in the latest trends, market dynamics, and best practices, enabling them to guide startups toward success.

Tailored Strategies for Accelerated Growth

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to startups. Each business has unique goals, visions, and target markets. Our startup consulting services focus on developing tailored strategies that align with your startup’s specific needs. Our consultants analyse market trends, assess competitors, and identify growth opportunities, creating a roadmap that propels your business toward rapid growth and success.

Overcoming Challenges with Confidence

Startups face numerous challenges along their journey, such as limited resources, scalability issues, and penetrating crowded markets. Our expert consultants provide invaluable guidance and support, helping startups navigate these challenges with confidence. Through careful analysis and strategic planning, we help startups overcome obstacles and achieve their growth objectives.

Strategic Partnerships and Networking

Building strategic partnerships and networks is crucial for startups. Scalybee Digital leverages its extensive network within the startup ecosystem to connect startups with potential investors, mentors, and industry influencers. These strategic connections can fuel your startup’s growth, open new doors for collaboration, and provide invaluable industry insights.

Fine-tuning Your Business Model

A well-defined and optimised business model is the foundation of startup success. Our startup consulting services include a comprehensive analysis of your business model, revenue streams, cost structures, and value propositions. By fine-tuning these critical elements, we ensure that your startup is positioned for sustainable growth and long-term profitability.

Maximising Innovation and Technology

Innovation and technology are key drivers of startup success. Scalybee Digital’s consultants have a deep understanding of emerging technologies and their potential to revolutionise industries. We help startups embrace digital transformation, maximise the use of innovative solutions, and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Accelerate your startup’s success with Scalybee Digital’s expert consulting services. Our experienced consultants provide strategic guidance, tailor-made solutions, and invaluable industry insights that unlock your startup’s potential. With our support, you can overcome challenges, navigate the competitive landscape, and achieve rapid and sustainable growth. Contact us today and take the first step toward propelling your startup toward long-term success.

In today’s digital world, technology is constantly evolving, and new ways of interacting with devices are emerging. One such exciting development is the integration of JavaScript with Voice User Interfaces (VUI). In this blog post, we will deep dive into the concept of VUI, explore the role of JavaScript in its implementation, and discuss its potential to shape the future of human-computer interaction.

What is VUI?

VUI acts as a Bridge between Humans and Computers, allowing us to communicate using spoken language instead of traditional graphical interfaces like buttons and screens. VUI enables users to interact with devices, applications, and services through voice commands, making the experience more natural, intuitive, and convenient.

Image showcasing speech-to-text feature with JS logo. JavaScript and voice recognition enable hands-free interaction with digital devices

JavaScript’s Role in VUI Development

JavaScript, a scripting language used for Web Development has emerged as a crucial tool for creating great VUI Applications. Here are the benefits of using Javascript:-

1) Web Speech API

JavaScript’s Web Speech API empowers developers to leverage speech recognition and synthesis capabilities in web browsers. This API enables VUI Applications to convert spoken words into written text also known as Speech Recognition and written text into spoken words also known as Speech Synthesis.

2) Voice Assistant Integration

JavaScript libraries and Software Development Kits (SDKs) help to integrate VUI Applications with Popular Voice Assistants like Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri, Google Assistant etc. These SDKs enable developers to create voice-enabled applications that can interact with virtual assistants, expanding the reach and capabilities of VUI technology.

3) Natural Language Processing

Javascript libraries like Natural and Compromise provide tools for natural language processing, allowing developers to analyze and interpret user inputs. NLP techniques can help extract meaningful information from voice commands and generate appropriate responses.

person coding with 'COMPRISE' displayed. Modest natural language processing in JavaScript enables advanced and intuitive voice interactions

4) Cross-Platform Development

JavaScript’s versatility ensures Development across various platforms and devices. VUI applications built with JavaScript can be deployed on web browsers, mobile devices, smart speakers, and IoT devices, reaching a wide range of users.

5) The Future of Interaction 

To create VUI-powered applications, JavaScript developers often rely on frameworks and libraries specifically designed for voice interactions. One such popular framework is the Amazon Alexa Skills Kit (ASK), which allows developers to build Alexa skills using JavaScript. ASK provides a comprehensive set of tools, documentation, and APIs that enable developers to create custom voice interactions for Alexa-enabled devices. Similarly, Google offers the Actions on Google framework, which allows developers to build applications for the Google Assistant using JavaScript.

With JavaScript and VUI, developers can create a wide range of voice-enabled applications, from simple voice commands to complex conversational experiences. Voice-controlled home automation systems, virtual assistants, and voice-guided navigation are just a few examples of how JavaScript can enhance user interactions. Furthermore, JavaScript’s compatibility with web technologies enables developers to combine voice interactions with other web features, such as real-time updates, multimedia content, and interactive interfaces.

As technology continues to advance, JavaScript and VUI will shape the future of interaction in numerous domains. In the healthcare industry, voice-controlled applications can assist medical professionals in accessing patient information, recording observations, and issuing commands during surgeries. In the education sector, voice-enabled learning platforms can provide personalized and interactive lessons, catering to the individual needs of students. Additionally, voice-controlled smart homes can offer a seamless and intuitive way to control various devices and appliances.

Conclusion

Overall, JavaScript plays a crucial role in VUI development, offering the necessary tools and capabilities to create interactive, user-friendly, and dynamic voice-enabled applications. Its versatility, compatibility, and integration capabilities make it an ideal choice for building the future of interaction through Voice User Interfaces.

Scalybee Digital is proud to have partnered with the Polygon Guild Vadodara to promote Web3 knowledge in the city. As a company that believes in the power of blockchain and decentralised technologies, we were thrilled to support an event that sought to educate and inspire developers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts about the potential of Web3.

Image of the Polygon Guild Vadodara event name displayed on a screen

The Polygon Guild Vadodara is a community-driven initiative that aims to bring together individuals who share a passion for blockchain and decentralised technologies. Through its meetups, workshops, and hackathons, the guild seeks to foster collaboration, innovation, and learning among its members. With a focus on Web3, the guild is at the forefront of a movement that seeks to transform the way we interact with the internet and each other.

As a partner of the Polygon Guild Vadodara, Scalybee Digital is committed to supporting the growth and development of the Web3 ecosystem in the city. We recognize the importance of community-driven initiatives like the guild in creating a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem that can drive innovation and growth. By partnering with the guild, we hope to contribute to the development of a thriving Web3 community in Vadodara and beyond.

Image of attendees at the Scalybee Digital and Polygon Guild Vadodara event networking and socializing. The group includes developers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts who gathered to learn about Web3 and decentralized technologies.

At Scalybee Digital, we believe that blockchain and decentralised technologies have the potential to transform industries and create new opportunities for businesses and individuals. We are excited to be part of a community that shares this vision and is working towards making it a reality. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Polygon Guild Vadodara and supporting its mission of promoting Web3 knowledge in the city.

The event was a huge success, with Harsh Ghodkar guiding participants through the process and deploying their first smart contract on the ZK-EVM blockchain. Nazeeh, a frontend developer, also shared his experience of building frontend in Web3 and his own react component library, Comp-kit. The keynote speaker Anmol Arora, DevRel at Flipkart x Polygon Labs CoE, gave an enlightening dive into the Builders Hub, where development and innovation take centre stage. He introduced FireDrops, a new initiative of Flipkart  in Vadodara.

We are thrilled to have been part of this event and to have contributed to the growth of the Web3 community in Vadodara. We look forward to future collaborations with the Polygon Guild Vadodara and other like-minded organisations to continue promoting the potential of Web3 and decentralised technologies.

In conclusion, we would like to thank the Polygon Guild Vadodara for giving us the opportunity to be a part of this amazing initiative. We are proud to be a venue partner of the guild and look forward to working together to create a better future for all through Web3.

Image of attendees at the Scalybee Digital and Polygon Guild Vadodara event, standing together in one frame. The group includes developers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts who gathered to learn about Web3 and decentralized technologies.

The world of software development is constantly evolving, and keeping up with the latest trends is crucial for businesses to stay competitive. At Scalybee, we understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve, and we constantly strive to incorporate the latest trends in software development into our solutions. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the latest trends in software development and how Scalybee is incorporating these trends into its solutions to provide businesses with the most up-to-date technology.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are two of the most significant trends in software development. AI and ML are being used in a variety of applications, from chatbots and virtual assistants to predictive analytics and fraud detection. At Scalybee, we have incorporated AI and ML into our software solutions to help businesses automate their processes and improve decision-making. Our AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can help businesses provide their customers with quick and efficient support, while our predictive analytics solutions can help businesses make data-driven decisions. We also use AI and ML in our quality assurance processes to ensure that our software solutions are of the highest quality and free of errors. By utilising AI and ML, we can help businesses improve their productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Image of employees collaborating on an AI project, discussing data and analyzing results

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is another trend that is transforming the software development industry. Cloud computing allows businesses to access software and data from anywhere, at any time, and on any device. At Scalybee, we offer cloud-based software solutions that enable businesses to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve collaboration. Our cloud-based solutions are secure, scalable, and flexible, making them an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes. We use cloud computing to provide our clients with a reliable and secure platform that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. With our cloud-based solutions, businesses can easily collaborate with their teams, access their data in real-time, and scale their operations as needed. By utilising cloud computing, we can help businesses reduce their IT costs, improve their productivity, and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Agile and DevOps Methodologies

Agile and DevOps methodologies have become increasingly popular in the software development industry. These methodologies emphasise collaboration, continuous delivery, and rapid prototyping. At Scalybee, we use these methodologies to ensure that our software solutions meet the needs of our clients and are delivered in a timely and efficient manner. Our agile and DevOps approach allows us to work closely with our clients, iterate quickly, and deliver high-quality software solutions that meet their unique needs. We use agile and DevOps methodologies to break down complex projects into smaller, more manageable tasks, which can be completed quickly and efficiently. Our approach enables us to deliver software solutions on time and within budget, while also ensuring that our clients are involved in the development process every step of the way.

Mobile App Development

The use of mobile devices is on the rise, and businesses are looking to develop mobile apps to reach their customers and improve their user experience. At Scalybee, we offer mobile app development services that help businesses create engaging and user-friendly mobile apps that meet their unique needs. We specialise in developing native and hybrid mobile apps for both iOS and Android platforms, using technologies such as Ionic, React Native, and Xamarin. Our mobile app development process is designed to ensure that our clients have a seamless experience, from the initial concept to the final product. We work closely with our clients to understand their requirements and develop customised mobile apps that meet their specific needs. Our mobile apps are designed to be user-friendly, responsive, and scalable, ensuring that they provide a seamless user experience across multiple devices.

Low-Code Development

Low-code development is a trend that is gaining popularity in the software development industry. Low-code development platforms allow businesses to create software applications with minimal coding, using drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built templates. This approach can significantly reduce development time and costs, as well as improve collaboration between developers and business stakeholders. At Scalybee, we offer low-code development solutions that enable businesses to create software applications quickly and easily, without the need for extensive coding knowledge. Our low-code solutions are flexible, scalable, and can be customised to meet the unique needs of our clients. By utilising low-code development, we can help businesses improve their productivity and achieve their goals faster.

No-Code Development

No-code development is a new trend that is rapidly gaining popularity in the software development industry. No-code development platforms allow businesses to create software applications without any coding knowledge or experience. This approach can significantly reduce development time and costs, as well as democratise software development by empowering business stakeholders to create their own applications. At Scalybee, we offer no-code development solutions that enable businesses to create software applications quickly and easily, without the need for extensive coding knowledge. Our no-code solutions are flexible, scalable, and can be customised to meet the unique needs of our clients. By utilising no-code development, we can help businesses improve their productivity and achieve their goals faster.

Image of a computer screen displaying code, with a programmer's hands on a keyboard in the foreground.

Serverless Computing

Serverless computing is a relatively new trend in the software development industry that allows businesses to build and run applications without the need to manage servers or infrastructure. This approach eliminates the need for businesses to worry about server configuration, maintenance, and scaling, allowing them to focus on developing and delivering high-quality applications. At Scalybee, we offer serverless computing solutions that enable businesses to develop and deploy applications quickly and efficiently, without worrying about infrastructure management. Our serverless solutions are flexible, scalable, and cost-effective, making them an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes. By utilising serverless computing, we can help businesses reduce their IT costs, improve their productivity, and bring their applications to market faster.

In conclusion, staying up-to-date with the latest trends in software development is crucial for businesses to stay competitive and efficient. At Scalybee, we understand this importance and strive to incorporate the latest trends into our software solutions. Whether it’s artificial intelligence and machine learning, cloud computing, agile and DevOps methodologies, low-code development, no-code development, or serverless computing, we are committed to providing businesses with the most up-to-date technology to help them succeed. If you’re interested in learning more about our services, please visit our website at scalybee.com.



Technology is like an endless vessel; No matter how much development occurs, there is always room for more. What were only contents of fantasy books once is now a living truth. The list is never-ending, from a compact device that can perform numerous tasks to a car that does not need to be driven. Who would have thought that humans could one day develop such an invention that could replicate their physical and mental abilities?

Artificial Intelligence, aka “AI”, is one such development that sounds like an absolute dream but is a reality we live in! There is a recent trend in the form of AI called “AutoGPT”, which claims to be a highly advanced language model capable of generating human-like content in a variety of formats by using machine-learning algorithms. It is said to be the most advanced language tool prolific in content creation, among other things.

In this blog, we will sail you into the functioning of AutoGPT, which we have tried and tested for you. We will also explore if it is worth the hype or just another trend that will fade with time.

What is AutoGPT?

To know whether AutoGPT is worth the hype, we must learn what AutoGPT is; AutoGPT is a variant of the GPT language model, among other things, designed explicitly for AI content creation. It has been trained to generate human-written text and high-quality, natural-sounding content in various formats.

The “GPT” in AutoGPT stands for “Generative Pre-trained Transformer”, which refers to the underlying machine-learning algorithm that powers the model. This algorithm is based on deep neural networks and processes large volumes of text data to generate human-like responses.

How Does AutoGPT Work?

AutoGPT operates by taking an input, such as a keyword or topic, and generating text related to that prompt; this is achieved through a method known as “conditional text generation”, where the model utilizes the prompt to develop text that is pertinent and valuable.

The model’s training on a vast database of human-written text enables it to generate natural language and maintain contextual relevance. Additionally, it understands context and retains a consistent style and tone across different contents.

Benefits of AutoGPT

  1. Time-saving: AutoGPT, like any other AI, saves up much time compared to human-written content.
  2. Accuracy: AutoGPT has the potential to produce content that is both contextually and grammatically precise.
  3. Versatility: AutoGPT is built to produce content for various purposes; its creative ability can range from creating poetry to producing product descriptions.
  4. Personalization: AutoGPT can be adjusted to produce content curated to meet a particular reader’s interest or fulfil a specific objective.
  5. Consistency: AutoGPT can keep a text’s tone and style consistent throughout, which is handy for branding and marketing initiatives.
  6. Scalability: AutoGPT can generate text at scale, making it ideal for chatbots and virtual assistants applications.

Limitations of AutoGPT

As an AI tool from this generation, AutoGPT sure does have a lot of praise-worthy qualities, but is that enough to surpass every other AI tool and stand above everything else? With significant technological developments, especially in AI, even a tiny loophole can prove to be costly to you and can bring you down in the game in no time; let us look into the reasons that could be a potential threat to AutoGPT’s crown as the most prominent AI of today.

  1. It uses Python during the set-up phase:
    The first and foremost step to using an AI is setting it up on your device. God forbid you are not equipped with the knowledge of Python, a computer language; you will face some difficulty getting started as this language model uses Python during installation.

  2. Users must know the command language to use it smoothly:
    One must know a little command language as the AI requires a bit of Command line.

  3. The user experience will be different for everyone:
    Due to the above reasons, the user experience might vary from person to person, and a non-tech person might feel dissatisfied with his experience.

  4. The functioning is complex:
    The tool’s functioning is rather complex, AI was created to make human work more manageable, but this particular AI tool is so complex that it confuses the user. For instance, Errors that occur cannot be generally detected by a non-tech person, whereas ChatGPT and other such models are simpler to use.

  5. It is slower and takes a lot of time to generate responses:
    AutoGPT is comparatively slower in generating responses and gets entangled in a loop, which is different from what one would expect from the so-called future of AI.

  6. It might not generate accurate data:
    It does not serve its very purpose to the optimum level as the content is highly likely to need more originality as it is generated using existing data.

  7. The cost varies from Vendor to Vendor:
    Another potential limitation may be the cost associated with using AutoGPT. The tool’s cost varies from vendor to vendor, and it may be out of reach for some small businesses and startups. As of now, AutoGPT is free of cost, but as it uses the API of the premium version of ChatGPT 4, the cost could go beyond one’s imagination if someone uses AutoGPT for a prolonged period.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AutoGPT has tremendous potential for simplifying and enhancing content creation. It promises to assist businesses in producing high-quality content that is consistent, engaging, and geared towards search engine optimization. However, if it wants to rank at the top of the AI game, it needs to look into its lacunas through a microscopic lens because, in this digital era, where AI is taking the world by storm, mistakes can prove to be damaging. After a thorough inspection, this is a tried and tested AutoGPT review; We would still recommend it to people who have some tech knowledge as it has excellent features and could help you land on top of the content writing game, and for the non-tech people, let us hope that it is modified to fit your interests as well.

AutoGPT might not be the one, but any AI can prove efficient if the user himself is skilful; At Scalybee, we have experts who use a plethora of AIs to get the best out of it. CONTACT US TODAY!

Mobile app development is exciting and rewarding, but mistakes can cost you dearly. With many smart-moabile phones available in the market, apps can reach a wider audience and boost your business. However, app development mistakes can hamper your business financially and even create  negative impression in the market. Hence, to avoid such mistake, here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid when it comes to mobile app development:

Mistake #1: Not Defining the Target Audience

Defining your target audience is the key to successful app development. Not doing so can lead to a low-engagement app. Research your target audience’s demographics, psychographics, and behaviours to design an app crafted to meet their needs and preferences. Failure to define the target audience can lead to a mobile app that is not appealing to anyone, resulting in low downloads, low engagement, and poor reviews.

Solution

Conducting an extensive study to comprehend the characteristics, behaviours, and psychographics of your target audience will help you avoid making this mistake. This will enable you to create a mobile app that is suited to their requirements and tastes. To learn more about your target audience, you can hold focus groups, interviews, and surveys. Analytics tools can be used to track user behaviour and spot trends and patterns.

You may make a mobile app that appeals to and benefits your target audience by comprehending who they are. Higher interaction, more downloads, and better reviews may result from this.

Mistake #2: Neglecting User Experience

Neglecting user experience (UX) can lead to low engagement and high churn rates. A frustrating mobile app user experience, such as a difficult-to-navigate app that’s slow or crashes frequently, can quickly turn users away.

Solution

Prioritise mobile app UX by conducting user testing to identify pain points and improve your app. Ensure your mobile app is intuitive, responsive, and fast-loading.

Mistake #3: Trying to Do Too Much

Trying to do too much can overwhelm users and make your mobile app difficult to use. Adding too many features can also lead to technical issues and higher app development costs.

Solution

Focus on the core features that your target audience needs most. Prioritise these features and design them to be user-friendly and intuitive.

Mistake #4: Not Optimising for Different Devices

Mobile devices come in all shapes and sizes, and not optimising your mobile app for different devices can lead to a poor user experience. There might arise situations where a mobile app that’s designed for a large tablet may not work well on a small smartphone.

Solution

Optimise your mobile app for different devices and screen sizes. Conduct device testing to ensure that your mobile app looks and works well on different devices.

Mistake #5: Neglecting App Store Optimization (ASO)

Even the best mobile app won’t be successful if users can’t find it in the app store. Neglecting app store optimization (ASO) can lead to low downloads and poor visibility in the app store.

Solution

Want to prevent that from happening? Conduct thorough keyword research and optimise your app’s title, description, and keywords, which may multiply the possibility of increasing its visibility in the app store. To increase your app’s visibility and credibility, make it a point to encourage your users to post favourable reviews and ratings and you will start noticing a major difference.

Conclusion:

To sum it up, as exciting and rewarding as a mobile app development experience can be, it is an undeniable fact that avoiding common mistakes is crucial to successful mobile app development. Make sure you define your target audience, prioritise UX, focus on core features, optimise for different devices, and address security concerns to develop an app that meets user needs and drives engagement and growth. Keeping your user interest the paramount goal and leaving room for iteration and improvement can do wonders in fetching you a satisfied client base.

Are you prepared to build successful mobile app? Get in touch with us to avoid making these costly mistakes and take your app to the next level. 

As a business owner, entrepreneur, marketing manager, decision-maker or just someone interested in website design and development, web and mobile application development, you know that technology is essential for success.

But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s where scalybee comes in. We are a software development company that provides customised solutions to all your digital problems.
Our name, scalybee, perfectly fits our motives and goals. “Scaly” symbolises our promise of a secure, measurable and scalable approach. We want to help you grow your business and achieve your goals. “Bee” represents our team of hardworking engineers who know exactly how to get nectar from even the tiniest flower. We bring together in-depth industry insights, innovative technology, and a team that is proficient in what they do.
Scalybee_logo
At scalybee, we follow a client-centric approach. Our team is dedicated to providing tailored and inventive solutions to enhance your business operations and online visibility. We prioritise client satisfaction and have a goodwill experience of 12 years. Our previous venture was a major success, targeting the UK market and delivering on time, resulting in a satisfied client base.
We provide a range of services to help you achieve your digital goals. Our web services include design, development, front-end and back-end development, Javascript, CSS3, animations, CRM, Angular, React, ERP, WordPress, PHP, Laravel, and e-commerce. For mobile, we offer IOS, native, hybrid, Ionic, and Android development. With our experience in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies, we can empower your business for the future and transform the way you operate.
teamphoto-scalybee
What sets us apart from other software development companies is our emphasis on quality over quantity. Our team is skilled and dedicated, and we will never let our clients down. Our team of 35+ dedicated software engineers has an accumulated experience of 200+ years. Hardik Shah, the CEO and Co-founder of scalybee, is a first-class Masters degree holder in Computer Applications with over 15 years of experience. Nitin Deopura, the CTO and Co-founder, is also a Masters degree holder in Computer Applications with a gold medal status and a decade of experience working in the digitising real-estate sector product in the United States. Why we ensure that we are going to deliver robust solutions to all your Tech problems is that, firstly, the ones in the managerial roles are not merely managers but software engineers themselves with innovative minds, who not just lead the team but also bring out the best in them, guaranteeing better outcomes.
We are continuously learning and implementing new techniques to fit the best requirements of the clients. Learning is a never-ending process at scalybee. With every passing day, with every development, we hope to bring a change, a groundbreaking revolution. We want you to take away something in this journey of sailing with the waves of perennial knowledge.
In conclusion, scalybee is the perfect partner for businesses looking to turn their digital dreams into reality. Our tailored IT solutions, experienced team, and client-centric approach ensure that your business is in good hands.Stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts, where we will explore a variety of topics, including cutting-edge technology trends, our own industry insights, and expert tips for growing your business online. Our blog is going to be an essential resource for businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve and achieve success in the digital age.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business grow with our software development services.