Frequently Asked & Answered

Welcome to EVOKNOW's Frequently Asked Questions resource. Since 2002, EVOKNOW has been designing and delivering custom technology solutions for mid-size enterprises with complex requirements, particularly those operating across multiple international markets. As technology has evolved, so has our expertise—from international franchise management systems to cutting-edge AI solutions and edge computing applications. This FAQ addresses common questions from business and technical analysts evaluating EVOKNOW as a potential technology partner. We've organized these questions to help you understand our approach, expertise, and how we might collaborate to address your organization's unique challenges.

Background

Started in Sacramento, CA

Q: Who is EVOKNOW?

EVOKNOW is a Northern California-based custom solutions company founded in 2002. We specialize in developing tailored solutions for mid-size enterprises with a particular focus on international franchise management systems. In recent years, we've expanded our expertise to include Agentic AI solutions for both enterprise and consumer applications, as well as edge AI solutions using NVIDIA edge computing hardware such as Jetson Nano Super and Digits.

Q: Who founded EVOKNOW?

EVOKNOW was founded by Mohammed J. Kabir, a prolific author who has written dozens of books on web programming, Linux security, optimization, and administration. His works include the Apache Server Bible series (funded by IBM) with worldwide multilingual releases and Red Hat's official security and optimization books. Kabir also has a very popular podcast called Kabir's Tech Dives on GoodPods.com and it is also distributed across Apple Podcast, Spotify, etc.

Goodpods Top 100 Entrepreneurship Podcasts Listen now to Kabir's Tech Dives podcast

Q: How does EVOKNOW approach client acquisition?

We don't rely on traditional advertising or solicitation methods. Instead, we grow through word of mouth and client referrals, which allows us to focus our resources on solution development rather than marketing campaigns. This approach has helped us maintain a high level of client satisfaction and build lasting relationships.

Q: Where is EVOKNOW's team located?

Since the pandemic, our engineering team operates entirely remotely across multiple states in the US. This distributed approach allows us to tap into talent regardless of geographic constraints while maintaining effective collaboration.

Technical

Experrtise

Q: What is EVOKNOW's core technical expertise?

Our core technical expertise spans several domains:

• International franchise management systems
• Agentic AI solutions for enterprise and consumer applications
• Edge AI solutions using NVIDIA hardware
• Linux cloud computing on AWS and Akamai
• Infrastructure-as-code deployment
• Multi-vendor CDN, email delivery, and compute infrastructure architectures

Q: What experience does EVOKNOW have with AI technologies?

With the advent of AI, we've been actively developing Agentic AI solutions for both enterprise and consumer use cases. Our focus includes:

• Intelligent automation systems that can operate autonomously to complete complex business tasks
• Natural language processing solutions that understand and respond to human language
• Edge AI applications that process data locally on NVIDIA hardware like Jetson Nano Super or Digits
• Custom AI models tailored to specific business requirements and data

Q: How does EVOKNOW handle cloud infrastructure?

We have extensive Linux cloud computing expertise in both AWS and Akamai environments. We routinely deploy infrastructure-as-code using a multi-vendor approach involving:

• Tiered CDN architectures for optimal content delivery
• Specialized email delivery engines for reliable communications
• Scalable compute infrastructure designed for specific workloads This multi-vendor approach allows us to select the best tools and platforms for each aspect of a solution rather than being locked into a single provider's ecosystem.

Q: How does EVOKNOW approach custom solution development?

We follow a "glove-fit" philosophy, meaning we develop solutions that precisely match the unique requirements of each client. Our approach includes:

1. Deep discovery of business processes and technical requirements
2. Collaborative solution design with stakeholder input
3. Agile development with regular client feedback
4. Comprehensive testing in environments that mirror production
5. Smooth deployment with minimal disruption
6. Ongoing support and evolution of the solution

Q: How does EVOKNOW handle multinational projects?

Having specialized in international franchise management systems since 2002, we have extensive experience with multinational deployments. Our approach includes:

• Localization and internationalization best practices
• Compliance with regional data privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.)
• Support for multiple languages and currencies
• Understanding of regional business practices and requirements
• Time zone-appropriate support and development processes

Q: What is your typical project timeline?

Project timelines vary significantly based on scope and complexity. However, we typically follow this general framework:

• Discovery and Requirements: 2-4 weeks
• Solution Design: 4-8 weeks
• Development: 3-12 months (depending on complexity)
• Testing and Refinement: 4-8 weeks
• Deployment: 2-4 weeks
• Post-deployment Support: Ongoing

We prioritize quality and fit over arbitrary deadlines, but we're also sensitive to business timing requirements and can adapt our approach accordingly.

AI and Edge Computing

We have been using AI in production since 2023

Q: How do you approach Agentic AI development?

Our approach to Agentic AI development focuses on creating systems that can:

• Operate autonomously to complete complex business tasks
• Learn from interactions and improve over time
• Integrate with existing business systems and workflows
• Provide transparency into their decision-making processes
• Scale efficiently as business needs grow

We develop these solutions using a combination of established AI frameworks and custom components designed for specific use cases.

Q: What edge AI capabilities does EVOKNOW offer?

We develop edge AI solutions using NVIDIA hardware such as Jetson Nano Super and Digits. These solutions enable:

• Local processing of data without requiring cloud connectivity
• Reduced latency for time-sensitive applications
• Enhanced privacy by keeping sensitive data local
• Lower operational costs for suitable use cases
• Resilience in environments with unreliable connectivity

Q: How do you integrate AI with existing enterprise systems?

We approach AI integration with existing systems through:

• Developing custom APIs and connectors
• Creating middleware layers that translate between AI components and legacy systems
• Implementing event-driven architectures that allow for loose coupling
• Designing fallback mechanisms to ensure business continuity
• Providing comprehensive documentation and training

Q: What ongoing support does EVOKNOW provide after deployment?

We provide comprehensive support after deployment, including:

• Regular maintenance and updates
• Performance monitoring and optimization
• Security patching and vulnerability management
• Feature enhancements based on changing business needs
• User training and documentation updates
• Technical support via multiple channels

Q: How does EVOKNOW handle intellectual property for custom solutions?

We retain full rights to underlying frameworks and components that are part of our proprietary toolset. All intellectual property arrangements are clearly defined in our contracts and can be customized based on project needs.

Q: Do you offer any knowledge transfer to our internal teams?

Yes, knowledge transfer is a critical component of our project approach. We provide:

• Comprehensive documentation of all developed systems
• Training sessions for technical and business teams
• Code walkthroughs for technical staff
• Shadowing opportunities during development and deployment
• Ongoing advisory support as internal teams take on greater responsibility

Q: Do you work with startups?

Yes, we provide strategic advisory services to select startups that lack in-house software engineering expertise or need fractional CTO/VP of Engineering guidance. Our startup engagements focus on delivering high-impact technical direction and leadership to emerging companies at critical growth stages.

While we selectively partner with promising startups, our primary focus remains on established mid-size enterprise companies with annual technology budgets ranging from $2M to $10M. These engagements allow us to leverage our extensive experience in scaling robust technical solutions and implementing enterprise-grade architectures where we can create the most significant value.

For startups considering our services, we offer specialized packages designed to provide the technical foundation and strategic roadmapping necessary for sustainable growth and future scalability.

Q: What information do you need to provide an initial proposal?

To provide an initial proposal, we typically need:

• Overview of your business challenges and objectives
• Description of current systems and processes
• Key requirements for the desired solution
• Timeline considerations and constraints
• Budget parameters (if available)
• Technical environment details (where relevant)

Q: How do we begin a partnership with EVOKNOW?

The process typically starts with an exploratory conversation to understand your needs and determine if there's a good fit between your requirements and our capabilities. From there, we move to a more detailed discovery process, followed by a formal proposal. We're happy to sign NDAs before detailed discussions if required.

Q: How can we evaluate EVOKNOW's past work?

While we don't publicly advertise our client list, we can provide anonymized case studies and references from similar projects with permission from existing clients. We can also demonstrate our technical capabilities through proof-of-concept work specific to your requirements.

Jobs & Internships

We love to hear from you!

Q: Are you hiring?

While we are not actively recruiting at this time, we remain open to connecting with exceptional talent. As a close-knit engineering team distributed across multiple states, we maintain a selective hiring approach where team fit and technical excellence are equally valued.

Our organization prides itself on long-term employee retention, which reflects our commitment to creating a fulfilling work environment. New team members are welcomed through a collaborative hiring process that involves our existing engineering staff.

If you are interested in joining a compact yet highly skilled organization that balances innovative technical challenges with essential operational responsibilities, we invite you to submit your resume to jobs@evoknow.com for future consideration.

We review all submissions carefully and will reach out should an appropriate opportunity align with your qualifications and our organizational needs.

Q: Can I join as an intern?

Our internship program primarily operates through internal referrals, which typically fill our available paid positions. While external applications are considered, the majority of our internship opportunities are extended to candidates recommended by our existing team members.

For professionals seeking industry experience with an established software company, we offer a structured mentorship program as an alternative pathway. This program provides valuable exposure to professional software development practices and guidance from our experienced engineers.

To receive notifications about upcoming internship or mentorship opportunities, we encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter. All program openings and application details are communicated exclusively through this channel, ensuring interested candidates receive timely updates when positions become available.

For additional information about our professional development programs, please visit the Careers section of our website.

Q: Why should I subscribe to the newsletter?

If you would like to keep in touch with us and know what we are up to on a regular basis, subscribing to our newsletter is the best route. We don't sell anything to individuals and almost all our content is technical and worth a quick read for even the senior level technologists.

Q: Why does this site use a bridge in many of the images?

The Tower Bridge featured in our header images is an iconic vertical lift bridge spanning the Sacramento River. This historic landmark connects West Sacramento in Yolo County with California's capital city of Sacramento in Sacramento County.

The bridge holds personal significance for EVOKNOW's founder, who spent most of his adult life in the greater Sacramento region and continues to reside in a nearby city. These header images serve as a visual tribute to the company's roots and the founder's enduring connection to the Sacramento area.

The bridge also symbolizes our company's mission to build connections between technology and people, linking innovative solutions with real-world needs—just as the Tower Bridge links two important California communities.

Q: What is the tech stack used for this site?

This site is built with a self-hosted Ghost CMS, which is open source. The tech stack required to run Ghost includes Node.js (version 18.x LTS) as the runtime environment, MySQL 8.0+ or MariaDB 10.5+ for the database, and NGINX as the recommended web server/reverse proxy. Ghost typically runs best on Linux systems (especially Ubuntu LTS distributions) and requires an SSL certificate for secure connections. The installation and management are handled through Ghost-CLI, with systemd managing the service processes. Additional components that enhance performance include Redis for caching and a reliable SMTP service such as Mailgun, Sendgrid, Mandrill, etc. for email functionality. This powerful yet straightforward stack allows for complete control over your content management system while maintaining excellent performance and flexibility.