Our CEO Frank Zamani took Caspio with him (as you can see in the photo below) as he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa last month. The team of four friends reached the Uhuru Peak at 19,340 feet (5895 m) on January 27, 2013.

Caspio CEO Frank Zamani atop the Uhuru Peak on Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Frank tells us the 5-day climb was grueling and exhilarating all at the same time. The views were heavenly, and overall it was an amazing, unforgettable experience. In hearing Frank tell the story of his trek, we see parallels with how our customers reach the peak of the launch of an app, their brainchild, with Caspio.

Both creating an app and climbing a mountain require planning, preparation and the proper tools. The trek required training on local hills and buying hiking equipment and protective gear for rain, wind and extreme sunlight. Building an app requires an idea, a technology platform, and a roadmap.

Both undertakings require guidance and expert advice. Frank hired local expert guides to help him reach the summit so he could ensure he got to the peak without getting lost. Similarly, Caspio customers benefit from our expert support, training material, and onboarding teams as their guide.

Both require consistent effort. No big goal in life comes without effort. The Kilimanjaro guide insisted the climbers go slowly but continuously. “You shouldn’t sprint, take your time,” he was telling the climbers. The same advice works well as you set out to build an app. One interface, one step at time.

Amazing views from the highest point in Africa.

We can be happy that the similarities end there. Building an app does not expose you to extreme conditions or deprive you of oxygen. The Kilimanjaro Uhuru peak at 19,340 feet was a different story. Climbing to that altitude takes a lot of hard work and the air is thin and difficult to breath. Once the team reached the peak, they had to immediately go back down the mountain for 12 hours to avoid altitude sickness. Luckily, once you have reached your goal and successfully rolled out your Caspio app, it’s easy to make quick iterations as needed.

We congratulate Frank on his achievement. To see more interesting photos of his trek, click here.