Two local technology companies are earning recognition after joining forces to create a new mobile phone app for a major local grocer.
Neil Tran of Leap Web Solutions, located in Saanich, and Curtis Duggan of Dactyl Studios, based in Bastion Square, came together to answer Thrifty Foods’ call for an interactive, user-friendly app designed by a local company.
The app, released this month, is for iPhones and Android devices. It allows users to peruse the latest flyers, create shopping lists, find recipes (which can be used to create shopping lists) and check current promotions, among other features.
The app also features a bag reminder, which can be set to issue a alert to take in reusable grocery bags when the user nears a specified location of the grocer.
Tran said work on the app began before the release of iOS 7, Apple’s new mobile operating system, so they had to learn as much as they could about it without actually getting to familiarize themselves firsthand.
“That was the big challenge,” Tran said.
The creators say the project has led into other work for each. “Doing the Thrifty Foods app proved that we are able to handle large retail clients and clients that have a high standard of quality and integrity for their brand,” Duggan said.
“This was a really good opportunity and it has opened up other opportunities,” Tran said. “Because of experience, especially because of this, we’ve been able to acquire a new piece of business.”
They are also championing Thrifty Foods for going local for this project and hope other companies follow suit.
“They’re so proud of being local,” Tran said. “I think that’s always been their mandate or messaging, keeping things local.”
kwells@goldstreamgazette.com