NAB partners with Bugwolf to test mobile services

National Australian Bank (NAB) has partnered with Melbourne tech startup Bugwolf to test development projects such as the latest version of the NAB mobile banking iOS and Android app.

The app went live in late November 2014. According to NAB, there have been more than 1 million downloads of the app already.

Bugwolf is a Web-based service that uses gamification to test a company’s apps, website and online products for service errors or bugs before launch.

The gamification process involves releasing digital services to a group of testers in the form of a game. The testers work to try and find service improvements, being rewarded for each bug they find. These rewards include money and peer recognition.

NAB CIO David Boyle said partnering with Bugwolf has helped NAB to forge deeper relationships with the Australian startup community while providing support and guidance to Bugwolf founder Ash Conway.

“NAB is one of the country’s largest technology employers, so it’s important we support and foster the local industry,” he said in a statement.

“There is a growing local technology scene and many great ideas are being developed on home soil. We have provided Bugwolf with new contacts and industry knowledge, while continuing to work on improving our products in the process.”

According to founder Ash Conway, more corporations need to be willing to work with Australian startups.

“This requires patience and deep collaboration, but the outcomes are a win for both sides,” he said.

In September 2014, Conway told Techworld Australia that it had been a “tough slog” initially pitching customers, but he is starting to receive inquiries from clients referred from existing customers.

In addition, for the past few months Bugwolf has been working with IBM both internally and with some of their customers, he said at the time.

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