JT chooses Jersey based developer for new billing app

Thursday 14 May 2015

A Jersey based software consultancy has been chosen from a shortlist of global developers to create an innovative billing app for JT.

Hollis Consulting, a software development company headquartered at the Digital Jersey Hub, was chosen by JT to create a mobile App that provided a solution for customers based on feedback received about how they manage their account information.

The functionality also means that customers in both Islands can set usage alerts to suit their budget at any time and select value added services such as roaming bolt-ons. Hollis Consulting’s team created the App to meet these needs and worked with the JT team to refine the finished product.

JT’s Chief Relationship Officer, Tim Ringsdore said: “We were looking for a partner to design an app that would translate complex billing data into something meaningful to consumers, with a focus on accessibility, high performance and security. Through the selection process we met with John Hollis and Tim Davidson from Hollis Consulting who were based in Jersey and we were instantly impressed with their expertise in this area. The fact we could meet face-to-face really cemented the partnership from day one and demonstrated the vital role that Digital Jersey is playing in supporting talented digital professionals in Jersey.

“It may surprise people to know that apps like this have been created from scratch right here in Jersey and that Digital Jersey’s Hub in Grenville Street is home to world-class developers. From the beginning the Hollis team understood exactly what we were looking for, they took our brief and worked with us to get it right, delivering on time and exceeding our expectations with the resulting app. Initial customer feedback has been very positive and having account information readily available on their mobile device is something that customers will no doubt go on to expect from other services they use.

“As a member of Digital Jersey and supporter of various initiatives they run, including the Open Device Lab, we are very pleased to have had the opportunity to work directly with locally based, talented individuals who are helping to shape Jersey’s digital economy. JT’s overall role is to provide the infrastructure to enable the development of a digital economy and encourage individuals and businesses like Hollis to grow. We look forward to developing our partnership with Hollis and to creating more innovative and exciting tools for our customers.”

Hollis Consulting founder John Hollis designed the Mobile Application Relay Service that connects both the iPhone, and Android apps to the JT billing system.

Mr Hollis said, “We developed MARS to solve the impedance mismatch between a complex enterprise billing system and thousands of mobile devices. Intelligent caching using MARS technology provides security and performance for JT's mobile users.”

Hollis Consulting’s Tim Davidson worked on the appearance and functionality of the app. Tim is a 22 year-old Jersey resident who was educated at Grainville and Hautlieu and joined Hollis Consulting in 2012.

He said working out of the Digital Jersey Hub offers huge advantages, explaining: “The facilities are excellent and it’s a professional environment but most of all it means that I get to work alongside others doing similar work to me and we are able to share tips and ideas, which is really useful. I also have access to events hosted by Digital Jersey which is great for keeping up to date with developments in our industry. The main advantage working right next door to JT’s offices was that while working on the app we have been able to have regular catch ups with JT’s team and work really closely every step of the way. Any changes were made there and then and it meant we got feedback and were able to action changes in a face-to-face environment.”

Paul Masterton of Digital Jersey said: “The partnership between JT and Hollis Consulting is an excellent example of how digital experts based here in Jersey are offering competitive and professional services that compete on an international level. The app itself is a first for JT and we are very pleased that they entrusted a Jersey developer to bring it to reality. The demonstration event has been organised to enable JT to showcase the new App to its key audiences but at the same time gives Hollis a platform from which they can build connections with potential new customers.”