Online shopping and price comparison directory PriceCheck.co.za has rolled out an app that is available for download from Android and Samsung app stores. The front-end development of the bar code scanning app was developed by software solutions provider DVT, with all back-end functionality developed in-house by PriceCheck. It lets users scan bar codes using their mobile devices and compare product prices from local vendors supported by PriceCheck.
“It's a simple application and it's easy to use,” says Johan Pieters, manager, enterprise mobile solutions, at DVT. “All the user has to do is point their mobile device's camera at the bar code of the item they want to purchase, such as a book, DVD, digital product, or any other item supported by PriceCheck. The PriceCheck bar code app then automatically searches for the details of the item via the PriceCheck mobile Web site.”
“It's a very useful app that makes online price comparison even more satisfying and convenient for people,” says Charl Mocke, product owner for mobile at PriceCheck.
The great complexity in the mobile world at present is fragmentation, according to Pieters, who notes that the multitude of different platforms available can make the building of apps a complex and costly process.
“This app was developed using industry-standard components, making it inexpensive to build and quick to deploy,” he says. “We built it using ZXing (zebra crossing), an open-source, multi-format 1D/2D bar code image processing library implemented in Java. It uses the camera on Android devices to photograph a bar code and decode it. The code is free, making it a great testament to open-source software that is collaboratively created and used in free and paid apps.”
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DVT
DVT provides tailor-made and packaged software solutions and related services to clients throughout South Africa. DVT's practical business offerings include .Net and Java software development, Scrum and Agile teams, Mendix software solutions, enterprise mobile solutions, business analysis, project management, business process analysis, quality assurance and testing, systems integration and data management, integrated Internet solutions, practice management products, contractual resourcing and provisioning, and professional services consulting. www.dvt.co.za
PriceCheck
PriceCheck, part of the MIH Internet Africa Group, is South Africa's leading comparison shopping destination and the user-base increases daily as more and more people turn to comparison shopping. On a monthly average, PriceCheck receives in excess of 600 000 unique shoppers searching for products on its Web site (in excess of 10% are already on mobile). It is a highly targeted, lead-generation service and provides a highly regarded service for the man in the street who needs guidance with making a purchasing decision.
PriceCheck drives highly qualified traffic directly to the product pages through an advanced search and categorisation system.
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