Release management for native e-banking apps

ONLU played a crucial role in the release management of NatWest, with the team successfully completing a variety of critical tasks. Within the project, key tasks included:

1. Deployments:
   • Precise deployment of applications: ONLU ensured the smooth and precise deployment of applications for different apps, tenants, brands and stages. By using Jenkins Pipelines, an efficient, automated deployment process was achieved.
   • Cross-platform deployments: The team ensured consistent deployment across multiple platforms, including Firebase, Google PlayStore, TestFlight, AppStore and Saucelab.
2. Debugging:
   • Effective error management: ONLU successfully performed debugging activities to identify and fix potential errors in the applications. This helped to ensure the stability and performance of the deployed applications.
   • Proactive troubleshooting: The team proactively responded to issues that arose during deployments and implemented quick and effective debugging strategies to minimize downtime.
3. Test User Management:
   • Efficient user management for tests: ONLU took over responsibility for test user management, including the creation, administration and deactivation of test user accounts. This created a realistic test environment.
   • Ensuring test environments: The team ensured that test users could work in a controlled environment, providing a reliable basis for comprehensive testing.
4. Penetration test preparation / planning:
   • Planning support: ONLU played a supporting role in the penetration test preparation by assisting the team with structured preparation and planning to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
   • Coordinated execution: The team ensured a coordinated execution of penetration tests to ensure the robustness of security mechanisms and proactively respond to security concerns.
5. Nightly Builds:
   • Implementation of a nightly build: ONLU was significantly involved in the implementation of a nightly build. This Jenkins job takes the latest version from the Git repository every day and creates the corresponding iOS and Android apps, which are then deployed to Firebase, Saucelab and TestFlight. This enables the continuous provision of stable test versions.
6. Automation of the pipelines:
   • Increased efficiency through automation: ONLU actively worked on automating the pipelines, eliminating many manual steps. This automation reduced the time required, minimized potential sources of error and significantly increased the efficiency of the entire development and deployment process.
7. Implementation of logging and monitoring tools:
   • Diverse logging and monitoring: ONLU implemented various logging and monitoring tools to track different Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This enabled comprehensive monitoring of application performance and helped identify potential areas for improvement.
8. Security Scanning Tool:
   • Implementation of a security scanning tool: ONLU successfully implemented an external security scanning tool to proactively identify and fix potential security vulnerabilities. This contributed significantly to the security of the applications.

ONLU’s release management services helped to ensure the reliability, stability and security of the applications provided by NatWest. Their contribution spanned the entire software development cycle, from deployment to debugging and testing, making a significant contribution to the success of the project.