The end seems nigh to the long wait of tipplers after the mobile app for virtual queue management, Bev Q, for opening liquor outlets in compliance with the physical distancing norms was finally submitted to Google for approval on Friday evening.
Once approval is obtained, the app developed by Kochi-based start-up Faircode Technologies Private Ltd. will be available for download on Google Play Store. Notwithstanding the long queue for clearance with Google owing to the proliferation of the COVID-19-related apps globally, the developers expect a fast-track approval for the app.
M.G.K. Vishnu, chief executive officer, Faircode Technologies, said there was no fixed date for the release of the app and the focus was always on delivering a foolproof product.
Expected traffic
The developers anticipate a traffic of 20 lakh concurrent users in a window of 15 minutes from the day the app is open for download.
The Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) shot down the allegations over the delay saying that it cannot be treated like a staple ready-to-use app.
“A huge spurt in load is to be anticipated when the app is opened for download and, therefore, it needed a lot of testing and encryption before it was submitted to Google,” said Saji Gopinath, CEO, KSUM.
A testing agency recognised by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team ran a two-level testing over four days for vulnerabilities before it cleared the app for submission to Google.
Reason for selection
The KSUM recommended Faircode Technologies after it emerged top out of the initially shortlisted five start-ups based on a valuation that gave 70% weightage to technical competence and 30% to financial competence.
A committee chaired by the State IT Secretary, managing director of Bevco, head of State government's e-governance, director of the Kerala State IT Mission and CEO of the KSUM evaluated the start-up before issuing the work order last Saturday. Twenty-six start-ups with the unique ID of the KSUM and with products similar to the requirements of Bevco had participated in the bid.
