Case Study: NHSX (the NHS’s technology innovation arm) achieves rapid development of a scalable, privacy-first COVID-19 contact-tracing app with VMware Tanzu

Developing During a Pandemic The Lessons We Learned

VMware Tanzu (via VMware Pivotal Labs) partnered with NHSX at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to rapidly design a national contact-tracing app. The team faced urgent requirements for broad device compatibility, strong user privacy, and massive Day‑1 scalability—compounded by technical roadblocks such as iOS Bluetooth background limitations and constantly evolving public‑health guidance.

Working with NHSX and global partners, VMware delivered a proof of concept and an MVP in weeks using Bluetooth Low Energy, built a secure, pseudonymized backend, ran real‑world trials (RAF Leeming, Isle of Wight), and ultimately pivoted to integrate the GAEN approach where appropriate. The project produced a scalable, privacy‑focused mobile and backend architecture handed to operations partners, informed global best practices, contributed to open‑source public‑health efforts (Linux Foundation Public Health), and yielded key lessons on team composition, security, and rapid, responsible delivery.

NHSX