ANZ launches tailor-made iPhone banking website

ANZ has catered to those users about to purchase an iPhone by launching a new internet banking service customised for the device.

The bank's website now has a "device recognition layer" that detects if Web surfers are using an iPhone. If so, they are redirected to a Web page designed specially for the iPhone. The ANZ team has been working on the recognition layer and website over the last few months.

"We're always looking at increasing the choices available to our customers. When new technologies come on board we harness them," a spokesperson for the bank told ZDNet.com.au. "Going by market reaction, it's going to have a positive take up."

At first, users will only be able to use the Contact us and Locate us functions on the tailor-made website. They will also have the option to transfer to the normal website.

After a few months, the service will be expanded to allow users to see their transaction history, transfer money between accounts, and make use of the Pay anyone feature. They will, however, be able to do these using their iPhone on the normal ANZ site from today.

The staggered approach was put in to make sure the technology wouldn't have any glitches when handling people's money. "With internet banking in general, it takes a lot more development and testing for accuracy, security and reliability," the spokesperson said.

"It's not just like visiting a normal website where you are viewing something for entertainment. It's looking at financial details."

If other iPhone-like mobile devices come onto the market, the recognition layer can be tweaked so they can also be used to view the website, the spokesperson said, adding that the bank expects this will occur.