Even though mobile app stores have been around for a while, it wasn’t until Apple opened its App Store in 2008 that true relationships with developers become critical to application development. While the Apple App Store has been successful, it’s only one approach. Alcatel-Lucent has been tracking multiple carrier-developer relationships and realizes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to service innovation. Here are some examples of how carriers are helping to speed up application development.
Open development environment – Using contests and education programs, SK Telecom has built a developer community around its open app store. Applications only need to be approved in that they don’t harm the network or consumer’s device. All developers are welcome and they can create their own price point. SK Telecom just takes a 30 percent cut of sales.
Open Device Initiative (ODI) – Other than mobile phones, Verizon is opening up relationships with other device providers, such as CDMA hotspot routers, USB dongles, and data cards. With a streamlined testing and certification process, Verizon simply sells the bandwidth wholesale. The device manufacturer handles the relationship with the customer.
Beta testing environment – To attract more developers to its platform, O2 has created a new application sandbox environment for which customers can become members. These beta customers get first looks at new applications, and developers get a live testing environment of real customers who provide feedback.
To learn more about these and other examples of how carriers are improving the environment for mobile application innovation, read “App stores and developer programs everywhere.”
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