Playing catchup
The world's biggest mobile phone operator - Vodafone - has unveiled its own app store, designed to allow third party software developers to offer their products directly to Vodafone's global customer base and charge for them directly.
This announcement comes hot on the heels of Apple crowing about the one zillionth download from its app store, which offers applications for iPhone and iPod touch users.
Nokia has also recently announced that its app store will launch later this month and, with 20,000 apps, will be the biggest launch yet. The store will be part of Nokia's internet services platform - Ovi - which is Swedish for ‘bedside table' (not really, it actually means ‘door').
Here are the benefits to developers as proclaimed by Vodafone:
- A single point of access to millions of Vodafone customers across the globe
- Faster time to market for new products and services across several operating systems and handsets
- Enhanced revenue stream opportunities
- Simplified micro-payments for services through the use of Vodafone's existing billing systems
...and to customers:
- A greater selection of more compelling internet applications and services
- More convenience and greater flexibility in paying for new services
- A simpler and more intuitive mobile internet experience
- Consistent quality of service across the entire Vodafone footprint
"Vodafone is making these changes to make it easier for third parties to develop attractive new services as well as bill and support our customers through our network capabilities in all markets," said Vittorio Colao CEO of Vodafone. "By giving them simple access to our global customer base and network assets, such as direct billing and location awareness, we will help them to make more money while providing our customers with the innovative services that they want."
