Since the beginning of this century, developers have been writing and selling
software for mobile devices. Channels to market and the fortunes of the
players in the apps ecosystem have changed for a number of reasons: major
gains for some players; mixed outlooks for many; the appearance of new and
credible competitors, and the demise of others.
Mobile network operators have demonstrated a mixed track record in engaging
the developer community in a lasting and mutually beneficial way. By
addressing customers through the app stores on their devices, vendors like
Apple and Google were able to engage developers directly. A high-profile
MNO-led app stores platform initiative foundered, and major MNO groups have
decided to abandon their own app store programs as vendors' app stores meet
customers' and developers' wants and needs.
This report builds on the findings presented in App Stores: MNO Market
Development Strategies (July 2011), adding coverage of the key developments in
the app stores arena over the previous year and the changing nature of MNOs'
relationships with app stores and the developer community that supports them.
The report concludes with observations for MNOs' future role in the app stores
ecosystem, with guidance on traps to be avoided and some app store
opportunities that MNOs are very well positioned to address.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Overview
2 Introduction
2.1 Background to the Report
2.2 Report Content
2.3 Currency and Conversions
2.4 Further Questions and Feedback
3 Developments & Trends
3.1 Apple's App Store Dominates by Revenue, Customer-Awareness and
Developer Engagement
3.2 Android Market Becomes Google Play Store
3.3 Amazon Enters the Market
3.3.1 Free App of the Day
3.4 Facebook App Center
3.5 HTML5, Web Apps and Cross-Platform Tools
3.6 RIM, Microsoft and Nokia's App Stores
3.7 Current Breadth of App Stores
4 MNOs, App Stores & Developers
4.1 App Stores' Fortunes Closely Tied to Handset Platforms' Sales and
Market Shares
4.2 Demise of Wholesale Applications Community (WAC)
4.3 Vodafone Closes AppSelect Android App Store
5 Summary & Recommendations
5.1 MNOs Have Consistently Failed to Engage the Developer Community
5.2 MNOs Have Lost the Race to Own the App Store for Consumers
5.3 There is Scope for Developing Market MNOs to Develop Successful App
Stores
5.4 If You Can't Beat Consumer App Stores - Join Them
Appendix - Feedback Questions
MNO App Stores published by Mobile Market Development Ltd in October 26, 2012. This report consists of 24 Pages and the price starts from US $ 3500.
