Abstract
Overview:
All smart phones come loaded with standard applications defined by the
manufacturer. However, the network operators, looking for revenue
opportunities, have encouraged the development of other applications that can
be used on the cell phones they support. Using these applications will use the
network services more and generate more revenue. The network operators
established business relationships and development platforms to encourage the
growth of these applications.
The release of smart phones like Apple' s iPhone, with its 65,000 supported
applications required the need for a single point of access to these via an
"application store". Various network operators, handset manufacturers and
software developers are announcing plans for their "Mobile Application Store"
("MAS"). The MAS is a central location for purchasing supplemental mobile
applications, possibly available for a fee.
This report evaluates the state of the mobile application stores and its
expected evolution. For example, Sun Microsystems is analyzed as they also
announced plans their own MAS. The report also evaluates MAS consortiums such
as Symbian and Android.
This report examines the MAS provided by the following handset
manufacturers:
- Research in Motion ("RIM")
- Apple
- Nokia
- Palm
- Motorola
- LG
- Samsung
- Sony-Ericsson
This research also evaluates the following North American network
operator' s MAS plans:
- Verizon
- ATT
- Sprint
- T-Mobile
- Rogers Wireless(Canada)
Key Findings:
- The Mobile application market forecast is a $9.0 billion revenue
opportunity over the next few years.
- The handset vendors have taken the leadership role away from the network
operators and are currently driving this market.
- Apple has defined and driven this market to its current state. All other
players in this market are reacting to Apple and playing catch up.
- The market is young, confusing and unsettled.
- Besides the handset vendors, major players in this market are the
network operators, software vendors, consortiums and retailers.
- Great opportunities for software developers. Despite support programs,
they are left to figure it out themselves.
“The closest thing I' ve seen to a ‘business model' for marketing apps is
to advertise like crazy until you get into the top 50 and once you' re there,
the top 50 list will start generating its own buzz ... But that' s not a
business model, that' s like rolling the dice at a casino.”
Questions Answered
- What is the revenue opportunity for this market?
- Who are the key market players?
- Where is the growth potential in this market?
- Where will this market go?
Companies mentioned in this report
- Apple
- RIM
- Nokia
- Samsung
- LG
- Sony-Ericsson
- Motorola
- HTC
- Verizon Wireless
- ATT
- Sprint
- T-Mobile
- Sun
- Microsoft
- Android
- Symbian
- Handango
- AppCubby
- AppBoy
Target Audience:
- Handset Manufacturers: a comprehensive review of the Mobile
Application Stores, development tools and support programs
- Carriers: a comprehensive review of the Mobile Application Stores,
development tools and support programs
- Mobile Software developers: provide focus on what platforms offer
growth and opportunity
- Potential Application Store providers: a detailed technical
comparison & review the market
- Retail electronics distributors (business & retail): a detailed
technical comparison & review of the market
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