Apple’s App Store has been a great success for Apple and developers, who have both shared large revenues, whilst mobile phone operators have missed out on the revenues, and it looks like they are attempting to change that.
Twenty-four of the world’s largest mobile phone operators have teamed up to form the Wholesale Applications Community, which according to them is designed to make it easier for developers to build and sell applications on any device and technology.
The alliance includes some of the world’s largest mobile phone operators including Vodafone, Sprint, China Mobile, AT&T, Deutsche Telecom, and many more.
The Goals of the Wholesale Applications Community
The Wholesale Applications Community (WAC) aims to create a unified platform that will allow developers to write applications that can run on multiple devices and operating systems. This initiative is seen as a direct response to the dominance of Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store, which have set the standard for mobile app distribution. By creating a more inclusive and flexible ecosystem, WAC hopes to attract developers who are looking for alternatives to the existing app store models.
One of the primary goals of WAC is to reduce the fragmentation in the mobile app market. Currently, developers often have to create multiple versions of their apps to ensure compatibility with different devices and operating systems. This not only increases development time and costs but also limits the reach of the apps. By establishing a common standard, WAC aims to simplify the development process and make it easier for developers to reach a broader audience.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While the idea behind the Wholesale Applications Community is promising, there are several challenges that need to be addressed. Firstly, the success of this initiative will largely depend on the cooperation between the participating mobile operators. Given that these companies are often competitors, achieving a high level of collaboration may prove to be difficult.
Moreover, the technical challenges of creating a unified platform should not be underestimated. Developing a standard that can accommodate the diverse range of devices and operating systems in the market is a complex task. It will require significant investment in research and development, as well as ongoing support to keep the platform up-to-date with the latest technological advancements.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of the Wholesale Applications Community are significant. For developers, a unified platform could mean lower development costs and a larger potential market for their apps. For consumers, it could lead to a wider selection of apps and a more consistent user experience across different devices.
The Wholesale Applications Community has said that it intends to develop a standard for the applications over the next twelve months, so I guess Apple doesn’t have anything to worry about just yet. However, if WAC succeeds in its mission, it could pose a significant challenge to the dominance of Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store in the long run.
The formation of the Wholesale Applications Community represents a significant development in the mobile app market. By bringing together some of the world’s largest mobile operators, WAC aims to create a more inclusive and flexible ecosystem for app development and distribution. While there are several challenges to overcome, the potential benefits for developers and consumers make this an initiative worth watching closely.
via BBC
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