Operators unite to streamline app development

BARCELONA, Spain--More than 24 operators and two manufacturers have come together to make it easier for application developers to create applications across multiple networks. Called the Wholesale Applications Community, this last-minute initiative organized by the GSMA, calls for the group to create a wholesale applications ecosystem and harmonize various developer organizations to create a single point of entry for developers to develop apps for operators everywhere.  

Several U.S. operators are involved in the initiative, including AT&T Mobility, Sprint Nextel and Verizon Wireless. The group also includes vendors such as Samsung, Sony Ericsson and LG.  

Since the group was formed only yesterday during the GSMA board meeting, details are scarce. GSMA chief strategy officer Alex Sinclair described it as initially a widget approach. "We want to make it easier to go across platform," he said, adding that this will not be at odds with the Joint Innovation Lab and the Bondi initiatives.

Specifics on what exactly this will mean for other developer groups also is unclear. Sinclair said the 24 members involved in the group is just the beginning--many other companies are clamoring to join. "I can't emphasize enough that this is about being 'open,'" Sinclair said. He added that this will not be an application store. The group still expects operators to sell apps their own way. "This is about wholesale; getting developers connected," Sinclair added.

For more:
- see this press release