GSM operator Vodafone India has launched a platform that enables developers, both domestic and international, to build apps and sell them through telephone bills. This will provide customers with access to a wide range of apps with the convenience of operator billing.
The developer platform will help the growing community of application developers, content service providers and mobile phone users (target customers for such apps), the company said in a statement.
The platform will open up Vodafone’s network resources — such as subscriber profile, billing, location and messaging — to developers and content providers to build their offerings.
“With the growth of smartphones and mobile internet, people are increasingly showing more interest in mobile applications and content services. To strengthen the ecosystem for application developers and content service providers and partner with them, we have launched the developer platform,” said Vivek Mathur, Chief Operating Officer, at Vodafone India.
“We expect the developer community to leverage this initiative to create locally relevant applications and content services and to monetise their ideas across Vodafone’s customer base. The platform will help in streamlining the partner on-boarding and transparent commercial settlements,” he added.
At present, users can buy applications from internet majors using mobile phones or tablets, using credit cards. The new initiative will provide a huge convenience to customers who do not have credit cards or are not comfortable making small-value card transactions.
Vodafone will also provide developers with a facility to test their applications and services in a simulated environment. This enables them to create quality applications and services, customised to local requirement and relevance.
A minimal standard set of terms and conditions govern the commercial and others aspects of the developers relationship with Vodafone India, it said the statement.
rajesh.kurup@thehindu.co.in