Executive summary
In a nutshell
Key messages
Don’t overlook first-generation enablers: they still have value
Operators have a lot of potential network APIs to play with, but have been slow to exploit them
Operator network APIs should be part of a wider ecosystem
Building a successful developer ecosystem is a particular challenge for operators
Application stores can be part of the smart enabler offer – but not for all operators
Dissecting the smart enabler framework
Remember, the aim is to create a holistic telco platform
Close-up on first-generation enablers
Billing is still an asset, albeit under challenge
Will others follow Apple and cut out operator billing?
Basic customer insights
Developing traditional wholesale
Rethink the wholesale model: Amazon Kindle and beyond
Close-up on second-generation enablers
Second-generation enablers present new possibilities – and challenges
Opening up network APIs
Location APIs: a missed opportunity?
Google
Nokia
Operators: too little, too late
Better opportunities for messaging APIs
Enterprise messaging
But this is not without challenges
Opportunities to enriching billing by opening charging APIs
Personal APIs
The importance of authentication and privacy
Differentiated network access
Speed and quality of service
Net neutrality: potential showstopper?
The device platform context
The rise of managed device platforms: an enabling environment for third parties
A MDP is an appealing concept, but not an option for most operators
Will Vodafone pull the pieces together?
Supporting the developer community
The importance of building a developer ecosystem
Attributes of a good developer programme
Operator application stores
Is this the final piece of the smart enabler puzzle?
Positioning strategies
Operator application stores
Can an app store really boost operator content revenues?
Watch out: other apps stores are on the horizon




List of Tables
Table 1: Sample APIs at an operator’s disposal
Table 2: Orange location APIs
Table 3: Summary of Orange Partner’s SMS APIs
Table 4: Comparison of application store players






List of Figures
Figure 1: Development of operator enabling services
Figure 2: Decline in P2P messaging revenues
Figure 3: High-level framework for permission-based personal APIs