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 research examines the MAS provided by the following handset manufacturers:
 
·         Research in Motion ("RIM")
·         Apple
·         Nokia
·         Palm
·         Motorola
·         LG
·         Samsung
·         Sony-Ericsson
This report also evaluates the following Asian network operator's MAS plans:
·         Vodafone
·         NTT Docomo
·         Reliance Communications
·         China Mobile
·         China Unicom
·         China Telecom
 
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.
o        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.
o        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
·           Vodafone
·           NTT Docomo
·           Reliance Communications
·           China Mobile
·           China Unicom
·           China Telecom
·           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