Optus launches App Store for business users

 

Apple noticeably missing from vendor list.

Australian Government Response to OECD 2009 Review of Regulatory Reform: Australia Optus has launched an online store that offers business applications for a variety of mobile devices.

The newly launched Optus Business App Store targeted SMBs as well as large enterprises. It featured productivity-centric products such as security software, expense trackers, currency and language applications.

It also offered recreational applications, including games, music, social networking and "lifestyle" applications. Downloads ranged in price from free to $20.

The Optus Business App Store supported devices by Acer, HTC, Huawei, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericcson and Spice, as well as RIM's Blackberry.

Nokia and RIM already had their own mobile shopfronts, dubbed the Ovi store and Blackberry App World respectively.

However, an Optus spokesman said that the Business App Store would likely have a greater pull with its customers.

"Our customers already have a relationship with Optus, so our App Store will be a one-stop shop for them," he told iTnews.

"Hundreds" of applications were currently on offer at the Business App Store. The applications have been developed by California-based Cellmania and third-party developers with whom Optus had existing relationships.

Optus also is inviting application developers to e-mail the company at partner_connect@optus.com.au with expressions of interest to sell on its store.

Third party developers would be paid in accordance with "industry standards", the spokesperson said.

Optus launched a similar store for consumers in November 2009, offering a selection of 1,000 applications that could be purchased and charged directly to users' phone bills.

Although Optus has offered Apple's iPhone since mid-2008, applications for the device have yet to be added to either of the carrier's App Stores.

The Optus spokesman could not disclose any dealings with Apple. Apple did not respond to a request for comment.


Optus launches App Store for business users
"clearly Apple wants their phones locked to their cash cow appstore. Optus has done very well off the iPhone in terms of sales and customer growth. Given that Optus has blocked other application ..."
By djzort
 
 
 
Comments: 2
funkyg
Feb 19, 2010 9:41 AM
I think the question is why would either Optus or Apple include Apple apps. Optus knows that people will go to the Apple app store not them and Apple knows the same. And also doesn't want to legitimize a store which, let's face it will probably fail within 12 months. There is no incentive for either.
djzort
Feb 20, 2010 3:27 PM
clearly Apple wants their phones locked to their cash cow appstore. Optus has done very well off the iPhone in terms of sales and customer growth. Given that Optus has blocked other application sites who wont pay them commission, one can assume with some surety that they are making commission on sales. So why bite the hand that feeds them?

Cant really blame Optus for not rocking the boat on an arrangement that is working well for them.
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