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 report examines the MAS provided by the following handset manufacturers:

Research in Motion ("RIM")
Apple
Nokia
Palm
Motorola
LG
Samsung
Sony-Ericsson

This research also evaluates the following Asian network operator's MAS plans:

Vodafone
Reliance Communications
NTT Docomo
China Mobile
China Unicom
China Telecom

Questions Answered

· Who are the key market players and how are they positioned?
· Where is the growth potential in this market and what are the issues?
· Where will this market go, how will it develop, and evolve?
· What are the revenue opportunities for the mobile application stores market?