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capabilities, for example. Typically each operator had their own approach
to developers' platforms. However, there had been attempts to create a sort
of common framework. Among them, and as a main example, the Whole-
sale Applications Community, led by twenty-four operators, wanted to cre-
ate a harmonized platform to give developers a single point of entry to a
large number of operator storefronts. It took advantage of the work already
under way by the OneAPI initiative and combined the ef orts of two other
initiatives: the BONDI initiative, which is operated by the Open Mobile
ated by China Mobile, Softbank Group, Verizon Wireless and Vodafone.
The three groups each have a common focus on creating Web-based solu-
tions and attracting web developers as opposed to application- and device-
centric platforms. The OneAPI initiative of ers a common set of APIs that
web developers can use to access network capabilities for payment, messag-
ing and location-based applications. The BONDI initiative of ers a web ser-
vices interface that developers can use to create applications that will run
on dif erent devices and platforms independent of the underlying operating
system. It also provides a security framework.
PLATFORMS AND MOBILE GAME DEVELOPERS
From the perspective of mobile gaming developers, initially platforms fol-
lowed the logic of the operators' walled garden: it was only possible to
develop applications within the platform. However, the role of developers
changed dramatically after 2008: they have become the main engine in
mobile software innovation. Consequently, suppliers, platforms and net-
work operators are competing to build strong developer communities as
success is measured in terms of number of applications and downloads.
Initially, in the case of Apple, developers could only create third-party
iPhone applications that ran remotely via the Safari web browser installed
in the device. However, the success of the iPhone and the availability of
programs to by-pass the software restrictions in the operating system of the
iPhone and allow other third-party applications operate probably caused
the reaction from Apple and the availability from March 2008 of a SDK
that permitted developers to produce sanctioned third-party applications
on the iPhone. However, Apple reserves a high degree of control over every
element of the platform and, in particular, on the approval of applications.
tifi cate of any of your applications at any time” as stated in the terms of the
iPhone Developer Program License Agreement, a contract all developers
must sign to distribute their software via the App Store.
Android's strategy was almost opposite, and, much like open source
software, it has proven to be also very successful. Following the “open”
logic, and unlike Apple, in the Android Market there is not a mechanism
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