Vodafone India launches platform for app developers and content providers globally

Vodafone India has launched a platform that will enable developers and its content partners across the globe to build apps and sell them via operator billing. The developers and content providers will be able to access the company's network resources—such as subscriber profile, billing, location and messaging—to build the apps. Additionally, developers will be provided with a facility to test their apps and services in a simulated environment.

This will enable them to create quality apps and services, customised to local requirement and relevance. To the subscribers, it provides ready access to a wide range of apps with the convenience of operator billing that will allow them to pay for the app and content using their handset device.

"With the growth of smartphones and mobile internet, people are increasingly showing more interest in mobile apps and content services. To strengthen the ecosystem for app developers & content service providers and to partner with them, we have launched the Vodafone Developer Platform. We expect the developer community to leverage this initiative to create locally relevant applications/content services and to monetise their ideas across Vodafone's customer base," said Vivek Mathur, COO, Vodafone India.

He said the platform will also enable customers to use their Vodafone accounts to purchase any app or content offered by local as well international developers and content providers. Last month, the firm had launched Vodafone Music, a mobile internet-based music service powered by Hungama's platform. The service offers free streaming of music and video, but customers need to pay in order to download them.

(Edited by Joby Puthuparampil Johnson)