By Telecom
Lead: In order for operators to manage the growing traffic and
signaling demands generated by smartphones and mobile applications, the GSMA
has announced a series of initiatives along with a developer’s guide which will
help application developers ensure their applications are more user- and
network-friendly.

 

The
GSMA has established a taskforce of 22 operators who will be working with all
areas of the mobile application ecosystem, including application developers, OS
vendors, app store owners, handset makers and network equipment providers.

 

The GSMA has also released a set of recommendations for
application developers that will enable improvements across a number of areas
including application connectivity, power consumption, network reliability and
security.

 

These recommendations are backed by mobile operators
including Bharti Airtel, KT Corporation, NTT DOCOMO, Orange, Rogers
Communications, Telecom Italia, TeliaSonera, Verizon Wireless, VimpelCom and
Vodafone.

 

The GSMA added that by following these guidelines,
developers will be better equipped to create fit-for-purpose apps; mobile
operators will see a reduced strain on their networks; and users will
experience more responsive and reliable apps and improved battery life.

 

  The widespread adoption of smartphones and the
explosion in mobile applications has forever changed the way that users
communicate, access and share information. At the same time, this dynamic
presents new challenges for mobile operators as they manage increasing traffic
volumes on their networks, and more importantly, dramatically increased
signalling loads. The new programmes announced today will help boost the
efficiency of applications and networks and offer a better experience for
users,” said Anne Bouverot, director general, GSMA.

 

 In addition Along with this guide, the GSMA is
launching the Smarter Apps Challenge” competition to drive the development of
efficient mobile applications.

 

Judges will identify the top three most efficient
mobile applications and winners will be announced at the GSMA Mobile Asia Expo
taking place in Shanghai, 20-22 June 2012.