Globe Labs targets 3G mobile developers
By Lawrence Casiraya
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 18:41:00 06/25/2008
Filed Under: Telecommunications Services, mobile phones, Technology (general)
MANILA, Philippines -- As Web and mobile technologies converge further, Globe Telecom is looking to provide local mobile developers with technical resources to help commercialize their applications.
The telecom firm launched Globe Labs (www.globelabs.com.ph), an initiative aimed at addressing perennial challengers for developers: lack of technical resources and a ready player in Globe that can carry these applications.
Globe is also looking at partnering with technology vendors in offering ready support for developers.
Globe partnered with network equipment supplier Ericsson for its initial project, a contest among developers to develop third generation or 3G mobile applications running on the SIP/IMS (Session Initiated Protocol/Integrated Multimedia Subsystem).
Local developer D3 Systems won the contest (and the P1 million grand prize) for an application that allows users to sketch images on a "whiteboard" on their mobile.
Harvey Libarnes, head of Globe Labs, said Globe is also looking at attracting more developers and produce commercially-viable applications such as location-based services (LBS), mobile advertising and RFID.
"These technologies are already available but we haven't exactly hit the right level of applications suited for the local market," Libarnes said during the launch of Globe Labs.
Libarnes said Globe Labs also targets individual developers, emphasizing on the company's thrust towards fostering innovation.
"The time to deploy an application usually takes two to three years. We're looking to accelerate the process to a year before an application is ready for commercialization," said Fernando Teodoro, head of Globe's innovation development division.
Teodoro added that Globe can also bank on its ties with BridgeMobile Alliance, a global consortium of telecom operators and vendors, in extending market reach for local developers.
"Some of the applications developed here may have greater promise in other markets," he said.
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