The role of smart enabler: the framework unwrapped

Executive summary

In a nutshell

Key messages

Don’t overlook first-generation enablers: they still have value

Operators have a lot of potential network APIs to play with, but have been slow to exploit them

Operator network APIs should be part of a wider ecosystem

Building a successful developer ecosystem is a particular challenge for operators

Application stores can be part of the smart enabler offer - but not for all operators

Dissecting the smart enabler framework

Remember, the aim is to create a holistic telco platform

Close-up on first-generation enablers

Billing is still an asset, albeit under challenge

Will others follow Apple and cut out operator billing?

Basic customer insights

Developing traditional wholesale

Rethink the wholesale model: Amazon Kindle and beyond

Close-up on second-generation enablers

Second-generation enablers present new possibilities - and challenges

Opening up network APIs

Location APIs: a missed opportunity?

Google

Nokia

Operators: too little, too late

Better opportunities for messaging APIs

Enterprise messaging

But this is not without challenges

Opportunities to enriching billing by opening charging APIs

Personal APIs

The importance of authentication and privacy

Differentiated network access

Speed and quality of service

Net neutrality: potential showstopper?

The device platform context

The rise of managed device platforms: an enabling environment for third parties

A MDP is an appealing concept, but not an option for most operators

Will Vodafone pull the pieces together?

Supporting the developer community

The importance of building a developer ecosystem

Attributes of a good developer programme

Operator application stores

Is this the final piece of the smart enabler puzzle?

Positioning strategies

Operator application stores

Can an app store really boost operator content revenues?

Watch out: other apps stores are on the horizon

List of Tables

Table 1: Sample APIs at an operator’s disposal

Table 2: Orange location APIs

Table 3: Summary of Orange Partner’s SMS APIs

Table 4: Comparison of application store players

List of Figures

Figure 1: Development of operator enabling services

Figure 2: Decline in P2P messaging revenues

Figure 3: High-level framework for permission-based personal APIs