The need for app stores is growing quickly. Customers are discovering desirable features and content on one device, and want the same features and content on other devices. As a result, many of the characteristics that have differentiated internet-connected devices in the past are now shared across device categories.

As well, app store managers are finding that existing app store solutions don’t serve multiple devices and markets cost effectively or—in some cases—at all. Being able to offer and provision any kind of content on any kind of device has now become a strategic requirement for many businesses, and is driving interest in new app store solutions.

Does your app store strategy support multiple devices?

The need to support multiple devices is growing. Analyst data suggests that in spite of global recession, overall demand for new kinds of internet connected devices is rising as people seek convergence in their digital lifestyles. For instance:

• Smartphone shipments are forecast to grow from 139.8 million units worldwide in 2008, to over 520 million units in 2012. (Source: Gartner, October 2009)

• PC shipments (including desktops, laptops, ultraportables, and x86 servers), despite a temporary slump, are forecast to grow steadily in the range of 4.7% to 7% in the period from 2009 to 2013, with netbooks being one of the stronger categories. (Sources: iSuppli, July 2009; IDC, December 2008)

• Set-top box and personalized television services shipments are forecast to grow from 131.2 million units in 2008, to 136.7 million units in 2009 and over 200 million units by 2013. Demand for digital cable set top boxes is particularly strong in China. (Sources: iSuppli; Parks Associates, August 2009)

• Despite a dismal automotive market worldwide in 2009, shipments of next-generation, internet-connected automotive infotainment and nav systems (both aftermarket and OEM) are expected to see an explosion in growth after a recovery in 2010. (Source: iSuppli, 2009)

What’s your strategy to serve emerging devices?

Emerging device OS's like Android, Chrome, and Moblin create challenges to traditional app store approaches. It can be hard to predict which OS is going to dominate in different markets, so it’s hard to justify the expense of creating dedicated app stores. Yet without strong app store support, a device is unlikely to succeed. To solve this chicken-and-egg problem, businesses need the ability to quickly support new devices and operating systems without having to create new app stores for each from scratch.

Another problem is using the app stores provided by different OS's or devices is not always strategically desirable. Often these app stores promote their own brand over yours, they force you to rely on someone else’s business model for success, and they increase the steps your customers need to take to reach your products and services.

As a platform-agnostic hosted solution, Apps2Market solves the above problems and gives you the control and flexibility you need to drive device commerce to any established or emerging market. Visit our Solutions Gallery to see examples of how this can work for you.