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Apr. 3, 2009

Telecom giant AT&T announces the launch of AT&T Apps Beta, a new project that offers mobile developers the chance to test drive applications with AT&T customers and get direct user feedback before making their mobile applications widely available.

AT&T sent open invitations to developers in submitting theit apps. Symbian, an open source platform competing with Google’s Android, allows mobile developers in presenting their code and have it reviewed and tested by other developers working on the platform.

What is unique is AT&T’s original approach in opening up the program to customers.

Telecom analyst Jeff Kagan said “this is probably a good idea that will help solve one of the biggest problems in the wireless industry, but I personally think they could have come up with a better name.”

AT&T cited a commitment to openness and innovation with its Apps Beta initiative, signaling what many believe will be the growing trend in an industry struggling to cut down on fragmentation.

The telecom giant is accepting applications from mobile developers beginning today. Developers can go to www.att.com/appsbeta for an overview of the program and a complete list of requirements for participation.

The initiative will enable mobile apps developers feedback through ratings, feature suggestions and the inherent identification of bugs in their software. A typical trial period will last roughly four to six weeks.

What's more, developers will be able to use AT&T Apps Beta to get targeted user input for applications they may have already launched broadly.

David Christopher, chief marketing officer for AT&T Mobility says “our goal is to deepen the dialogue with mobile developers and give customers a chance to tell us what works and what doesn’t.”

He added that AT&T intends to ease collaboration between the developer community and early adopters.

The company said that mobile apps that are particularly well-received may be made available to all AT&T customers through the company’s content and multimedia storefront, AT&T Media Mall and could receive additional promotional support or featured placement in customer-facing channels.

AT&T customers with compatible mobile handsets can download trial apps for free. AT&T plans to market the program to its customers beginning April 20.

An unlimited data plan is required for customers who participate. Kagan added that it feels like the move from AT&T represents one of the key elements of CTIA Wireless 2009: growth.

“This underscores the fact that the wireless industry is expanding rapidly and letting users select from a large variety of wireless programs for home and the office.” added Kagan.

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Source: AT&T.