New Business Models Feature Editorial

What Tools Are Available to Developers to Standardize Applications and Reduce Time to Market?

By Susan J. Campbell, TMCnet Contributing Editor

Have you ever viewed the network as simply a dump pipe? This has been a common practice and one that was fine when the network simply ran quietly under standard solutions used within the industry. 

The problem is that the quiet network is no longer feasible and instead must operate as a platform for innovation. When you look at the network as the vantage point from where the next business or consumer experience can unfold, you will recognize long-term revenue potential you may have never before seen. To make this happen, it is time to unveil the network to developers. 

This process involves opening network-based Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and combining them with thousands of other APIs – including those from third parties – to produce limitless combinations, relying on limitless creativity. The result will be innovative applications that have yet to emerge on the market, but will cause waves when they finally do. 

The new applications are expected to break through the boundaries imposed by wired and wireless networks, and will bridge the gap between video, data and devices. This is all possible when partnering with the power of Alcatel-Lucent (News - Alert).Alcatel-Lucent offers the Application Enablement vision that allows for the building of new revenue streams for service providers and developers. At the same time, these same players can develop game-changing applications that rely on the combination of trusted capabilities of services provider networks and the speed and innovation of the Web. As a result, rich experiences are produced for consumers everywhere. The next step in the Application Enablement vision is the Alcatel-Lucent Developer Platform. 

This platform leverages the Alcatel-Lucent API Exposure Suite, relying on the publishing, prototyping, and developer functionality necessary to equip service providers with the powerful tools necessary to enable application and content partners, as well as third-party developers, to build, test, manage and distribute applications across their own networks. With this approach greater collaboration is fostered between service providers and developers hoping to build valuable new network-enabled applications and services. As consumers are demanding rich content and innovative applications, those services provider who can deliver on this demand are the ones that will be able to not only survive, but also thrive on new revenue streams. 

The Open API Service can be leveraged by service providers and developers to supplement their own developer programs. This helps to provide the mechanism for developers to extend the reach of their applications and for operators to connect with new developer communities. The platform invites collaboration within significant upfront investments in order to speed time to market and revenue generation.

Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMCnet and has also written for eastbiz.com. To read more of Susan’s articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Erin Harrison