Handango has been a big name in mobile software since there was such a thing as mobile software, and now that manufacturers are starting to offer their own dedicated channels, companies like Handango are in a position where they need to change their strategy, since they’re no longer a premiere destination. Handango is moving with the times by offering help to carriers, manufacturers, and other parties who are looking to launch their own application store. With such a massive backlog of apps and an established payment system, Handango could readily populate a carrier or manufacturer’s application. Services include:
- Content management including segmentation, merchandizing, promotion support and catalog refresh
- Developer and reconciliation management
- Billing through API’s which allow an XML feed to manage content fulfillment and shopping cart functionality
- Second line customer support
With RIM’s App World looming ominously over CTIA Wireless, we can assume all mobile manufacturers are feeling the squeeze to get their OS up-to-date and hosting a dedicated software discovery app. It’s a good adaptation on Handango’s part, now we just have to see who will bite.
[via Reuters]