Mobile operators are constantly asking if they should charge for exposing network level API’s. In a discussion just yesterday there was a strong sentiment for “YES” if they add real value…..I had to go back and remind them of a couple of things.
Does Facebook charge for accessing their API’s? Does Twitter? Does Java on the handset? Does Apple charge to access the Accelorometer api on the hanset? NO.
And by the way what is real value add? Don’t the developers application add real value to the network? Mobile Operators primary focus should be not to be disenfranchised in the value chain. API’s at the telecom operator has the strong potential to increase ARPU’s up to 36%

Currently there are some 15M software developers in the world. Of these there are a number of opportunities for them to developer their applications
1 Embedded
2. Enterprise
3. mobile
4. web (more…)

I have always compared the impact of piracy and illegal file sharing in the software industry with that of the content industry.

This just out in Fast Company clearly highlights the impact of piracy on the Software industry at USD 34B vs. USD 6.1B for the Movie industry. Funnily enough the Music industry which complains the loudest about piracy makes the bottom of the list at USD 4.6B.

The software industry, rather than suing their customers opted for alternative strategies including giving their software away by open sourcing it or move it onto the web and create SaaS (Software as a Service). Here is a great presentation sharing some insights on how the software industry embraced.