Sweet Times For Mobile Application Developers

Times are sweet for mobile phone application developers. Forbes reports that just a few years ago, operators didn't have much time for them, busy as they were with delivering voice calls. But now, as phones evolve into all-singing, all-dancing devices operators are chasing after them with developer programs, contests and cash prizes all hoping that their support will find that elusive killer app that will prove a hit with customers. AT&T (NYSE: T) is perhaps the most aggressive. At CTIA in April, they're hosting what they call their version of American Idol for developers. Their Fast-Pitch Platinum Awards will give developers five minutes to wow a panel of judges. Winners will get a cash prize, and more importantly, a shot at getting their application on AT&T's online shop MEdia Mall and in front of their 70.1 million customers. AT&T is not alone in wooing developers. Verizon (NYSE: VZ) just started its own developer program and last week, in an announcement that made developers sit up, VCs Kleiner, Perkins, Calufield & Byers set up a $100 million fund to entice developers to create for the iPhone. Google (NSDQ: GOOG), too, has set aside $10 million to help support developers build apps with its Android tools.