Pre-Conference  Workshop

Monday 27th September 2010

COMBATING THE ENTRY OF APPLE INTO THE MOBILE MARKET THROUGH APPS, &  THE IMPORTANCE OF MANAGED SERVICES IN MAINTAINING THE COMPETITIVE EDGE

LED BY: Kenneth  Plunk, CEO, KPI Consulting

Since the release of the first smartphone in 2000, the nature of the mobile telecommunications industry has undergone a transformation. Voice services were no longer sufficient to remain competitive – consumers wanted apps. With the launch of the iPhone in 2007 this trend rocketed, and traditional mobile operators found themselves facing an unexpected competitor with an alien business model.

Providing such services as ringtones, music, games and web applications offers considerable potential for increased ARPU. Operator core competencies and internal infrastructure are not designed to provide such services, however. How can they retain their markets and capitalize on the opportunities that apps provide?

This one to one workshop is essential for companies considering developer programmes, involved in VAS, and offering Managed Services for mobile applications. This is the present and future of the mobile telco market – ensure you are making money, not losing it!

08.30     Registration and refreshments
09.00     Introductions
09.15     Competing in an alien world

• Adapting the business model to operate successfully against alien competitors, such as Apple
• Preventing the relegation of operators to ‘bit pipe’ status through apps ownership

• Becoming an apps portal to maximise ARPU and differentiate brand
• The importance of a quick time to market

• Targeting the consumer / enterprise segments: what do your customers want?
• Matching applications and VAS to your brand strategy

• Managing developers and apps without the internal supporting infrastructure
• Assessing the competencies required from apps Managed Services vendors

WORKSHOP LEADER:  Kenneth Plunk, CEO, KPI Consulting

Mr. Plunk  has 20 years of experience in Information Systems, focusing on creation and implementation of developer programs, project management, analysis, design and business management. He has 20 years of experience in application development background and developer program management. By reviewing trends in the area of  applications development and web technologies, Mr. Plunk consults with his clients on an annual basis to assist and guide them in the evolving wireless industry.

KPI Consulting is the largest global provider of developer/partner programs for the wireless industry. It currently supports three of the top five developer  programs, including the program rated number one in the industry.