San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom announced an initiative four months ago called the Open Data Executive Directive (PDF) that saw him call on all San Francisco city organizations to make their non-confidential data available for free on the site DataSF.org. It’s resulted in a series of great applications available on DataSF’s showcase page.
Utilizing data sets and open application programming interfaces (APIs) have been a boon for web development, especially in the area of creating mashups. This type of innovative development — utilizing “application enablers” — is translating into the mobile space as well. APIs can offer access to an application’s powerful data set, such as mapping. In mobile, network operators can offer services to application developers such as location/presence, variable quality of service, network-based storage, integrated billing systems and trusted security.
To help ignite the mobile space between developers and providers, Alcatel-Lucent is offering the hosted Alcatel-Lucent Open API Service; using it, service providers can open their networks so that application developers, content owners, and advertisers can develop and deliver applications across their networks. Since it’s a hosted platform, Alcatel-Lucent acts as the managing body to make sure that everyone adheres to agreed-upon standards. The goal of this service is to speed up development, production and deployment to benefit all participants. Carriers get access to development talent. Developers get a standard that works across multiple carriers. And consumers across multiple carrier platforms get access to the same applications, faster.
To learn more, visit Alcatel-Lucent or check out its developer community.
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