Vodafone UK today announced the launch of its third party mobile applications programme which will deliver business applications, such as job scheduling or sales force automation tools, via the Vodafone UK network.  These will be supported by a structured evaluation and implementation process for the roll-out of mobile services, offering customers the quality assurance required when purchasing applications from third parties to help streamline their businesses.

Vodafone UK will evaluate and endorse new applications following a rigorous assessment by an independent expert of their technical integrity, as well as study relevant customer demand and vertical sector suitability.  The programme has been developed as a result of growing customer demand for mobile data solutions, generated by the popularity of mobile email services such as Vodafone Business Email and BlackBerry from Vodafone.  The objective of the applications programme is to provide Vodafone UK's customers with help & support for choosing the most suitable product and application provider for their business needs.

There are three tiers to the programme:

• Vodafone Branded: designed for applications with a proven customer demand and with appeal across multiple vertical markets.  Examples of existing applications at this level include AppSwing from Vodafone, a solution that enables companies to mobilise their existing Windows-based line of business applications onto BlackBerry, Symbian or Microsoft Windows mobile devices. 
• Vodafone Preferred: applications that have been approved by an independent technical expert and are proven to have an appeal across two or more vertical markets.  Vodafone Preferred applications benefit from Vodafone UK’s professional services expertise to aid customer deployment.
• Vodafone Certified: applications that have been tested and approved by an independent technical expert.
   

By working with Vodafone UK, independent software vendors gain access to Vodafone UK's technical expertise and testing programme.  In addition, they benefit from integration with existing Vodafone UK solutions such as its managed services programme and device management capabilities. Vodafone branded and preferred applications will also benefit from integration into Vodafone UK's ongoing sales and marketing programmes, both direct and through partners.

Mark Bond, director of enterprise marketing at Vodafone UK said: 'As the mobile and IT worlds converge, business people are increasingly aware of the efficiencies that can be achieved through the deployment of business applications on mobile devices.  Our aim is to be the most respected authority in the UK with regards to the implementation of new mobile applications and in building the trust that is required for new adoption.'

Vodafone UK has already approved a number of independent software vendors as part of the Preferred application level within the programme.  These include Aeromark, Cognito, Galty, Sona, Ubisys, TBS and Vettro, who have developed solutions ranging from telematics and sales solutions to tools that replicate the functionality of the desktop environment on the mobile device.  Further applications have passed technical testing within the certified application level and will be launched on the Vodafone UK network in the coming months.

Those interested in participating in the new programme should contact vodafoneapplications@vodafone.net or visit www.vodafone.net.

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For further information please contact:

Bryony Clow
Vodafone UK Public Relations
Tel: 0845 4444466

email: press.office@vodafone.com

Vodafone UK

Vodafone UK has 15.8 million customers and is part of the world's largest mobile community offering a wide range of voice and data communications. On the 1st January 1985, the first mobile phone call was made by Ernie Wise on the Vodafone network. Since then, Vodafone was the first to introduce SMS in 1994 and to make a 3G voice call in July 2001. Vodafone UK was the world’s first mobile operator to introduce international roaming, now connecting customers with standard roaming agreements in 174 countries, GPRS roaming in over 55 countries and 250 cities worldwide using 3G.

Following the launch of Vodafone UK’s Mobile Connect 3G/GPRS data card in April 2004, the company launched Vodafone live! 3G in November 2004 offering services such as video-calling and music downloads. Vodafone's 3G UK population coverage currently stands at 72 per cent and the network is being continually expanded.