HP helps telecom operators in Korea expand app stores for mobile users

BARCELONA, Spain–(BUSINESS WIRE)–HP (NYSE:HPQ) today announced it is providing systems integration services to three Korean telecom companies in their joint effort to vastly expand the number and quality of services for their mobile customers.

SK Telecom, Korean Telecom and LG U+ are cooperating, through a consortium, to create a single, Korea-specific clearinghouse that will link to a global application development initiative called the Wholesale Applications Community (WAC).

Formed in 2010, WAC brings together more than 60 of the world’s communications service providers (CSPs) to create a common set of interfaces, standards and tools that will help developers create new, enriched applications that will run on the CSPs’ networks and handsets.

The Korea-WAC platform will function as an intermediary, handling transactions and processing, to ensure that global WAC applications are available and optimized for use by the three Korean CSPs and their mobile customers.

In addition, a Korea-WAC application can enrich the mobile experience for all users by integrating key network enablers from the three different CSPs. For example, an application that depends on a user’s location or availability can share that information automatically among all users, even if they are on different CSP networks.

The Korea-WAC platform is being implemented by a consortium formed by the Mobile Internet Business Association (MOIBA) and the three CSPs with support from the Republic of Korea.

“Our goal is to make sure that Koreans continue to have the best possible mobile experience,” said DongJin Choi, director, MOIBA. “Through cooperation, both globally and in Korea, we can reach that goal. The pan-country approach of Korea-WAC is unique, and again demonstrates Korean leadership. We look forward to continued progress with HP.”

To build the Korea-WAC platform, HP is drawing on its experience in large, complex projects that require both telecom and IT expertise, as well as its capabilities in consulting and integration, architectural guidance and overall project management.

“The innovative Korea-WAC approach creates growth opportunities for CSPs and application developers, and will ultimately enhance the mobile experience for millions of users,” said Erwan Menard, vice president and general manager, Communications and Media Solutions business unit, HP. “HP believes WAC can be a catalyst for re-shaping the global landscape, and Korea-WAC might well be a model for other countries.”

The Korea-WAC platform is expected to be fully operational later this year. At that time, the three Korean CSPs intend to start incorporating new, enriched WAC-based applications into their respective app stores.

LG U+, Korea Telecom, SK Telecom and HP are members of WAC.

More information on HP developer communities and app stores is available at www.hp.com/go/sdp

Press Release via Business Wire