Microsoft supports developers of mobile mashups

By Sumner Lemon, IDG News Service
December 04, 2006

Microsoft on Monday took the wraps off a new service, called Connected Services Sandbox, that offers developers tools and support needed to produce Web-based applications for mobile phones that combine APIs (application programming interfaces) from different sources with telecommunication services.

Connected Services Sandbox was established to help developers produce applications for mobile devices, allowing operators to offer "mashups" -- the term for Internet applications that combine services from different sources -- to mobile handsets.

Mashups created using Connected Services Sandbox can help generate new sources of revenue for operators, while also helping to attract new subscribers and retain existing users, Microsoft said. The company unveiled the service, which is based on its Connected Services Framework, at the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU's) Telecom World 2006 conference and exhibition in Hong Kong.

Developers can access a range of services on the Connected Services Sandbox Web site, including Windows Live components and offerings from Google, eBay, Amazon.com, and Yahoo. Other services that are available for Connected Services Framework include offerings from Xbox Live, Microsoft TV, Microsoft FlexGo, and Microsoft Solution for Enhanced VOIP (voice over Internet Protocol) services, among others..

In addition, Microsoft Connected Services Framework and other tools are available for download from Connected Services Sandbox, Microsoft said.

Telecom World runs through Friday, December 8.