It started with handset vendors and service providers too quickly followed to launch their own App Stores with an eye on VAS. And now network gear vendors are also set to jump in the opportunity as Swedish major, Ericsson launched its App Store platform for service providers.

Branded as ‘eStore’ the platform presently has over 30,000 applications. The applications can run on any mobile device irrespective of make or operating system used.

The client framework for the eStore has been jointly built in collaboration with Opera Software.

The revenue-model will involve three parties, Ericsson, third party developers and service providers.

Alcatel-Lucent too offers a similar solution to service providers under its API service offerings.