KT launches app platform for Japan’s NTT Docomo

KT said Sunday that it has introduced an app platform for NTT Docomo, Japan’s biggest mobile carrier, marking the first time a Korean telecom company has developed an app market overseas.

The development of the platform, named “Olleh Market W,” is part of KT’s efforts to become a global media distribution group.

Also, this project was in line with “One Asia Super Inter-Store,” or OASIS, which seeks to promote app exchanges among China, Japan and Korea. KT, NTT and China Mobile formed a strategic alliance for the OASIS framework last year.

KT said the platform would provide an opportunity for Korean small and medium-size developers to introduce their apps and content overseas.

Korea’s mobile gamer Mobicle, whose investors include Korea’s SkyLake private equity and Japan’s social gaming platform company GREE, was one example, KT noted, that introduced its game app in Japan via KT.

KT will also distribute some 120 apps on Olleh Market W in Japan via NTT Docomo from K-Apps, a platform operated by Korea’s three telecom companies ― SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus.

By Park Hyong-ki (hkp@heraldcorp.com)