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Software

Big-Name Software Companies Flock to Apple's App Store

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the App Store continues to grow at an alarming rate, big-name software companies are taking notice and attempting to capitalize on the platform's massive user base. With over 100,000 programs available, established companies such as Adobe, Autodesk, and Electronic Arts are releasing their own apps, further solidifying the App Store's position as a leading marketplace for conventional software.

Key Takeaways:

  • The entry of big-name software companies into the App Store could turn it into a marketplace for conventional software, competing with established software developers.
  • Electronic Arts, a major gaming company, has become the No. 1 iPhone game developer, offering nearly 30 games for the platform.
  • Adobe and Autodesk have released apps for the iPhone, with Photoshop.com Mobile becoming the top photo app and SketchBook Mobile becoming the 25th-best selling app.
  • Big-name companies like Adobe are benefiting from the App Store's massive user base, with users trusting apps developed by reputable companies.
  • Geoff Baum, director at Adobe, states that users will trust apps developed by a company with a reputation, highlighting the importance of brand recognition in the App Store.
  • Independent app developers, however, are concerned about the trend, fearing that big-name companies may receive preferential treatment from Apple.

Statistics:

  • Over 100,000 programs are available in the App Store.
  • Apple's App Store caters to a base of nearly 50 million devices.
  • Electronic Arts has released nearly 30 games for the iPhone.
  • Adobe's Photoshop.com Mobile is the top photo app in the App Store.
  • Autodesk's SketchBook Mobile is the 25th-best selling app in the App Store.

Sources:

  • San Francisco Chronicle--Nov 12, 2009 (pD1)
  • "With its enormous success, Apple's App Store attracts established software companies that are now working to make use of the new opportunity." (Source: San Francisco Chronicle--Nov 12, 2009 (pD1))
  • "For instance, Electronic Arts, a major gaming company, has now become the No. 1 iPhone game developer, offering nearly 30 games." (Source: San Francisco Chronicle--Nov 12, 2009 (pD1))
  • "Software companies Autodesk and Adobe have released apps for the iPhone as well. Recently, Adobe introduced Photoshop.com Mobile in the App Store while Autodesk launched SketchBook Mobile. At present, Photoshop.com Mobile is the top photo app. SketchBook Mobile has become the 25th-best selling app." (Source: San Francisco Chronicle--Nov 12, 2009 (pD1))
  • "For big-name companies, the App Store, which caters to a base of nearly 50 million devices, is the place to be." (Source: San Francisco Chronicle--Nov 12, 2009 (pD1))
  • "Geoff Baum, director at Adobe, says given the great number of apps available in the store, users will trust apps developed by a company that has a reputation." (Source: San Francisco Chronicle--Nov 12, 2009 (pD1))

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