Optus today announced the launch of Optus Partner Connect - Australia's first mobile operator portal designed to give developers the opportunity to showcase and sell their applications direct to the Optus mobile customer base.

The Partner Connect developer portal opens up a wealth of fresh options for both developers and customers alike. Optus pre and post-paid mobile customers will be able to purchase applications created by independent developers through the Optus Consumer and Business Application Stores accessible via the web and directly from mobile.

Partner Connect provides a simple way for developers to upload applications to the Optus Application Store which supports most major operating systems such as BlackBerry, Android, Windows, Symbian Series 40 & 60 and high end Java*.

The convenient and easy-to-use web portal provides developers with access to key insights into the popularity of different applications, assisting in improving the commercial viability of the design and to more effectively target mobile audiences. Coupled with Optus' ongoing marketing activities on mobile applications, Australian developers have never been in a better position to sell their products.

Mark Mulder, Optus General Manager Content and Portals said, "Optus is proud to be supporting local developers and we are extremely pleased to be making it easier for local developers to produce this content for a significant range of operating systems and platforms.

"If you have a great idea and the know-how, Partner Connect provides an opportunity to deliver your application direct to the Optus customer base; a first in Australia and something we're incredibly proud of," Mr. Mulder said.

Consumers similarly will benefit from the additional content, with Optus providing a convenient single billing system for all applications - meaning any application download appears on the customer's bill, eliminating the need for multiple payment solutions.

Optus has set the standard for mobile apps in the Australian telecommunications market - launching two dedicated consumer and business application stores in the past six months. By providing targeted stores for specific market segments, customers are able to easily and seamlessly identify applications which are suitable for their needs.

All profits will be split between Optus and the developers using an industry standard 70/30 revenue sharing model; ensuring an equitable opportunity for developers to generate revenue from their creations.

A live demonstration of Optus Partner Connect at this year's CeBit conference. Anyone interested in a demonstration is invited to come down to D15, Hall 3 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour from May 24-26 2010.

Optus Partner Connect can be access at http://partnerconnect.optusnet.com.au from May 21.

For further information contact:
James Wright
Optus Corporate Affairs
james.wright@optus.com.au
Tel: 02 8082 7565

*Limited access to iPhone apps. iPhone users redirected to Apple App Store