ICTworks by Inveneo

Do you have a Nokia mobile phone? Want to keep up with ICTworks news and network activity? Then download the ICTworks Nokia app from the Nokia Ovi Store.

Before you think this was some technical feat, I used the handy Ovi App Wizard to create the ICTworks application in about 5 minutes. Its that simple.

The ICTworks app for Nokia mobile phones joins the ICtworks iPhone App we created in January.

The Hard Part: User Adoption

While its easy (and free!) to create a simple mobile phone application like these, and you should create one right now, there is a big difference between creation and usage.

Nokia says the Ovi Store has 2 million downloads daily in 30 languages through 91 operators to 120 devices in 190+ countries, but not many of those are of the ICTworks application.

I don't know how to track the usage of our ICTworks mobile application, but overall, only 3% of ICTworks viewers use some type of handheld mobile device (mobile phone, iPad, etc). Good luck with your efforts to have a higher number.

With the rise of smartphones, more people are consuming content on mobile platforms. This presents both a marketing challenge and opportunity for ICT business. Mobile applications can greatly increase your presence and client interactions, but the new medium comes with its own, often confusing rules and social norms.

Samsource iPhone App

One organization that has navigated this terrain with success is Samasource - a nonprofit that connects developing world workers with jobs via the Internet. In launching their popular Give Work iPhone app, they've been able to greatly increase their profile and their revenues.

The iPhone app brought a wave of positive press, and established Samasource as an innovative company. It also increases the individual supporters of Samasource and the quality of work delivered by its workers.

ICTworks iPhone App

Building on that example, ICTworks has developed its own ICTworks iPhone App - free to download from the Apple app store. With it, you can keep up with all the latest content from ICTworks - News, Network, Twitter, and YouTube content.

If you don't have an iPhone, you can always subscribe directly to ICTworks via RSS, Email, Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube.

These iPhone apps are just two possible models for interacting with your customers on the iPhone. Add in the new Android operating system from Google, and the proliferation of Android smartphones, and we should see a proliferation of marketing opportunities on mobile platforms.

So often Africa is a consumer of software applications written by outsiders that its great to hear of a home-gown app that is actually better than its competition.

StartUp Africa writes about Personera which can create personalized print calendars using Facebook content. Ismail says this service is better than its rivals as well.

With Facebook driving ICT adoption in Africa, Personera should have a lucrative business model based on local buyers.

Congrats to Personera & may we have more examples of local talent!