Boston, MA - November 3, 2011 – Strategy Analytics introduces the App Store Competitive Index (ASCI) from its App Ecosystem Opportunities (AEO) service, which gauges how truly competitive app storefronts are for new apps and developers. Although iPad scored the highest, it bested by only 10 percent the least competitive store.

 

The app era has dawned reducing the need for physical production of software, shipment of products, and retail relationships for ensuring shelf space. This makes apps cheaper and more accessible. In response, the masses are downloading billions of apps. Unfortunately, the democratization of the app distribution process has also had an unintended consequence – crowning kings and queens that reign over the top 100 lists for long periods of time.

 

The lack of competitiveness, combined with a broken discovery mechanism, will eventually have a negative impact on the app ecosystem.  Many developers filling the virtual aisles today are unable to make a living selling apps, and they will ultimately top developing or leave platforms altogether. This will inhibit choice and slow innovation. The App Store Competitive Index, which today includes iPhone, iPad, Android Market, Amazon App Store, and BlackBerry App World gauges the competitiveness of these storefronts in new ways.

 

According to Josh Martin, Director of Apps Research at Strategy Analytics, “The App Store Competitive Index is a way for storefronts to gauge how successful they are exposing users to new and innovative apps. As of today most storefronts are failing spectacularly. Improving discoverability and increasing competitiveness could be a useful tool to woo developers away from less competitive storefronts and improve the app ecosystem for all.”