Key success factors for mobile app platform activation

This study explores the key activation factors of the mobile application development platform through a comparative analysis of Apple App Store and Samsung Apps platforms based on the information and communications technologies intensive service innovations (IISIⁿ) model from the developer’s perspective. We conducted intensive interviews of 14 mobile app developers who had development experiences with both Apple App Store and Samsung Apps. The study results indicate that the most important app development platform activation factors from the developer’s perspective are: (1) core components of the platform and technical support; (2) policy assistance for developer work activities; and (3) assurance of adequate financial returns to developers. This study is based on grounded theory and uses the IISIⁿ model to determine the success factor of mobile app platform activation. The results of this study make contributions to both theoretical and practical aspects regarding strategies and operations of mobile app development platforms.