Stacy,

The spec that Verizon released spoke strictly to hardware requirements.  With respect to software or services, it didn’t tell us much beyond noting a requirement that devices include a TCP/IP stack.  Wow — who knew? 

Their press release quotes Tony Lewis, VP of Open Development at Verizon Wireless, as saying, “Hardware is the starting point, and Verizon Wireless is encouraging developers to get excited about designing innovative products and services the future requires.”

Obviously, hardware’s necessary, but is it the “starting point?”  I’m not so sure.

Before committing resources to hardware or software development, I’d want to know:

1. What apps and services will be allowed to run on the phone and over the network?
2. Who makes the rules on Question #1?

I’d like to see a device that starts with a browser that’s actually has a USABLE interface, but that also provides support for (1) rich applications built on Javascript, Python, Java, Objective C, etc.; (2) transient and persistent data storage; and (3) the ability to work via SQL with networked *or* local databases.  Some of these requirements should be embodied in Verizon’s spec.  And any restrictions that would impede the use of those capabilities need to be spelled out from the get-go.

I’d also like Verizon to issue a spec on core services that ought to be standardized across devices — for example,  a standard model for managing/storing information on the device that relate to address books, calendars, and messaging (email, SMS, IM, voicemail).  Along with APIs for other apps on the device to interface with each of those elements — or for other devices to connect to them, via a wired connection, Bluetooth, 802.11, or the LTE network.

It should also map out a basic security model that devices on the network need to employ.

Will something like this happen?  Or will we still have a situation where, as is the case today, Verizon serves as gatekeeper and won’t even allow a phone user install Google’s Gmail app?

The big game is at the service level, not the hardware level.  Will the big game be open, or is it still closed?

Pete Farmer

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Posted to GigaOm: Is Verizon Really Ready to Open Up Its Network?.