 |
 |
Colleagues/
!!! A Most Amazing And Successful Mobile Initiative !!!
/Gerry
AppLab > About the Application Laboratory
The Application Laboratory (AppLab) is an initiative of the
Grameen Foundation. We work to promote innovation in the provision of services
and information using mobile phones and other ICTs (Information and
Communication Technologies) to alleviate poverty in the developing world.
The Issue
Poor and rural populations often lack access to important
information and knowledge that would enable them to improve their lives and
livelihoods.
The AppLab Solution
By leveraging the power of information and communications
technologies, AppLab seeks to overcome the barriers to accessing information
that contribute to the poverty cycle.
How AppLab Works
AppLab uses mobile technologies to both disseminate and gather
relevant and actionable information. We develop mobile phone applications and
services that allow people to access information on important topics like
health and agriculture, among others. For example, through a simple text
message a farmer can receive tips on treating crop diseases, learn local market
prices, or get advice on preventing malaria.
Our applications can also be used for collecting
information. For example, surveys conducted by mobile phones can be used to
collect information on access to health services or the types of crops being
grown in a specific region. This information can provide a detailed
understanding of the challenges poor communities face and equip service
providers with the knowledge they need to better serve the poor.
Objectives
The Application Laboratory seeks to:
Deeply understand the needs of poor people in the developing
world and guide the development of innovative applications delivered over
mobile devices tailored to their needs
Develop opportunities for micro-entrepreneurs to enhance
their existing shared phone businesses and build new businesses collecting and
disseminating information, serving as “information hubs” for their communities
Design applications and associated business models which
improve the lives and livelihoods of the poor and are financially sustainable,
scalable, and show potential to be replicated globally
Demonstrate the potential for our partners to meet the needs
of people at the base of the pyramid
<<< More >>>
Mission, Vision and Approach
FAQs / Video / AppLab’s Worldwide Team / AppLab Atlas
(Newsletter) / AppLab’s Worldwide Team /Resource Center
<<< Related >>>
GF, Google and MTN Uganda Launch New Mobile Services for
Uganda's Poor ; AppLab Uganda Launch [YouTube]
<<< See Also >>>
> Cell Phone Information Services > Grameen Foundation
Expands Technology Program for Poor Farmers ...
>> Using Cellphones To Change The World
>>> Africa > Mobile Phone > Powerful
Instrument Of Learning
>>> Question Box > CellPhone Reference / Extension
Service For The Developing World
Links The HomeSite / Etc. AND Related Postings Availabale At
[ http://tinyurl.com/yglpt57]
Regards,
/Gerry
Gerry McKiernan
Associate Professor
Science and Technology Librarian
Iowa State University Library
Ames IA 50011
There Are No Answers, Only Solutions / Olde Irish Saying
The Future Is Already Here, It's Just Not Evenly Distributed
Attributed To William Gibson, SciFi Author / Coined
'Cyberspace