According to Charles Dunstone, CEO of Carphone Warehouse, in order for the iPhone to function correctly there is a requirement for Apple servers to be placed deep in the operator's network. One might argue that something along the same lines is required for BlackBerry service to work (we will for the moment ignore the argument about whether app servers are "edge" or "core" devices: logical experience rather than physical placement is the issue).
Logically such servers will be used for authentication and email services--just as Research in Motion might. The point is that when an application provider can provide functionality which resembles a "network service," it can justify a share of the ongoing revenues.
This might be significant, as it suggests a broad model under which network access and transport providers can work with application providers to create a mutually-beneficial revenue-sharing arrangement. The point isn't so much where the servers physically reside but that BlackBerry and iPhone both are devices featuring applications that require the cooperation of a network services provider to provide an optimal experience. Not to mention that the way both applications work provides some "walled garden" features carriers prefer.
The point is that here are two devices and application providers that operate neither in complete "walled garden" or "over the top" fashion. It is a hybrid model where the transport services provider is centrally involved, and both application and access/transport providers are sharing revenue.
So the point might be: what other applications have relatively broad appeal, can be embodied in a physical device and require some degree of authentication? Where are other examples of applications that are neither "over the top" or "closed," but someplace in-between?
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