If the Internet revolution was the catalyst for progress in the 20th Century then the current post-PC revolution, powered by smartphones and tablet apps, is fast tracking societal development in a manner that was virtually inconceivable just five years ago.
Realising this, MTN Business, in association with Creative Space Media, has officially launched the third annual MTN Business App of the Year Awards which take place on 14 August at The Venue, Melrose Arch in Johannesburg.
MTN Business Enterprise Marketing GM Kevin Jacobson comments: "The MTN Business App of the Year Awards celebrate local talent and promote South Africa as an innovation hub within the mobile space. We have already seen how apps have helped to empower Africans from all walks of life and connected the continent to the rest of the world."
The MTN Business App Awards therefore aim to recognise and reward the world-class skills of South Africa's brightest and best consumer and enterprise app developers who are laying down the foundation of not just South Africa's, but Africa's ascendency in the modern digital era.
Entries will be adjudicated by an independent panel of judges with significant experience in the ICT sector, who expect the quality and calibre of submissions to surpass the high standards achieved in 2013.
The prize remains the same as it was last year due to the relevance and impact it has on the developers. The developer who walks away with the coveted title of App of the Year wins R200k to buy media in order to promote and create awareness about themselves and their app.
Individuals, corporate, and businesses are urged to enter their live apps (developed in the last 12 months) into the following categories:
* Best iOS App - Enterprise.
* Best iOS App - Consumer
* Best Android App - Consumer
* Best Android App - Enterprise
* Best App use of Microsoft Cloud Services
* Best App for the Microsoft Platform
* Best Garage Developer App.
* Most Innovative App
Key criteria for judging will include whether an app is: intuitive, reflects simplicity in design, is easy to use and install, adds value, shows improved functionality and perhaps most importantly is an excellent example of truly African innovation in Enterprise or to the end-user.
Proof of the standing of previous award winners is last year's App of the Year, SnapScan, which enables consumers to make cellphone-based payments, thereby eliminating the need for cash, wallets or a bank card. Developed in Stellenbosch, the app has taken South Africa's market place by storm and is continuing its roll-out to merchants across the country.
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