In expansion mode, the South Korean app market operator One store has announced its tie-up with global technology giant Microsoft to develop a global app market by next year. The move is in line with the tech operator’s ambitions to enhance its presence against bigger rivals operated by global tech giants.
The app market is currently available on the Android mobile operating system as an alternative to Google’s dominant Play store in South Korea. According to the company, following the tie-up, the company plans to incorporate Microsoft’s cloud technology to create a global platform by next year.
Earlier One store’s head of strategic partnership Jin Heon-kyu said the company is considering the launch in the Asian market. The move comes after Microsoft invested 11.3 billion won ($9.5 million) in One store in June.
The homegrown app market is backed by major wireless carrier SK Telecom, which holds a 47% stake in the company, as well as other carriers KT Corp and LG Uplus Corp that also have minor stakes.
One store has also announced its strategic partnership with Blizzard Entertainment. This comes amid growing discontent against top tech players Google and Apple for creating a monopolistic market for other tech players.
The two have been under pressure from local lawmakers as they are reviewing a bill that would ban app market operators from unfairly forcing in-app payment systems that levy commissions.
