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!!! 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 gerry...@iastate.edu 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