Ericsson IPX launches in-app payments service

Platform gives app developers connections to over 120 operators.

Ericsson IPX is one of the longest-established and largest payments providers in the mobile and fixed line telco space.

It's been a fixture in the SMS and direct billing market, but with this move it's offering developers or content provider a wrapper technology and an SDK, which they can embed in their apps to support micropayments from the phone bill.

The system provides consumers with a one click option to purchase without leaving the application, and obviously removes the need for a credit card. It supports try before you buy as well as rental and subscription models.

Adam Kerr, head of Ericsson’s m-commerce business, said: “People are spending increasing amounts of time and money on applications.

"Research firm Ovum projects that revenues from paid mobile apps will top USD 3.7 billion in 2011 and expects this to increase to USD 7.7 billion in 2016. In order to reach these kinds of numbers it’s got to be easy for the consumer.”