MWC 2012: IBM completes Worklight acquisition

Facebook joins W3C Mobile Web Platform Core Community Group to improve mobile browser support for apps

Mobile World Congress 2012: IBM has completed its acquisition of mobile software provider Worklight, which specialises in technology designed to speed up the delivery of mobile applications to multiple devices.

"Now it will be easier than ever for our clients to offer secure and connected applications to their customers, business partners and employees," said Marie Wieck, general manager, IBM application and infrastructure middleware.

Meanwhile, social media site Facebook has announced that it is joining the W3C Mobile Web Platform Core Community Group, which is made up of more than 30 device manufacturers, carriers and developers working to standardise mobile browsers to ensure that app developers know which browser will support their software.

In a blog post, director of developer relations at Facebook, Douglas Purdy, said:

"When you build for the mobile web today, it's hard to know which browsers and devices will support your app."

He said that the W3C Mobile Web Platform Core Community Group will make it easier for developers to understand an app's potential reach and prioritise which browser capabilities are important.

Privacy concerns around apps were also addressed at MWC, with event organiser the GSMA announcing a new initiative to provide users with more control and transparency over how apps use their personal information.

The initiative is backed by European mobile operators, including Orange, O2 and Vodafone.

The GSMA said that the new guidelines will put mobile users first while "establishing a framework of confidence and trust in the mobile ecosystem, and making it easier for developers to build in privacy from the outset."