By Andrew Berg Apple isn't the only one racking up application downloads these days. GetJar, an independent app store, has surpassed 500 million downloads. The company said the milestone is significant because it proves that consumer demand for apps is becoming a truly global phenomenon. GetJar currently hosts nearly 50,000 mobile applications available in more than 200 different countries.
A press release from the company reports the top five applications for download, with the Opera Mini Web browser taking the top spot at 17 million downloads. eBuddy IM followed at a close second at 16 million downloads, followed by Nimbuzz Mobile Messaging, mig33 mobile community and Google Maps.
The company also says that Adobe Flash technology-based applications have been successful on GetJar – some doing up to 20,000 downloads in one week. GetJar awarded premium placement to winners of the Adobe Flash Mobile Developer Contest.
“We’re glad to see that apps created with Flash technology contributed to GetJar’s milestone,” said Tom Barclay, senior product marketing manager, Adobe Flash Platform Business. “It’s important for Flash developers to look at services like GetJar to distribute their content to users across different mobile platforms and devices.”
While Ilja Laurs, CEO of GetJar, said GetJar does incorporate traditional means of attracting customers to its site, such as partnerships with carriers and OEMs, referrals are really the company’s bread and butter. “Eighty percent of Get Jar users download applications from GetJar because their friend got that application from GetJar. Applications trend through friend referrals.”