Case Study
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Problem
Limited access to digital services and technologies in developing nations is a complicated, multifaceted problem with significant repercussions for social and economic development. In today’s fast-paced and connected global economy, access to digital services and technologies is essential for businesses and entrepreneurs that want to be inventive and competitive.
In many developing countries, SMEs and entrepreneurs lack the resources and infrastructure needed to fully leverage digital technologies and services. This includes access to reliable and high-speed internet, access to affordable devices and software, and the technical expertise required to build and maintain digital infrastructure. Without these resources, SMEs and entrepreneurs are at a disadvantage and struggle to compete with larger, more established companies.
The impact of limited access to digital services and technologies extends beyond just the business world. In many developing countries, access to digital services and technologies is a critical factor in promoting social development and improving access to education, healthcare, and other essential services. For example, access to telemedicine services can help to bridge the gap in healthcare access in remote or underserved areas, while access to online education resources can help to improve literacy rates and provide greater opportunities for learning and development.
Solution
In response to this challenge, Dialog Axiata, Sri Lanka’s largest telecommunications provider, launched IdeaMart and IdeaBiz. These platforms provide SMEs and entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to create and monetize innovative digital services and applications, allowing them to overcome the challenges of limited access to technology and infrastructure.
IdeaMart provides a range of APIs and software development kits (SDKs) that enable developers to create custom applications and services that leverage Dialog’s network infrastructure. This includes access to Dialog’s SMS, USSD, and billing platforms, and other core network services.
IdeaBiz is designed specifically for SMEs and entrepreneurs who want to launch their digital services and businesses. The platform provides a range of tools and resources, including business planning tools, marketing and branding support, and access to Dialog’s billing and payment systems.
Together, IdeaMart and IdeaBiz are helping to bridge the digital divide in Sri Lanka and other developing countries. By providing entrepreneurs and SMEs with the resources and support they need to succeed in a digital economy.
Axonect’s role in developing the solution
The Axonect APIM Suite provides a comprehensive set of tools and features that make it easy for Ideamart and Ideabiz to manage, monetize and scale their APIs. Key benefits of using Axonect APIM Suite is the ability to create and manage API products rapidly and easily. Therefore, Ideamart and Ideabiz can easily configure and expose their APIs to developers and customers. While ensuring the APIs are easily accessible and can be used to build a wide variety of applications and services.
This also includes the ability to set up pricing plans, usage limits, and access controls, ensuring that the APIs are used securely and sustainably while generating revenue. With Axonect APIM Suite, Ideamart and Ideabiz can easily track usage and revenue, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and optimize their API monetization strategy.
In addition, Axonect APIM Suite provides a range of tools for managing the entire API lifecycle, from design to deployment and beyond. This includes the ability to manage API versioning, testing, documentation, and analytics, making it easy for Ideamart and Ideabiz to ensure that their APIs are always up-to-date, well-documented, and performing optimally.
The Axonect APIM Suite has played a critical role in enabling Ideamart and Ideabiz to create a thriving ecosystem of digital services and solutions. By providing a comprehensive set of tools and features for managing and monetizing APIs, Axonect APIM Suite has helped to drive innovation, create new revenue streams, and foster a vibrant developer community.
Outcome
IdeaMart and Ideabiz have been successful in facilitating the development of a wide range of services utilizing various types of APIs. These APIs include:
- SMS Messaging
- Payments – charge directly via the Mobile connection
- Location-based services – Find the location of a Dialog Mobile phone
- USSD – Communicate via USSD
- Digital Rewards – Reward SMS or data of dialog mobile
- EZ Cash – Send EasyCash
The success of the API monetization strategy is evident in the variety and number of services created, the revenue generated, and the number of startups facilitated. By providing a range of APIs and support to developers and startups, IdeaMart has created a thriving ecosystem of digital services and solutions in Sri Lanka.
- APIs from 6 MNOs
- 10K+ Developer Community
- 15K+ Services created
- USD 16Mn in revenue shared
- 200+ Startups facilitated `by Ideamart
"IdeaMart, powered by Axonect's API Monetizer, has been a game-changer for our business. We appreciate the opportunities that the platform provides for both developers and non-developers to create Telco based apps and monetize their efforts. The scalability and maintainability of the Axonect API platform have enabled us to connect with over 10,000 developers, which has greatly expanded our network and provided us with a wealth of ideas and perspectives.
The IdeaMart Ecosystem, with its array of APIs, has also been instrumental in facilitating over 200 startups, which has helped us build a thriving community of entrepreneurs. We appreciate the ease with which we can access these APIs, which has saved us a lot of time and effort.
What's more, the Axonect API Manager platform provides us with robust governance and analytical capabilities that have been invaluable to our business. With the platform's governance capabilities, we can easily manage and monitor our APIs, ensuring their reliability and consistency. The analytical capabilities have also been a game-changer, giving us real-time insights into our API usage, performance, and monetization, allowing us to make informed decisions and optimize our business operations.One of the most significant benefits of working with Axonect is the consistent and growing revenue stream that the API Monetizer provides. This has been crucial for our business, and we are grateful for the reliable income that we can count on. We are excited about the future possibilities that IdeaMart and Axonect offer, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Axiata Digital Labs to further strengthen our partnership and explore new opportunities together."
The IdeaMart Ecosystem, with its array of APIs, has also been instrumental in facilitating over 200 startups, which has helped us build a thriving community of entrepreneurs. We appreciate the ease with which we can access these APIs, which has saved us a lot of time and effort.
What's more, the Axonect API Manager platform provides us with robust governance and analytical capabilities that have been invaluable to our business. With the platform's governance capabilities, we can easily manage and monitor our APIs, ensuring their reliability and consistency. The analytical capabilities have also been a game-changer, giving us real-time insights into our API usage, performance, and monetization, allowing us to make informed decisions and optimize our business operations.One of the most significant benefits of working with Axonect is the consistent and growing revenue stream that the API Monetizer provides. This has been crucial for our business, and we are grateful for the reliable income that we can count on. We are excited about the future possibilities that IdeaMart and Axonect offer, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Axiata Digital Labs to further strengthen our partnership and explore new opportunities together."
Viranga Seneviratne
General Manager – Ideamart Dialog Axiata PLC