Purdue Launches Service To Commercialize Mobile Apps

  • By Tim Sohn
  • 10/25/11

Purdue Research Foundation's Office of Technology Commercialization has launched a service to quickly bring mobile applications developed with university resources to market. The service released its first app, Phototate, October 17.

The free app, available through iTunes, was developed by 3iD, a group within the university's School of Construction Engineering and Management that provides IT services.

The Phototate app allows users to upload digital photographs to the Phototate web application.

Other features include:

  • Photo tagging with descriptions and picture name;
  • The ability to create presentations;
  • Photo Cataloging by description and date; and
  • Google Maps integration.

Joseph B. Hornett, senior vice president, treasurer and COO of the Purdue Research Foundation, said
development of the app involves multiple university resources.

"When the developer shares information with the Office of Technology Commercialization, the application is sent for testing to 3iD, a research team associated with the College of Engineering," he said. "3iD makes sure the application complies with the standards and regulations required by mobile device application stores including the Apple Store, Google Market, App World and others."

Purdue research scientist Bob McCullouch explained the process 3iD takes once the app is in its hands.

"My colleagues and I upload the application to the stores and assist in the review phase," he said. "Once the application has been approved, we maintain the storefront, give marketing privileges to the correct users, and assist in submitting updates."

Phototate is compatible with iPad, iPod touch, and iPhone. It requires iOs 3.1.3 and up.

Purdue Research Foundation is a nonprofit foundation that manages donations, releases funding to university faculty, staff, and students for research projects, handles facility improvements and construction, and manages intellectual property. It also oversees business incubator Purdue Research Park.

According to the Office of Technology Commercialization, 11 start-up companies were founded in 2010 with Purdue University resources. In addition, it received $3.93 million in gross royalty income.

For more information, visit prf.org.

About the Author

Tim Sohn is a 10-year veteran of the news business, having served in capacities from reporter to editor-in-chief of a variety of publications including Web sites, daily and weekly newspapers, consumer and trade magazines, and wire services. He can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter @editortim.

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