  In this paper, we outline some potential conflicts that platform owners and
software developers face in mobile application markets. Our arguments are based
on comments captured in specialized online discussion forums, in which
developers gather to share knowledge and experiences. The key findings indicate
conflicts of interests, including 1) intra-platform competition, 2)
discriminative promotion, 3) entry prevention, 4) restricted monetization, 5)
restricted knowledge sharing, 6) substitution, and 7) strategic technology
selection. Opportunistic platform owners may use their power to discriminate
between third-part software developers. However, there are also potential
strategic solutions that developers can apply; for example diversification
(multi-homing), syndication and brand building.
