Mobile app store users to quadruple by 2014

Research firm In-Stat has predicted that there will be more than 100 million app store users by 2014.

Apple and its iPhone are specifically mentioned in the report, titled "The Apps Store Is Born", as leading the mobile apps revolution. The Apple store has seen tremendous success since it opened its doors last year, with more than 800 million downloads and more than 25,000 apps.

This has been picked up by rivals including Google which is trying to emulate Apple’s success with its Android Marketplace, while RIM's App World will soon be opening for business for the Blackberry line. Nokia will also be integrating social and location-based features into its Ovi Store.

But the report warns that merely having an over-the-air store for mobile programs may not be enough to attract customers and developers.

In-Stat thinks that app stores as a lucrative source of revenue for developers, as well as a new way for advertisers to reach consumers. While business models need to be worked out to make profit viable, the research firm sees a bright future for strong marketers in these virtual stores.