Analysts are used to measuring a platform's success from hardware sales figures or ad impressions, so basing it on the availability of freelance jobs is a fresh science.

Nonetheless, outsourcing marketplace Freelancer believes its figures show a tangible link between the growth of smartphone platforms and the number of roles they dole out to outside business.

If nothing else, the fact the firm's latest Freelancer Fast 50 report paints a picture of an incessant assault by Android suggests there's some truth in that assessment.

Comparing Apples with Androids

"Our data allows us to see changes in the world of online work and provides the ability to predict upcoming trends," said Freelancer chief executive Matt Barrie.

"We have a unique insight into many of the large tech companies like Google, Apple and Facebook."

Indeed, it's the Apple platform that remains one of the largest employers according to the firm's numbers. There were 2,985 jobs available in the last quarter – up 9 percent from 2,739 in the previous quarter.

Android, however, is coming up sharply from the rear. Up 20 percent quarter on quarter to 1,702 jobs, Freelancer believes the number of Android-related jobs will surpass those involved in Apple's platform by the end of 2012 if its current growth continues.

Not so Flash

Similarly, HTML5 work is also growing apace, jumping from 604 projects in Q1 2011 to 807 in Q2.

"The 34 percent increase places HTML5 firmly at the top of the Freelancer Fast 50 poised to be a job-generating leader for the foreseeable future," the firm concludes.

"The rise of HTML5 has reinforced the downfall of Flash, once the powerhouse of online work. Flash work dropped 10 percent to 3,095 jobs posted this quarter, however it is yet to be determined what impact Google Swiffy will have on Flash projects."

In contrast to the rising powers, platforms such as BlackBerry and Windows Mobile are dwindling in relevance – jobs in the former falling 6 percent, while WinMob numbers – down 16 percent – were so low they did not warrant inclusion in the report.

The full numbers can be found over on Freelancer.com in PDF form.