Mobile billing methods are a hot topic at the moment - thanks to Nokia's new 60:40 split for the operator billing on the Ovi Store - as well as the paucity of options available via the Android Market.

One company keen to demonstrate how flexible billing can be when combined with new business models, especially in the context of Google's OS, is Accumulate.

The UK/Swedish outfit has added support for in-app billing in 60 countries worldwide within its Flexion delivery technology.

This enables developers to wrap any J2ME and Android game or app using a range of different options, from 'try before you buy' to 'all you can eat', and provides flexible payment models.

Set your menu

Price points and methods of billing can be defined dynamically on a per territory basis, with the billing system providing the option of either premium SMS - one provider available at launch is txtNation - or credit card.

In addition, if developers already have a relationship with a preferred provider, the Flexion wrapper can add or change the billing providers without any effort required by the content provider.

"We believe it is key to be able to offer operator billing in as many markets as possible since this will increase conversion to spend and ultimately generate more revenues for all involved," said Jens Lauritzson, Accumulate UK's MD.

"It is obvious why certain App stores are struggling and a lot of it is down to ease of use and purchase. We would like to invite them to use our solution and focus on distribution rather than billing."

[source: Accumulate]