System and method for extending a component-based application platform with custom services

A mobile device executing an extended, dynamically linked version of an application the mobile device comprising:

• a service manager selecting an extension service from a plurality of extension services and dynamically loading the selected extension service, the service manager comprising:
• an input module receiving a request for an extended service of the installed application, the extended service being described in a service document, the service document including service metadata descriptors to identify a communication interface associated with the extension service, the application interacting with the extension service through communication messages defined in a structured definition language, the service metadata descriptors describing the communication interface including structure and type of parameters expected by the extension service for use in manipulation of the communication messages, the service metadata descriptors further being distinct from an application metadata descriptor of the application;
• a search module searching the extension service for more matches if the requested service is located remotely or there are additional extension service options;
• and
• an install module installing the extension service, and updating the service document with the service metadata descriptors,
• wherein the extension service is selected from the group consisting of:
• a local extension service configured for hosting on the mobile device, and a remote extension service configured for hosting on a network entity communicating with the mobile device via the network.

A computer readable storage medium coupled to a computer processor for providing instructions to the processor to execute a method comprising:

• receiving a request for an extended service of the installed application, the extended service being described in a service document, the service document including service metadata descriptors to identify a communication interface associated with the extension service, the application interacting with the extension service through communication messages defined in a structured definition language, the service metadata descriptors describing the communication interface including structure and type of parameters expected by the extension service for use in manipulation of the communication messages, the service metadata descriptors further being distinct from an application metadata descriptor of the application;
• searching the extension service for more matches if the requested service is located remotely or there are additional extension service options;
• installing the extension service;
• and
• updating the service document with the service metadata descriptors,
• wherein the extension service is selected from the group consisting of:
• a local extension service configured for hosting on the mobile device, and a remote extension service configured for hosting on a network entity communicating with the mobile device via the network.