WIRELESS AND MOBILE NEWS

Microsoft detailed how developers can build and sell applications for Windows smartpones through Windows Marketplace for Mobile, the app store available with the Windows Mobile 6.5. operating system. Developers will get at 70% cut, no coast distribution, set their own prices and get marketing and guidance from Microsoft.

Tools to begin developing for Windows phones, go to http://developer.windowsmobile.com.

Developers can also choose to distribute their application at no cost. Up to five application submissions to the Windows Marketplace for Mobile is included in the introductory annual registration of $99 (U.S.). Each additional submission within the annual period will have a cost of $99 (U.S.).

The registration fee will be waived for student developers who want to reach Windows phones customers, through enrollment in the DreamSpark program. Finally, developers will also be eligible for marketing and sales support from the Mobility Solutions Partner Program, allowing developers to focus on their core competency of developing innovative applications.

To help developers there are webcasts, SDK, and a resource kit.

With Windows Marketplace for Mobile available in 29 countries, developers will be able to tap into a broad international customer base. At the same time, Microsoft will continue working with developers to ensure that their applications run optimally on Windows phones by running a rigorous certification and testing process before applications go to market. Developers will be able to see detailed feedback during and after the certification process of their application on the Windows Marketplace for Mobile developer portal. Ultimately this enables developers to devote more time to writing innovative applications, and less time trying to navigate the approval process. Developers will have access to all details once the registration doors open in the spring, and will be able to start submitting their applications later this summer.

Developers can utilize familiar tools and technologies to build unique experiences for the Windows Mobile platform through Windows Marketplace for Mobile, including the Windows Mobile 6 SDK, .NET Compact Framework 3.5.

With more than 20,000 applications already in market, Windows Mobile is among the most popular platforms for developers. Windows Mobile 6.5, the next generation of the Windows Mobile operating system, will allow developers to build innovative mobile applications without having to learn new skills or programming languages, by leveraging familiar desktop and server development tools such as Win32, Active Template Library and Microsoft Foundation Classes (Visual C++), Visual C#, Visual Basic .NET, ASP.NET and asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX).