Microsoft has opened up for registration on the Windows Mobile MarketPlace. I missed an official launch, and only happened to catch it by coincidence, so it must have been a silent launch though.

That means you can now register as an ISV/developer, and fill in contact details, payment details, etc. It will still be a couple of weeks/months before you can actually submit applications mind you. And launching the MarketPlace itself isn’t going to happen until Windows Mobile 6.5 becomes generally available later this year.

There are a few important notes to take away at this point in time too however. MSFT has posted clear guidelines as to what will be accepted in the MarketPlace. No gambling and porn (no surprise), and no VoIP apps (like Skype) either. Some might interpret that last one as being dictated by the mobile operators. Maybe. I don’t know the reasoning behind that decision. But since paying for apps over your phone bill is an option as a consumer I’m guessing the mobile operators do get a saying in the shaping of the policies.

MSFT also stated clearly that the MarketPlace is just one means of delivery for applications on Windows Mobile. It will not be mandatory to use the MarketPlace as is the case with a few of the unnamed competitors. I believe this will be a great strength for the developer ecospace. Still not sure what this means for enterprise use though as the guidelines also state that the MarketPlace cannot be unistalled or removed from WM 6.5 devices. I sure hope they include some security policies to enable enterprises to disable it, or place restrictions on the use of it. Worst case we’ll have to block the .exe file from running… (Imagine users with company-paid subscriptions running amok in the store.) Better yet – release a MarketPlace add-on for SCMDM, and enable use of an application portal hosted on premise (I see no reason why this wouldn’t be technically possible.) There are indications in the docs that the MarketPlace is in some way based on WSUS so it should be adaptable.

There’s also a lengthy guide of technical requirements that apply to the application you want to offer. An application should be signed, it should run both in landscape and portrait, it should handle use of the onscreen keyboard (SIP) properly, etc. Now you might be thinking that this is something the developers have to struggle with, and that it’s their problem. I believe that it would benefit you to read this even though you don’t write a single code line, and have no idea of the inner workings of an application for Windows Mobile. I have often run into problems with deploying mobile applications in MDM implementations, and if you are able to trace it down to being sloppy coding on the developer’s part, you both make a better impression on the customer when explaining this, and you might be able to provide helpful pointers to whoever created the app. Developers aren’t necessary doing a sloppy job on purpose, but even if you are proficient with desktop programming there are a few hurdles along the way to become proficient at coding mobile apps. If you can help them along the way, it can’t be a bad thing

There’s a fee of 99$ which should be surmountable for most of us. You can set the price of your apps (including free), and Microsoft will take a 30% cut leaving you with 70%. If I interpret the FAQ correctly you cannot register as an independent developer, and need to provide a company profile. (Which can probably be a one-man shop if you like.)

I think I’ll have to register for this, if for nothing else then with a purpose to learn. I haven’t decided on what to make available either. And I don’t think it will make me rich in any foreseeable future either

Relevant links for more information:
Windows Mobile Developer Portal: http://developer.windowsmobile.com
“Sign Up Now”: http://developer.windowsmobile.com/Marketplace.aspx
Application Submission Guidelines: http://developer.windowsmobile.com/…/…Guidelines.pdf
MarketPlace Prohibited Application Types: http:/…/MarketplaceProhibitedApplicationTypes.pdf