Microsoft announced some new details on how developers will be able to sell (or give away) their applications on the Windows Marketplace for Mobile.
In its commitment to helping developers create new and exciting applications, Microsoft will provide developers with 70 percent of the sales revenue of their applications from Windows Marketplace for Mobile, transparency throughout the certification process, and guidance and support from the stage of development to the final sale to the consumer.
Developers will be required to pay an annual registration fee. The introductory fee is US$99 and includes up to five application submissions. Additional submissions within the annual period will each cost US$99 as well.
Microsoft will run a rigorous certification and testing process to validate applications before they are released to the Marketplace. Developers will then receive 70 percent of the revenues generated by their applications. This is in line with the Apple App Store revenue sharing model.
The Windows Marketplace for Mobile is slated to go live in Q4 when Windows Mobile 6.5 devices start to hit the market. It will be offered in 29 countries. In the meantime, developers will be able to start registering in the spring and submitting application in the summer.