Microsoft Announces New Policies for Windows Phone Marketplace

Microsoft announced today on its Windows Blog the introduction of new policies for Windows Phone Marketplace that will make it easier for a wider range of developers to submit their applications for the upcoming Windows Phone 7 platform. The Redmond-based company states that their goal is also to attract more developers.

According to Microsoft, the new policies offer:

• Annual registration fee of $99
• No limit to the number of paid apps submitted 5 free apps per registration, $19.99 each after that
• Free registration to DreamSpark students (same unlimited paid and 5 free apps applies)
• A new optional push notification service to help developers stay engaged with customers
• A new optional Trial API – trials mean more customers try your app, and less likelihood that they return it. The length or type of trial is fully controlled by the developer
• The ability to publish to all available Marketplace markets through a new “worldwide distribution” option, allowing developers to pay once and distribute broadly
• Wider range of business models; free, paid, freemium and ad-funded
• Equally important to many developers is what isn’t changing:
• A revenue share of 70/30
• Developers manage their business with Marketplace via the self service portal http://developer.windowsphone.com
• Payout takes place monthly for developers that have earned more than USD$200 worldwide
• Developers can make ad funded applications
• All applications go through a process of technical and content certification
• Marketplace offers support for credit card commerce, and where available mobile operator billing.
• Microsoft continues its practice of publishing policies, guidelines, and submission process details to developers so they understand exactly how marketplace works.

According to Microsoft, the full list of Windows Phone Marketplace can be found here. It appears that the changes have been made for the better. The company goes on to state that they have “listened to developers and responded to changing customer behavior to make Marketplace an even better experience for all.” Microsoft promises that they’re adding many new features that developers have asked for.