AllThingsD » certification

A Transparent App Store. Great. Now, When Can We Expect Windows Mobile 6.5 to Ship Again?

John Paczkowski — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:23:40 +0000

Microsoft has published some more early details of its new Windows Mobile Marketplace and from the looks of things, it’s shaping up to be quite a bit like the iPhone App Store. Like Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT) will charge a $99 yearly registration fee. Like Apple, it will allow developers to set their own app prices. And like Apple, it will collect a flat 30 percent of the revenue from each app regardless of price or the number of copies sold. But unlike Apple, Microsoft’s application approval process will be transparent. That’s an important difference because Apple has taken a lot of flak for the App Store’s lack of clear and unambiguous rules regarding what will and won’t be accepted and about how those decisions are made and communicated. And Microsoft has clearly identified this as a potential vulnerability. “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,” the company explains. “Ultimately, this enables developers to devote more time to writing innovative applications, and less time trying to navigate the approval process.”

At whom could that little gibe be directed, I wonder?

Windows Mobile Marketplace may not be as sexy as the App Store, but it won’t be as autocratic as the App Store, either. And that could be a big selling point with developers. As soon as Microsoft manages to bring the next version of Windows Mobile to market…

Microsoft's Economic Stimulus Plan

John Paczkowski — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:40:36 +0000

[ See post to watch video ]

"Elevate America" Program Actually Elevate Microsoft Program

John Paczkowski — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:59:55 +0000

Microsoft gave technical training to the 5,000 employees it plans to lay off over the next 18 months. Now it’s extending that benefit to the rest of the unemployed labor pool.

On Sunday, the company announced Elevate America, a three-year job-training effort aimed at giving people the technology skills they need to survive in the job market. Under the program, it will offer one million vouchers for Microsoft eLearning courses and certification exams, and expanded access to Microsoft-vetted technology literacy and skills training programs. “Millions of Americans don’t have the technology skills needed in today’s economy,” Pamela Passman, a Microsoft vice president, said in a statement. “Through Elevate America, we want to help workers get the skills they need to succeed.”

Well, the Microsoft (MSFT) skills they might need, anyway. Which is, obviously, in Microsoft’s best interests. The more Certified Technology Specialists it has in the market, the better.