Palm developer program now open for business

LAS VEGAS, USA: Palm has recently announced Palm webOS developer program. According to the press release, Any developer can now go to the Palm Developer Center, sign up, and start developing and distributing applications for webOS devices.

 “We’re thrilled to open the doors of a program that offers mobile developers unparalleled freedom and choice in how they distribute and market applications,” said Katie Mitic, senior vice president, Product Marketing, Palm, Inc.

“The combination of our highly accessible web-based platform, groundbreaking integration opportunities and open, flexible distribution program makes Palm webOS the best place for developers to create the next generation of innovative mobile applications,” added Mitic.

To kick off the official opening of the Palm applications ecosystem, Palm is launching a $1 million Hot Apps bonus program for webOS developers. The program, which is open to developers worldwide and will award $1 million to the most successful applications distributed during this timeframe.

The developers of the top free and paid applications each will earn a $100,000 bonus; in addition, 40 developers will receive $10,000 (20 each for free and paid), with 400 developers awarded $1,000 (200 each for free and paid) said a press release.

Furtehr it added, each element of the Palm developer program is designed to help developers promote their work and ultimately drive application sales and downloads. Developers receive a 70/30 split (developer/Palm) of gross revenues generated through sales (after applicable taxes).

Palm is also opening up the database of webOS applications data, with feeds of app descriptions, ratings, stats, screen shots and more to app developers and the broader web community to leverage the web as a discovery channel.

“We’re leveraging the power of the web to give developers as much freedom as possible,” said Mitic. “The web is a large and efficient channel for connecting consumers to the content and applications they want most, so it only makes sense to leverage those tools and community to enhance discovery of Palm applications.”