Multiple opportunities for developers

The Intel AppUpSM developer program provides developers with a choice of languages, tools and platforms to create apps, alongside multiple distribution channels.

If there is one world that can be used to summarise the Intel AppUp developer program it has to be 'multiple.' This can be applied across a wide range of features ranging from languages to platforms, and also including digital stores and developer opportunities.

The underlying rationale for the program is to provide an app store that takes advantage of new devices as and when they appear; that unifies rather than splinters and makes life easier for developers. With this in mind it already provides developers with an access to an existing market of 70 million plus devices and emerging markets for tablet PCs and other devices.

It is this unification in a fragmented market place that provides developers with multiple opportunities and the multiple tools and platforms that provide the means to help leverage these opportunities through multiple distribution channels.

Languages and tools

First up, developers get to choose which hardware platform they want to develop for, whether it's netbooks or tablet PCs, or as the future unfurls, smart phones, in-vehicle entertainment, smart TV or other devices that become popular.

At the moment it's about netbooks and tablets and both these markets are currently underserved in terms of apps while both platforms offer some great opportunities for making money.

Dovetailing with this is the flexibility to develop in multiple languages. Alongside C++, the program also supports Microsoft.NET, Java, MeeGo and Adobe AIR run time. And for Windows apps there are wrappers that can be implemented around any language or runtime that Windows supports.

These wrapper solutions allow you to use one of natively supported languages as a layer in your application while your apps run in their native environment.

Two of the great benefits of this approach are the small learning curve and minimal coding effort. Developers can essentially use languages and tools they are comfortable with while the program provides SDKs that are made of only a few lines of code and APIs for authorisation and licensing.

SDKs include authorisation, crash reporting and a consumer store client emulator for testing. Added to this, all SDKs also come with IDE plug-ins to help develop apps.

Wider support

As you probably understand by now one of the main building blocks of the Intel AppUp developer program is the understanding that developers need to have plenty of reasons to be encouraged to participate. This extends beyond languages and tools to also incorporate comprehensive porting guides, porting tools, case studies, and tips and tricks to enable developers to bolster their endeavours with further practical help. Developers are also further supported by an enthusiastic community of fellow developers who can provide top quality feedback and support for those who are new to the program.

World-wide channels

When it comes to app distribution, the Intel AppUp dev program is built upon a simple and effective premise: to get developer's apps in front of as many people as possible by partnering with those who can provide wide-ranging exposure.

In practice this means tying up with manufacturers, retailers and service suppliers in order to extend reach. To date deals have been struck with retailers such as UK-based Dixons, Best Buy in the US and Croma of India, Walmart, HSN, New Egg, Tiger Direct and netbook manufacturer ASUS.

When a developer submits an application it actually appears across multiple Intel AppUp Center store fronts, providing exposure to a very wide audience.

And the customer

Of course, without the customer all of these endeavours are redundant. This is why it is designed to take advantage of the growing number of hardware devices out there.

End-users don't want to use lots of different app sources for downloads. They would much rather have a single source, a single convenient gateway that lets them browse and purchase the applications for their devices.

The Intel AppUp Center makes life much easier for consumers – with one standard for search, browsing, rating, installing and purchasing.

Taken together, these factors – ease and simplicity of use for consumers and a strong ecosystem of partners and retailers – ensure developers have a growing audience essential for the success of their apps. Marry this with the multiple tools and languages available and developers can expect to take advantage of the many opportunities that become available.

You can learn more about the Intel AppUp developer program at the official website.