Intel launched the Intel Atom Developer Program in September, promising SDKs, tech support, and an online store for netbook software developers. Aimed at independent software vendors (ISVs) and developers, the program is touted as a framework for developers to create and sell software for netbooks that use Intel Atom processors. 

The program, which counts Acer, Asustek, and Dell among its members, aims to help netbook developers move from application creation through testing and marketing.Support for handhelds, smartphones, and set-top boxes (STBs) is said to be planned for the future.

Moblin v2.1 Myzone interface
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A story by Darryl Taft in our sister publication, eWEEK quotes Scott Apeland, director of Intel's Developer Network, as saying that the SDK will include services such as an authorization API, a crash reporting API, test and debugging capabilities, packaging instructions, sample code, and developer guidance.

"You can write apps for the netbook and we can help you get them out in front of customers through an app store," Apeland was quoted as saying. Apeland also noted that the app store will be launched with the help of several Intel partners, and will come pre-installed with netbook devices and user apps.

According to a FAQ for developers that appears on Intel's Atom Developer Program website, "Developers will set the price for their applications, and receive up to 70 percent of the revenue from every sale from every store. Infrastructure operational expenses and partner revenue will be covered from the remaining portion."

In the original program announcement, Intel noted that developers can license development tools and application modules directly from other independent developers and ISVs via the store.Developers are encouraged to submit applications for validation and, once validated, begin to take advantage of the programs revenue-generating opportunities in 2010, says the story. Intel is offering incentives for developers to begin submitting applications by offering a chance to win prizes including a smart car or vacation package.

Moblin v2.1 browser
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With availability for C and C++ developers on both platforms, "The vision here is that developers will be able to write one app and it will run on multiple devices -- both Windows- and Moblin-based," Apeland said. He also noted that social media, education, and "entertainment on the go" are likely to be the primary development categories.

In the original announcement, Intel said that the program would support cross-platform run-time environments, including Microsoft's Silverlight. Shortly after the Developer Program announcement, Intel spokespeople were said to have explained that Silverlight compatibility will not be based on the Linux-ready open source "Moonlight" clone of Silverlight from Novell's Mono project, but rather on a new Silverlight 3 version that will run directly on Moblin.

Availability

The Intel Atom Developer Program Software Development Kit (SDK) beta may be found along with additional information, here. The FAQ referenced above discussing the business model for developers may be found here.

The eWEEK story on the program should be here.

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