Microsoft has signalled it will join Apple and Google in the mobile "apps store" market.
It appears the software giant expects to launch an applications store called "Skymarket" later this year for its Windows Mobile platform, if a recent job posting is accurate.
According to the ad posted on Sunday on Computerjob.com, the Skymarket senior product manager will head a team that will "drive the launch of a version 1 marketplace service for Windows Mobile".
Among the key responsibilities, according to the ad:
- Definition of the product offering, pricing, business model and policies that will make the Windows Mobile marketplace "the place to be" for developers wishing to distribute and monetise their Windows Mobile applications;
- Responsibility for the business model and key elements that will drive the optimal experience for developers and monetisation of the service by Microsoft;
- Preparation and driving the cross group collaboration for the initial launch of the marketplace offering to the developer community this fall;
- Preparation and driving the cross group collaboration with stakeholders in the commercial launch of the marketplace service with the launch of WM 7.
Microsoft representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The news comes as Google last week said it would create an online application repository for its Android platform that would be similar to Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch App Store.
Microsoft the innovators! haha (copycats, like usual)