Symbian Foundation launches app publishing program

LONDON--The Symbian Foundation announced the launch of its new Symbian Horizon publishing program here at the non-profit's Symbian Exchange and Exposition 2009 conference, promising developers a new channel to list, process and publish their mobile applications across a variety of app store partners. Speaking at a Nokia-sponsored media event Monday, Symbian Foundation head of community support Shaun Puckrin called Symbian Horizon a "Yellow Pages" for mobile apps users, noting the program will provide consumers with a listing of all Symbian-signed software as well as an inventory of the virtual storefronts where a particular application is available for download. According to the Symbian Foundation, Horizon is a response to developer concerns over the costs and challenges associated with creating and publishing Symbian apps to the worldwide consumer segment--in addition to reducing distribution barriers, the program also promises translation and localization assistance.  

A total of five stores--Nokia's Ovi Store, Samsung Applications Store, AT&T's MEdia Mall, China Mobile's Mobile Market and Sony Ericsson's PlayNow arena--support Symbian Horizon; the directory is live in beta, and developers can submit their Symbian-signed apps for inclusion free of charge. In the months ahead, the Symbian Foundation will revise the submission process, offering developers the option of automatically adding their apps to the Horizon directory. In addition, developers will be able to register online and edit their application and developer profiles, providing both stores and consumers with complete information about their products. The Symbian Foundation adds that it will begin a comprehensive program targeted at processing thousands of applications in the year to come. It also will seek input on options for funding the program.

"The world doesn't need yet another app store," said Symbian Foundation director Lee Williams during his opening keynote address Tuesday morning. "We're here to help developers with promotion, translation, and channel and store access. This is a real opportunity for them to get to market."

Related articles:
Symbian Horizon promises simplified app publishing 
Symbian Foundation outlines new roadmap
Open season for the Symbian Foundation