Application Questions

[#1]

Hi,

We're starting the process of submitting our apps to  your site. We are at the point of filling out the application submission form and I have quite a few questions.

1) I noticed at the bottom of the form it talks about needing certification for Java applications. Is the AppCenter only accepting Java applications? We have mostly Windows Mobile 6 and 6.5 apps.

2) In the approval form, it asks "Availability on other channels/carriers?" Is this just for your general knowledge of where else our apps are located? And what do you mean by "Off-portal"?

3) On the form it asks you to check "Platforms/OS supported" and the iPhone is listed. I thought we had to sell our iPhone apps through the iTunes store and not through the AppCenter, so why is it listed?  Are we able to submit iPhone apps to the AppCenter?

4) We usually offer a 10-day free trial for our apps, but you do not have an option for free trials on the form. Does the AppCenter not support free trials or is there a different way we can enter this information? Is there a payment from we have to fill out that lets us set up direct deposit and things like that?

5) Finally, we submit this form for each application we want to submit and then wait for our app to be certified and approved, but when do we upload our physical application? I didn't notice a place to upload the binary on the approval form.

We really appreciate your help! Thank you!

~Rachel

[#2]

Hi Rachel - here are answers to your questions:

1) AppCenter is accepting applications and games for Java, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Symbian, and Brew Mobile Platform.

2) The reason we ask for "availability on other channels/carriers" is to provide us with more insight into how you're currently distributing your content. We refer to "Off-Portal" as content that is distributed outside of AT&T or OEM-branded distribution channels - for instance, if you were distributing your app via other misc. 3rd party storefronts, distribution via aggregators (i.e. selling/marketing your content via shortcodes), or even distributing your app via your own web/wap site(s).

3) We are inquiring about iPhone again just for our own internal reference, to better understand how you are currently distributing your app. It also allows us to review how the end users are rating your app. If you want to distribute your app/game via the Apple App Store, you must work directly with Apple.

4) We do offer free trials. This will need to be discussed directly with one of our AppCenter product managers. Once your app has been reviewed and approved, you will be provided with additional information on getting your company established with all of the appropriate payment details.

5) Following app review, approval and certification, you will then be provided with info on the app ingestion process with our storefront platform vendor, Motricity. They will set up a kickoff call and provide you with access to the appropriate tools/documentation.

Thanks!

Dave

[#3]

Thank you so much, Dave! This helps a lot! I just have one more question for you. Do we have to go through the review, approval and certification process for each individual app we want to submit? Or do we only fill out the Application Submission form once and we can submit all of our apps when we reach the app ingestion process?

Thanks again for all of your help!

~Rachel

[#4]

Hi Rachel,

Yes, you will need to complete the app submission form for each individual app, as we will need to review each unique application. Please note that subsequent submissions should be a bit easier, as you won't be required to enter all of your company/contact info.

Thanks,

Dave

[#5]

Great! Thank you, Dave!

[#6]

Hi Dave,

Sorry for all of the questions, but I have a few more!

1) In which countries is the AppCenter available so that we can localize the appropriate applications?

2) Does the Application Description on the application approval form have a word count limit?

3) On the form it says "List and describe any proprietary permissions required". What do you mean by proprietary permissions? Is this where we would include an End user Liscense Agreement?

Thank you so much for all of your help!

~Rachel

[#7]

Hi Rachel,

1) AppCenter is only available in the United States, serving our 85M+ AT&T subscribers. No localization is necessary.

2) There shouldn't be a word count limit on the Application Description section. If you do run out, I'd suggest uploading any PowerPoint or PDF decks that describe your app via the "Upload any related marketing docs" section in the Planned Marketing Support section.

3) Proprietary permissions refers to code signing, and whether your application requires access to any privileged APIs (device or network specific) on top of the permissions we already list out in that section. Most apps won't need any additional permissions. As far as your EULA is concerned, I'd suggest uploading that in the "Application Info" section in the same area as item #2 ("Upload any related marketing documents" area).

Thanks,
Dave

[#8]

Thank you, Dave! That helps so much. I was also wondering if you accept standard (smartphone) applications or professional (ppc) applications? And what date do you want for "Scheduled Release Date"? All of our apps are ready for commercial launch, so is this the date we would like you to put our apps on th AppCenter?

Thanks!

~Rachel

[#9]

Hello Rachel - for our AppCenter (hosted by Motricity), we currently do accept smartphone applications. In particular, we accept apps/games for BlackBerry and Windows Mobile. If you're looking to get an Android or iPhone app to market, you would need to work directly through the Android Market or Apple App Store.

For "scheduled release date", we're just looking for an ETA on when your app will be commerically available. If they are already ready for launch, please enter the estimated date that they originally became commmercially available.

Thanks much!

Dave

[#10]

So you do not accept applications for Windows Mobile Pocket PC touchscreen phones (Professional)?