Move Gives Microsoft Control of Store Inventory

As reported in PCWorld, Microsoft has forbidden mobile VoIP applications over carrier wireless networks and 11 other application types. Specifically, Microsoft bans applications built for Windows Mobile that are centered on providing access to:

[li]competitor storefronts and two other twists on this theme. Of course, Microsoft should be eligible to restrict competitive forrays into their Mobile franchise and its software store. Those applications that require access to other storefronts or marketplaces to achieve some higher level of functionality or value are banned as are applications that link to websites that encourage users to upgrade outside of the app store. [/li]

[li]applications that promote wireless calling plans. This one strikes me as a little unnecessary. Mobile users are smart enough to recognize that advertisements are not good applications.[/li]

[li]applications that display advertising not in keeping with Microsoft Mobile advertising guidelines. I suppose this means that Microsoft wants to control advertising on their advertising platform, if that is what Windows Mobile becomes.[/li]

[li]applications that replace, modify or interfere with the dialer, SMS or MMS user interfaces. Too bad. As I recall, the Window Mobile dialer is inadequate for most enterprise applications and a little toy-like in design.[/li]

[li]applications that change the default browser. This strikes me as a little Nanny-ish. Why can’t a mobile user choose a different browser and make it stick?[/li]

[li]applications with OTA file size larger than 10 MB. This makes sense, but certainly won’t exclude many applications because most developers create small footprints on tiny mobile devices.[/li]

[li]applications that run code outside the mobile device OS. This prevents machine code applications that change the nature of the Windows Mobile device.[/li]

In many ways, Microsoft is setting boundaries that will avoid unfair usurping of the Microsoft Mobile franchise and will probably reduce unpleasant application interactions that fiddle with underlying machine assumptions about SMS, MMS, dialers and browsers. It is my assertion that these restrictions will reduce the load on customer support professionals. But, then again, users ought to be able to purchase the widest possible assortment of software to achieve whatever goals they have shouldn’t they?

[readon1 url=”http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/164416/microsoft_to_forbid_voip_rival_stores_at_mobile_market.html”]Source: PCWorld[/readon1][readon1 url=”http://developer.windowsmobile.com/resources/en-us/MarketplaceProhibitedApplicationTypes.pdf”]Source: Microsoft[/readon1]

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