Here’s a reason not to write off Windows Phone 7: A surprising amount of publishers and advertisers are eager to build new applications for Microsoft’s mobile platform.
That’s right, the new kid in town has the same amount of publishers working on mobile apps for 2011 as the Apple iPad, according to a new survey of 500 app developers, publishers and advertisers conducted by mobile ad company Millennial Media.
With so much potential revenue expected from mobile apps and a diverse group of mobile platforms to choose from, the pie is cut into many slices with no mobile platform dominating the field, according to the survey. This open-mindedness can only benefit Microsoft as it tries to assert itself in the mobile market.
Of the 500 respondents from industries such as entertainment, technology, media and retail, 20 percent say they will develop new apps for WP7 next year. The iPad also drew 20 percent of developer interest.
With 29 percent of the pot, Google’s Android was the survey’s big winner and all roads lead to explosive app development on Android next year. RIM garnered 12 percent of developer interest, the same as last year. The iPhone saw a drop from 30 percent to 8 percent in app development interest from 2009 to 2010, but that is because everyone and their brother already has their latest app on the iPhone.
The 20 percent interest in Windows Phone 7 should be heartening news for Microsoft. WP7 is a mobile rebirth, and Microsoft needs as many apps as possible to compete with Android phones and the iPhone, which has access to 250,000 apps in Apple’s App Store.
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It’s also worth noting that developer faith in Windows Phones has increased from last year’s survey. When Windows Mobile was the only choice in 2009 looking to 2010, 6 percent of developers said they would develop new apps for Windows Mobile, compared to 20 percent this year for Windows Phone 7. This is arguably a sign that developers are letting Microsoft’s mobile mishaps of the past die and are looking forward.
Another piece of good news this week for Windows Phones is that Dell is planning to do away with 25,000 of its employees’ company-issued BlackBerry smartphones and replace them with its new Windows Phone 7 handheld, the Dell Venue Pro. A victory for Microsoft for sure, and a prelude to the mobile brawl that’s about the ensue between RIM and Microsoft in the enterprise.
Shane O’Neill covers Microsoft, Windows, Operating Systems, Productivity Apps and Online Services for CIO.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @smoneill. Follow everything from CIO.com on Twitter @CIOonline. Email Shane at soneill@cxo.com.
