Mobile Evolution - Thoughts, insight, and experiences related to the mobile software industry

One way to market your software is to sign up for one of the daily deals sites. One site we've used in the past is Bits du Jour. They promote software with deep daily discounts. The software includes Windows applications and also mobile software and web applications. We have an upcoming promotion for Trip Boss on May 12, for 50% off.

Does it make sense to distribute your mobile software via the Electronic Software Distributors (ESD's)? Are the commissions too high to be worthwhile? Can listing be a win-win situation? Many blogs and developers have vented frustrations about commission rate increases at the ESD's, typically those run by Handango and Motricity. In some cases, commissions and fees have doubled from 25% to over 50% in the past five years. Many developers have packed their bags and delisted. Others refuse to start listing. On an emotional and moral principled level, not listing may be the right choice. But does it make sense from a business standpoint? Can we quantify the effects of listing, not listing, and the commission hikes? This post will discuss the numbers as related to increasing sales by using (or not) the ESD as a distribution and promotional tool.

The mobile software space is getting rather crowded. In the not-so-distant past, a mobile developer's choice was limited to two or three popular native operating systems: Palm OS, Windows Mobile (two flavors), or Symbian. Other platforms were less known or were perceived to not provide for much profit. For a microISV, either the barriers to entry (such as steep signing fees) were too great, or the platform was not popular enough to generate adequate third-party software sales.

Welcome to our new blog. I'm Justine Pratt, President/Partner of Creative Algorithms, LLC. Creative Algorithms is a microISV specializing in mobile software development. Currently we're located in the Chicagoland area. You may have heard of our popular native Palm apps, Trip Boss and Date Wheel. This post will cover navigation of this blog and what I intend to cover.