According to the company, software developers will be able to start charging customers for downloading their applications from an ecommerce beta program in September. The move follows last month’s release of the Mojo Software Development Kit, which was viewed as a step forward in Palm’s efforts to reinforce relationships with developers. Previously, critics had complained that the Pre did not have adequate range of creative and engaging applications to choose from. In the past couple of months, Palm has been reaching out to software developers in a variety of ways – including meet-up events – to build interest in its webOS platform. The opening up of the ecommerce beta program is the next step in this plan. From August 18, developers can propose apps via email for consideration in the Palm App Catalog, which is presently being tested to weigh up the experience of both programmers and users. Both free and paid apps are acceptable to be submitted, the company said.

Palm also announced that those who opt to charge for their applications will be qualified for 70 percent of revenues generated through sales. This percentage seems to be becoming the industry standard, as Verizon said last month that developers will keep holds of 70 percent of the revenue earned through sales of applications through V Cast Apps. Meanwhile, Apple also lets developers keep the same proportion of revenue. Other rules for participating in the beta program state that developers can charge a one-time fee for downloading an app. The first phase of the ecommerce scheme will be limited to the U.S. merely and webOS users will employ credit cards to purchase apps, which they will download directly to their smart phones.

So, what type of apps is Palm looking for? The company entails some useful guidelines for developers, including a preference for useful and engaging apps, as well as those featuring an appealing design and a user interface that meets Palm UI standards. Apps that have a deliberate UI response or consume too much power will be rejected. So, make sure to choose the right one!