Why Develop on the Windows Mobile Platform

Why Develop on the Windows Mobile Platform?

Microsoft provides developers with a rich, flexible platform, world-class tools and comprehensive resources to build innovative applications for Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs and Smartphones. Windows Mobile developers can benefit from:

Powerful platform capabilities
Reduced development time and costs
Increased market opportunities
Access to comprehensive developer resources and support

Flexible, Powerful Development Platform

The Windows Mobile platform offers:

Seamless and secure data connectivity (XML support, built-in security features, encryption libraries)
Rich API support (Configuration Service Provider, Telephony, Bluetooth, POOM, Gaming APIs)
An extensive range of programming models (native code, managed code, mobile web development)
Device resources (industry standard expansion interfaces, multithreading and multitasking)

Reduced Development Time and Cost

Windows Mobile developers can take advantage of a unified software platform, a familiar Window development environment, a consistent programming model and comprehensive technical resources to reduce development time and costs.

Develop and test applications quickly with familiar development tools and free resources from Microsoft
Use existing .NET programming skills (Windows Mobile is based on Windows CE and .NET Compact Framework)
Reuse existing code to target new devices (85% of Windows Mobile-based Smartphone and Pocket PC APIs are identical)
Reach new markets through multilingual support
Deploy mobile enterprise applications through Auto-run and remote management tools

Increased Market Opportunities and Reduced Time-to-Market

Mobile2Market, Microsoft's certification and marketing program for Windows Mobile applications, helps independent software vendors (ISV) increase revenue and reduce time-to-market by streamlining application development and logo testing and providing worldwide distribution channels.

Access to Comprehensive Developer Resources and Support

Microsoft provides comprehensive resources to help corporate and ISV developers stay abreast of mobile technologies. These resources include:

Access to free tools at the MSDN Mobile and Embedded Developer Center
Free webcasts, chats and newsgroups

Microsoft's world-class premier support offering (fees may vary)