|
|
|
WL for mobile Developer Program FAQ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Program
Q. What is the purpose of this program?
A. This program was created to facilitate development of
innovative Windows Live solutions for Mobile devices. Microsoft
provides training, tools, documentation, and support to
help developers create the applications that mobile
customers want and mobile carriers want to provide.
Q. When did this program launch?
A. This program officially launched on July 15th, 2005.
Q. Who can join?
A. It is intended for ISV’s or Mobile Phone Original
Equipment Manufacturers (“OEM’s”). For those ISV’s or
Mobile Phone OEM’s accepted in to the program, a
Microsoft non-disclosure agreement and a standard
Developer Agreement (DA) must be signed. These are
non-negotiable agreements and contain Microsoft’s
minimal acceptable terms and conditions.
Q. How does a company join the Windows Live Developers
Program for mobile?
A. First the company wishing to join this program must
fill out an enrollment form available at
http://www.mobile.msn.com/partners.
The company must also enter into an NDA with Microsoft
Corporation. After Windows Live has received a signed NDA, the
company is sent a Development Agreement for signature.
Once the DA is signed by both parties, access to the
development extranet site is provided.
Q. Do Mobile Operators need to join the program?
A. Mobile Operators may join the program, but this would
only provide the ability to develop solutions. A
Mobile Operator must enter into a direct contractual
relationship with Microsoft if it wishes to deploy any
Windows Live for mobile solution.
Q. What support does Windows Live provide?
A. Windows Live for mobile provides training, development guidance,
certification guidance, and can facilitate interaction
with carriers. Windows Live also provides ongoing support to help
with development, certification, and deployment.
|
Market Opportunities
Q. What business relationship does
Windows Live have with
companies that join the Developer Program?
A. There
is no direct financial relationship between Windows Live and the
ISV developers that join the program. The ISV’s may
monetize solutions by entering into relationships
to sell or license their solutions to Approved Mobile
Operators. An Approved Mobile Operator is an Operator
that has entered into a business relationship with
Windows Live
that allows that Operator to market and distribute
client solutions that support Windows Live services.
Q. Does Microsoft have a list of Approved Mobile
Operators that I can use?
A. No, Microsoft cannot share a list of these Operators
due to contractual obligations. However, a Developer may
reach out to any Mobile Operator and inquire about that
Operator’s contractual status and plans to deploy
Windows Live for mobile
solutions.
Q. Can Windows Live for mobile solutions be deployed in all markets?
A. Currently, Microsoft is limiting the deployment of
Windows Live solutions to Mobile Operators in select markets. The
list of markets is currently (subject to change without
notice):
- Spain, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Belgium,
Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
- US, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil.
- Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, and India.
Q. What if the Mobile Operator is not in one of these
markets?
A. Microsoft is evaluating how to address deployments to
markets outside of these countries. However, at this
time, a Developer cannot deploy a solution outside of
the listed markets. When Microsoft expands the list of
markets, the Developers may be notified.
Q. If a Mobile Operator currently does not have a
contract with Microsoft around Windows Live services, what should
be done?
A. Have the Mobile Operator contact a Microsoft
representative or e-mail bizdesk@microsoft.com about
pursuing a contract for Windows Live services.
|
Development
Q. What type of development tools are available as part
of this program?
A. Microsoft provides details on the Mobile Services
Protocol (MSP), End User Experience documents, test
cases, branding guidelines, language translation guides,
and much more.
Q. Can the client or the gateway continue to use the
MSNP protocol or do solutions have to use the MSP
protocol?
A. All Mobile solutions must use the MSP protocol. The
MSP protocol is optimized for Mobile deployments.
Q. Can e-mail solution use IMAP4 or POP3 from Windows
Live
instead of using the MSP protocol?
A. No. All connections to Windows Live must be made via MSP.
However, it is possible to use a gateway that converts
MSP to IMAP4 (for example).
Q. Can the IM solution use Wireless Village or
comparable protocol to deliver IM to a mobile client?
A. Microsoft does not specify the protocol used by the
client. A developer may use Wireless Village, Common IM,
or even a proprietary protocol for the client. However,
either the client or the gateway must use the MSP
protocol to interface with the Windows Live services.
Q. Can the client support other service providers (AOL,
Yahoo, etc)?
A. Yes, the client can be a multi-headed client with
support for other service providers. However, such a
multi-headed client may not support interoperability
between the various service providers. Additionally,
each service provider must be treated on an equal basis.
|
Certification
Q. Is certification required?
A. Yes, each and every solution must be certified before
it is deployed.
Q. Will Windows Live run the certification tests?
A. No. Microsoft has empowered several companies to
complete the certification testing.
Q. How can a developer assure a Mobile Operator that
a solution will work properly?
A. The Developer may have the solution Pre-Certified. The Developer may use one of the
Certification test houses to have the solution
Pre-Certified. The Develop must pay for this
certification.
Q. How do I engage with the certification companies?
A. Once you have joined the program, Microsoft will
provide you with a list of companies that are capable of
completing the certification testing.
Q. How many test cases are there for Windows Live IM certification?
A. Currently, there are approximately 60 test cases for
WL IM certification. Completion of these test cases should
take 1-2 days to complete, but may take longer under
certain circumstances. Running all of these test cases
is required for any solution that has not been
previously certified.
Q. How many test cases are there for Windows Live Hotmail
certification?
A. Currently there are around 40 test cases for WL Hotmail
certification. Completion of these test cases should
take approximately 1-2 days to complete.
Q. What conditions are considered in whether or not a
solution has been previously certified?
A. A solution would be considered as previously
certified if:
- it has passed pre-certification.
- it has been certified on another mobile operator
network
.
- it has been certified on another device from the same
family with similar specifications (screen size,
memory, processor, etc)
.
Q. How long does it take to certify a solution that has
been previously certified?
A. If a solution has been previously certified, it
should only take 1 day to complete certification.
Q. How much does it cost to run these test cases?
A. Microsoft does not control the cost of testing. You
must contact the Certification Test houses for testing
costs. However, the quality of the solution will have a
direct impact on the cost of testing. The more bugs
discovered will result in more testing cycles and will
ultimately result in higher certification costs.
|
Deployment
Q. How long does a deployment typically take?
A. Once a carrier decides to deploy an Windows Live for
mobile
solution, it can take two to three months to deploy.
This would allow for customizing clients, integrating
into a Mobile Operators’ billing solution, setting up a
connection to Windows Live, etc.
Q. Are Developers allowed to quote deployment dates to
Mobile Operators?
A. No. There are too many gating factors that are
outside of the control of the Developer. Only Microsoft
should make commitments to a Mobile Operator on
anticipate launch dates.
|
Additional Information
Q. How can I learn more about this program?
A. Additional information about this program is
available by e-mailing
bizdesk@microsoft.com with specific questions.
|
|
|
|
