The Mobile2Market program is again running a contest to find the best Windows Mobile applications being developed. Mobile2Market is the Microsoft certification and distribution program for mobile applications.

The object is to help independent software vendors increase revenue and reduce time-to-market by streamlining application development and logo-testing, and providing distribution channels worldwide.

Applications must be developed using Microsoft approved SDKs and Visual Studio .Net or Embedded Visual C++ 3.0 or C++ 4.0. Developers can submit new applications into one of four competition categories:

Pocket PC - Work

Pocket PC - Play

Smartphone - Work

Smartphone - Play

There will be 2 Grand Prize winners receiving US$25,000 each, plus application distribution. Another 4 Category Prize winners will receive a US$5,000 developer prize package and featured application promotions. And 20 finalists receive featured promotions through the Mobile2Market program.

Entries will be judged on usability, innovation, marketability, and platform optimization. Submissions must be sent to a Mobile2Market logo-testing partner by 31 May 2005. Submissions entered by 31 March 2005 will receive free logo-testing, valued at US$500.

Entrants who have previously submitted their application for certification between 1 July 2004 and 2 February 2005 can enter the contest with their applications, but do not qualify for the bonus logo-testing.