Microsoft talks up its plans for Windows Marketplace for Mobile in this press release. I'll write up a news story later but figured this would be immediate interest:
Microsoft Corp. today announced new details about how developers can build and sell applications for Windows phones through Windows Marketplace for Mobile, the recently announced application marketplace available with the Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system. In its commitment to helping developers create new and exciting applications, Microsoft will provide developers with 70 percent of the sales revenue of their applications from Windows Marketplace for Mobile, transparency throughout the certification process, and guidance and support from the stage of development to the final sale to the consumer. Developers can get the tools to begin developing for Windows phones at http://developer.windowsmobile.com.
Developers who sell applications through Windows Marketplace for Mobile will receive 70 percent of the revenue from the sales of each application. In addition, they will be able to set the price for their applications in each market, maximizing their revenues based on targeted pricing strategies. Developers can also choose to distribute their applications at no cost. Up to five application submissions to Windows Marketplace for Mobile is included in the introductory annual registration fee of $99 (U.S.). Each additional submission within the annual period will cost $99 (U.S.). The registration fee is waived for student developers who want to reach Windows phones customers, through enrollment in the Microsoft DreamSpark program.
Mary Jo Foley offers up an interesting comparison of this strategy to Apple's:
Like Apple, does for iPhone developers, Microsoft plans to provide developers writing for its mobile platform 70 percent of of the revenues generated for each app that is sold.
Beyond that percentage, however, Microsoft’s new mobile development policies and procedures are designed to be the antithesis of Apple’s.