Microsoft launches Windows Store Partner Directory

PanARMENIAN.Net - Microsoft announced it is launching the Windows Store Partner Directory, a list of all the first-party and third-party partners who offer services for Windows Store apps. The goal here is to make developers aware that there are more than just Microsoft’s own services available when building apps for Windows 8, The Next Web reports.

“This partner directory is a way to save time and find everything (or most things) in one place,” Microsoft says in its announcement. “It helps you to be aware of, consider, and try out new and different services.

Microsoft is working with partners on what it calls the “main verticals” (advertising, analytics, notifications, payments, BaaS, SSO, and Controls & Frameworks). Currently, the directory lists 25 partners (including Microsoft’s own first-party ones), but the company promises many more will arrive “in the coming months.”

It’s clear that this is indeed the plan as the left-hand side of the directory has 15 service verticals: Advertising, Analytics, Controls & Frameworks, Cross Platform Tools, Design, Developer Tools, Gaming Middleware, Has Offer, Media Services, Payments, Performance, Push Notifications, Social Plugins, Storage, and User Management. 25 partners laughably fill these sections up, TNW says.

With today’s launch, Microsoft wants to emphasize that “Windows is an open platform” with “a healthy ecosystem” that publishers, agencies, middleware, and advertisers all want to invest in. The company further promises that the services listed offer developers the ability to 1) build great app experiences, 2) achieve great economics, and 3) broaden their reach opportunity.

Those are bold goals and statements, yet the directory does show potential. Each partner page includes links to their Windows Store app SDKs, documentation, their case studies, and how-to videos.