Getting Started with Windows 8 Apps

Chapter 5. Windows Store

The Windows Store is many things: it is an app that consumers use to install other apps onto their Windows 8 devices; it is an entity that maintains the quality of Windows applications for all users; and it can be a source of income for developers of all kinds. This chapter focuses on the information available to prepare your app so it can be deployed to the Windows Store.

Warning

At the time of this writing, the Windows Store was not open to public submissions. If you visit some of the links that follow, you will receive a message stating, “We’re sorry, but the Windows Store is currently closed to general registration. You need a registration code to register.” At this time of this writing, registration codes are available only via a private invite system.

Note

Microsoft has a number of events where trained staff can review your app and potentially provide an invite. The event that I attended was available at https://win8.msregistration.com, but an Internet search for win8 events should get you started.

Marketing

As with personal relationships, first impressions are extremely important and if you are like me, you’ve been working on your app for many months and are excited to ship. However, your journey is not over, so set your expectations accordingly and plan for a few changes to your app. Also, once you read what is entailed in working through the Windows Store publication process, you may want to take a break from coding and focus on marketing without rushing ...