Alpha SDK launched for Windows and Moblin netbooks

In just over six weeks from the launch of Intel’s Atom Developer Program at IDF, the next “major milestone” has been reached, according to Director of Intel’s Software Developer Network, Scott Apeland. As of 8pm UK last night, the alpha SDK became available for developers to download and use to build their Atom-optimised applications.

By way of recap, the Intel Atom Developer Program (IADP) was launched at IDF on 22nd September. As mentioned in our live event blog, the program aims to make it easy for developers to take advantage of the commercial opportunities arising from the sheer volume of portable devices, such as netbooks, being sold worldwide. Intel also wants to facilitate the consumer’s purchase of applications, enriching the user experience and helping to further drive netbook sales. 

This dual aim has not only led to the company offering developers comprehensive support throughout the app development process, but also announcing the imminent launch of an Intel-built app store framework, to simplify the consumer purchasing process.

The alpha SDK release for Windows and Moblin platforms currently supports C and C++, with support for runtimes due to be added in upcoming releases. The kit also includes various application services such as reporting, debugging, packaging instructions, sample code and developer guides.

Despite the comprehensive services, developers might wonder about support for AIR, SilverLight and Java, mentioned at IDF but not in this SDK release. Apeland explained how Intel’s collaborative approach to building the IADP has had an impact:

“The project is remaining agile and ensuring rapid development of the program. We’re not waiting for it to be baked and ready before introducing it to developers. We want to make sure that products are in the developers’ and consumers’ hands as soon as possible. That’s why the alpha version is out now – so developers can use it and get a head start.”

In support of this, Intel has launched a discussion forum alongside the SDK, in order to engage with developers and continue getting feedback.

As for the beta SDK release expected next month, developers will find support for a wider range of programming languages and, for the first time, the ability to submit their applications to Intel. I asked what would happen to the applications next, as one of the big pulls of the IADP was Intel’s pledge to provide validation on the developer’s behalf – a potentially huge time and money saver.

“We’re trying to [validate applications] in about 7 days, although it may take longer initially as we find out what to look for. In time, we’re looking to automate parts of the process to speed things up. The developers we’re spoken to so far have said, we want clear validation criteria and a short queue, so nothing gets stuck or held up. That’s what we’re aiming for.”

For developers, it seems that now is the time to download the SDK and get applications ready for submission next month. Intel confirmed that as well as participation in its favourable revenue share model, netbooks are still up for grabs for the first 100 validated apps, as well as an all expenses paid trip to GDC 2010 for the most innovative apps submitted.