Palm unveiled the Palm Developer Network (PDN). PDN is designed for mobile hardware and software developers targeting Palm products and is the first formal developer program to include both Palm OS and Microsoft Windows Mobile Pocket PC developers.

The new program provides focused technical, business and marketing support, and replaces Palm's prior, successful developer program, PluggedIn. New services include a support library to answer developer questions, and a "Designed For Palm Products" compatibility test and logo program to help validate that the mobile solutions are compatible with Palm devices.

"Third-party mobile solutions are a critical element of the Palm Experience," said Mike Rank, director of developer relations for Palm, Inc. "Palm is committed to helping our developers grow their businesses and be successful in the competitive marketplace. PDN makes it easier for Palm developers to ramp sales, increase profitability and strengthen brand value."

Key New Services for Developers

Palm Select Developer Program

The Select Developer Program is a new program for Palm's top developer partners who are responsible for driving significant business with Palm. This program offers select developers additional premium technical, marketing and sales services. Select program participation is by Palm invitation only; partner solutions must have successfully completed "Designed For Palm Products" compatibility testing for Select Developer consideration.

Comprehensive Knowledge Base

Palm developers will have access to a new technical knowledge base that simply, quickly and comprehensively searches the entire Palm developer support documentation library to answer their technical questions.

"Designed For Palm Products" Program

This new service executes a suite of compatibility tests appropriate for a mobile solution on Palm devices configured for typical customer usage. Solutions that successfully complete compatibility testing are awarded the "Designed For Palm Products" logo, enabling developers to extend brand value through the Palm brand. As a result, customers have greater confidence in their purchase, knowing that these developer solutions deliver on Palm's high standards of excellence. Also, successful completion makes the developer solution eligible for premium product promotion and sale through various Palm stores.

Palm Solution Directory

Once a solution has successfully completed compatibility testing, it's eligible for a promotion through the new PDN Solution Directory. Palm customers worldwide will be able to search the Solution Directory for third-party applications. The PDN Solution Directory will be launched in late 2006.