Microsoft opens the Windows Store for Business for IT pros

The Windows Store for Business (WSB) is a tool that was released in November last year that allows IT administrators to quickly find the right apps that will be implemented to their business across multiple devices. From the web page, users are able to manage the collection of purchased apps by assigning, reclaiming, or reassigning licenses and distributing updates to devices as needed.

Today, it’s been announced that WSB is now allowing developers to sell organizational licenses to companies straight through the store. Developers from supported regions and countries can reach a wider range of customers by selling their applications in volume. The WSB has plans to support purchases for invoicing, volume discounts, and in-app purchase for apps that could benefit from those features. Countries or regions that are not supported cannot be offered in the store.

Every time there are changes and updates to an app; it will re-enter the certification process. This includes customizing the individual settings for each application. When making an app available for Organizational licensing, a few options will be able to be selected.

• Make my app available to organizations with Store-managed (online) volume licensing – Selected by default; this option allows the app to be included to organizations for volume acquisition.
• Allow disconnected (offline) licensing for organizations – Deselected by default, this option makes it possible for the app to install on multiple devices without the need to connect to the Store’s licensing system. Many companies prefer the ability to use and install applications offline, so enabling this option can greatly increase interest and eventual sales of the application.

Even currently existing apps can be validated for sale through the Organizational licensing in the Dev Center. WSB will have a 30% fee that is automatically removed upon a purchase and prices can be set for sale in tier sets that increase incrementally, so the value goes higher. Developers are allowed to set their applications for free. Payments are made on a monthly basis, typically on the 15th day of each month.

Placing an app for sale on the Windows Store for Business is an incredible opportunity for developers to gain profit and extent their application’s reach. Apps can be submitted today to the Dev Center, or you can leave your thoughts about the news on the Developer Feedback site.