Microsoft Build: Windows Store to offer safe Windows 8 downloads

ANAHEIM: Microsoft has confirmed that it will offer an online application store to complement Windows 8 that will offer a safe way to download new applications while making it easier for developers to bring their wares to market.

The Windows Store will "represent a place we can get applications with confidence and feel safe about letting those apps onto our machines", said Windows Engineer Aleš Holeček at Microsoft's Build developer conference.

This will be achieved via an automated checking procedure that applies security and technical compliance tests when developers upload applications, Holeček explained.

"From the consumer's perspective, we want to deliver on the promise of safety and confidence by this method," he said.

Meanwhile, the new Windows Store includes a flexible licensing policy system that allows developers to specify the price they want, and whether they wish to offer a fixed-term free trial when submitting their creations.

The store will also provide developers with useful feedback, such as statistics on the number of downloads, how many lead to purchases, and application use rates.

Microsoft will also provide uploaded telemetry on exceptions, or crashes, so that developers can see what is going wrong and improve their code.

While the main focus is on the new Metro-style applications for Windows 8, Holeček said that existing applications could also be offered via the Windows Store.

"We're not forcing developers to change their fulfilment model, but instead offering a listing service to get better visibility for all their apps," he said.