Windows 8 and micro ISVs

So, now Windows 8 store is publicly open for developers to submit their apps. Cool. I was (partly, still am) very excited about this. Dedicated store with millions of users, what could possibly go wrong? Well…

Microsoft obviously wants to kill desktop app development, that’s pretty clear now with Windows 8 UI and all that, but come on. To submit your desktop app listing to the store you will need an expensive VeriSign certificate with a company account. WTF Microsoft? Did you think about micro ISVs at all when designing this? Sure you can develop new Windows 8 style application and submit that to the store as an individual, but not normal desktop style applications. Why? If this a lousy attempt to force mISVs to switch to Windows 8 UI style development it’s not going to happen.

Not everything can be developed for the new UI. No way. I would say, most applications will continue to be normal style desktop applications for years to come. Why? Because they need to. New Windows 8 UI is too restrictive, it sucks with mouse and keyboard and it just does not cut it.

Micro ISVs, formerly known as shareware software developers are one of the biggest reasons why there is so much software available for Windows. They are huge part of the Windows ecosystem. If Microsoft is really thinking that they can force them for the new WinRT stuff, think about this; To develop for Windows 8 you will need to learn a whole set of new APIs and techniques and you will not be able to give as much functionality and features for your customers as you can with traditional desktop applications, not even close. So why an earth to do that?

Micro ISVs could go and start porting their apps for Linux and OS X. Yes, you will need to learn new APIs but at least you will get full functionality of real desktop applications with a good integration for mouse and keyboard (and touch screen too, at least with Ubuntu Unity). With Ubuntu or OS X, developers will also get store integration for their desktop apps, when Microsoft only offers a simple listing.

I believe micro ISVs will continue to develop their desktop apps and selling them through their websites, as they have been doing for years. Some of them will start to look other options…

So Microsoft, have you lost your business sense completely? As an author of two commercial desktop applications, I am seriously considering to port my code for Linux. As it will make more sense than supporting this Windows 8 UI joke you are trying to make me swallow. It’s fine for phones and tablets, but they will not replace PC. I’m sure, I’m not the only one thinking like this.