Forum Nokia Announces Launchpad Community

Nokia today announced its new Launchpad mobile software developer offering for the broad range of software developer companies seeking a fast-track for creating applications that target the millions of devices based on Nokia mobile platforms in the market today.

Available immediately to developer companies actively seeking larger market opportunities for their applications and services, Launchpad will enable a wider range of companies to create profitable, sustainable mobile development businesses. Providing specific and focused technology access designed to accelerate development of mobile applications and services, Launchpad delivers an impressive package of benefits and tools to a broad range of software developers, from fast-moving startups to established companies to corporate IT departments.

Developer firms new to building applications targeting Nokia mobile platforms, as well as organizations whose employees may already belong to Forum Nokia as individual members, will benefit significantly from the new Launchpad offering, designed specifically to meet the needs of the growing number of firms eyeing the burgeoning smartphone market as an exciting new arena for software development.

"Nokia is very pleased to offer Launchpad to any software developer company seeking to build mobile applications and services for the growing global smartphone market," said Lee Epting, Vice President, Forum Nokia. "By addressing the particular needs of these developers through Launchpad, both in terms of technology access and support, we will be helping them accelerate their development cycle to bring new and exciting applications to Nokia mobile platforms."

Launchpad benefits designed to accelerate mobile application development include: - Early access to technical info, including APIs, SDKs and technology roadmaps; - Free Carbide Developer Edition (Symbian OS) developer tool software, with a 50% discount on additional Carbide Developer Edition copies; - Discounted Nokia mobile device purchase program; - Discounted technical support case ticket; - Discounted application signing (Symbian Signed); - Discounted S60 book offers and certification exams; and, - Publication of the company profile on the Launchpad website and application catalog.

The annual cost of the Launchpad program is EUR 800 euros. Application for developer companies wishing to join Forum Nokia's Launchpad program is available online at www.forum.nokia.com/launchpad.