Developers brand iAd the expensive, but effective, option on iOS

Though much press attention has been focused on iAd's big league partners the likes of Nissan reportedly paying $1 million to get on board at launch Apple's iAd for developers initiative has garnered far less focus from the media.

Nonetheless, the measure, which enables developers to purchase in-app banner ads that can be clicked without leaving the app in question, appears to be winning studios over - despite what they claim is an inflated price tag.

As reported by the LA Times, developers who have sampled the platform are all too willing to admit that working with iAd is an expensive option, but most add that, on the whole, it's delivering results.

Spending money to make money

"Even though they're more expensive, the fact that they're new, and the user can download Springpad without leaving the app they're in has resulted in a better cost per download for us," Spring Partners CEO Jeff Janner said in a statement.

Janner's view is by no means an isolated one, although it seems some developers prefer to spread their bets across multiple ad networks rather than bet the farm on iAd.

"It's moderately successful, and cost effectiveness is increasing," ngmoco VP of marketing Clive Downie told the site in a statement.

"We use many advertising streams so finding the perfect place for iAd in the overall life cycle of a product is still an objective for us."

Angry with iAd

The response from developers hasn't been univerally positive since launch, however.

Back in August, David Smith of Cross Forward Consulting branded iAd disappointing, claiming his experience with the platform had taught him that it was entirely uneconomic and far from a viable way to drive traffic to an app.

Advertisers have also claimed it takes far too long for their promos to actually hit the network, thanks to Apple's hand in the creative process.

[source: LA Times]