Mobile marketplace: Apple to allow developers to sell on their apps

For the first time since the marketplace launched in 2008, Apple is to provide an official means for app developers to sell their titles on to other outfits.

The new policy, detailed in a message pushed out to registered developers, will allow the transfer of ownership of an app from one developer to another, with user reviews, ratings, leaderboards and updates all remaining intact.

A real app store

Previously, apps could only be moved to an upgraded company account, meaning there was no way for developers to sell an app on to a third party without the app in question having to be relaunched.

Such a process means existing consumers are left with an old version of the app and may not be aware of the new release.

Such an ineloquent solution meant many developers looking for an exit strategy were forced to stand by their releases. The rule change, however, could spark a period of trading that sees a number of apps change hands and, longterm, could change the nature of business on the App Store.

Big brands swooping in to buy apps and games that, with a slight retooling, could help them connect with consumers could become commonplace, with the App Store acting as a digital Dragon's Den apps on the App Store acting as demonstrable pitches to potential buyers.

[source: VentureBeat]