Intel unveils netbook app store

Intel unveiled a beta test version of the AppUpCenter, its app store for netbooks, reports VentureBeat.

Owners of Windows-based netbooks can now go to the AppUp site and download the store, then install apps like Boxee, for playing Web video and music, or Yoono, for managing social networks and instant messaging services.

Developers have downloaded the software development kit for creating AppUp apps 2 500 times, says Intel.

Analysts have urged application developers to embrace cloud computing to improve flexibility and cost effectiveness, and focus more on the user experience if they are to thrive in 2010, states Computing.co.uk.

A report by analyst firm Forrester, 'The top five changes for application development in 2010', says developers must focus on several key areas if they are to become 'lean and mean' enough to hit the ground running when the recession abates.

"In times like these, application development shops need to think like the underfunded start-up that is always in the throes of a one-company recession," the report noted.

BMC Software has acquired Phurnace Software, a privately held maker of Java-based automation software, says eWeek.

Phurnace Software's technology helps to reduce the cost, complexity and risk to deploy and configure Java-based applications on physical, virtual and cloud environments, say BMC officials. The Phurnace technology enables users to manage the roll-out, stability and configuration integrity of applications without having to rely on manual or script-based solutions.

“The increased frequency and criticality of application deployments and changes make it difficult and costly for IT organisations to rely on manual change and deployment processes,” says Ronni Colville, vice-president and analyst at Gartner.