VMware, Salesforce develop VMforce

VMware and sales application maker Salesforce.com are working together on a new service called VMforce, writes VentureBeat.

With VMforce, developers can build business applications using the popular Java language, then run them on Salesforce's Force.com platform. The move should help Salesforce reach a broader and more traditional group of business app developers.

Salesforce says there are already 72 500 businesses running more than 135 000 apps in Force.com, but those apps are locked in to Force.com.

Nokia has introduced a software development kit (SDK) for its Qt user interface framework, which helps Qt application developers more easily target mobile devices such as Nokia's new N8 smartphone, reports eWeek.

Qt is a cross-platform application and UI framework for developing once, and deploying across Windows, Mac, Linux/X11, embedded Linux, Windows CE, Symbian and Maemo without rewriting the source code.

The Qt SDK, released in beta on 27 April, enables developers to develop, test and deploy native applications for Nokia smartphones and mobile computers.

Microsoft has revealed details of a new version of its Messenger chat application, along with the unveiling of Messenger Connect, which is aimed at Web developers looking to create applications for partner sites, states Computing.co.uk.

The company says the releases include tighter integration with social networking sites and better quality video.

The next version of Messenger will be released as an open beta this summer, and offers three principal improvements.