Hi to all,

 I am raising this issue because  we have been puzzled for quite some time now.

We have been ready to release our mobile application for some weeks now,  but we stumbled upon releasing an official version of our software because it involves two critical steps we have not yet made: 1. Code signing and 2. Code protection (obfuscation etc)

Searching for many of the possible solutions we found out that in order to buy a decent certificate to sign our code and use a professional tool to protect our work (e.g. a code obfuscator), we will have to pay almost 1.000-1500$, which since we are a fresh startup is comparable to our monthly revenues!

 So we are in the dilemma: Don't use any of that and show to customers a more 'casual' company image or be professional and buy these resources.What is your opinion?

There is also Microsoft's "Innovate On" project (http://www.innovateon.com/home.aspx), that promises to help companies like ours (e.g. pay for the certificate) with some of these issues,  Do you think it is worth it? I submited the enrollment form today and I hope to get something out of this.

Many regards 

Welcome Wi-Not Inc.

I wish I could help here but I do not know this area.I never realised how much it cost to certify and code-sign a product.

Microsoft's "Innovate On" project certainly looks interesting and was obviously designed because of your dilemma. There are a number of developers in this forum , maybe they will have some input and I shall certainly research this for you.

Wi-Not, I can understand your dilemma, and here is my advice.

1. Keep in mind your company image - (image is half the battle) - If you have to wait to find the funds to pay for the certificate and protection do so. In the long run it will not only protect your company, but it will be well worth it down the road. I have been down that road myself, with wanting to bring on new product lines that take more our of pocket cash to do.

2. Use all the resources you can use and find to help accomplish your goal - i.e (Microsoft Innovate On Project) they may have you jump through hoops and a bunch of red tape to get through. But look at it as they are helping to protect your company's image and deliver high quality products your customer will come to know and use!

Just my insite from one Business Owner to another! Good luck and you can do it!!!!

This is a link to Microsoft's Windows Mobile Page for Developers.......

Learn about the Mobile2Market certification and marketing program and the Windows Mobile Solutions Partner Program.

Wi-Not - I noticed this service that also might be of interest to you

http://www.deviceanywhere.com/

"DeviceAnywhere solves one of the biggest challenges facing mobile app/content developers - access to handsets in target carrier networks. DeviceAnywhere is a revolutionary online service that provides access to hundreds of real handsets, on live worldwide networks, remotely over the Internet - for all your dev/porting /testing needs."