Intel  has launched a beta version of the Intel Atom Developer Program Software Development Kit (SDK) for  the Microsoft Windows and  Linux-based Moblin operating systems.

The SDK helps developers create and submit applications for Intel-based netbooks to ultimately sell in application stores opening next year , Intel officials said. Developers can download the kit and learn more at http://appdeveloper.intel.com. 

Intel initially unveiled  its Intel Atom Developer program at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in September. The program is designed for independent software vendors (ISVs) and software developers to create innovative applications and  components for netbooks. The program provides tools, SDKs and community resources to develop new apps or port existing apps to Atom-based devices, including netbooks, which are forecasted to reach more than 50 million units sold by end of 2009, according to ABI Research.

Scott Apeland, director of Intel's Developer Network, said the SDK includes some key services such as an authorization API, a crash reporting API, test and debugging capabilities, packaging instructions, sample code and developer guidance.

“Consumer adoption of mobile computing and Atom-based netbooks is growing rapidly, and there is an immediate opportunity for developers to capitalize on the popularity of these small form-factor, on-the-go devices,” said Renee James, corporate vice president and general manager of Intel Software and Services Group , in a statement. “We are excited about the innovation and energy from developers around creating applications and unlocking new uses for Atom platforms.”

"You can write apps for the netbook and we can help you get them out in front of customers through an app store," Apeland said.

He said the app store will be launched with the help of several Intel partners and it will come pre-installed with netbook devices and will show users apps that are available.

With the Beta SDK, developers can submit their applications for validation and, once validated, begin to take advantage of the program’s revenue-generating opportunities in 2010. Intel is offering incentives for developers to begin submitting applications by offering a chance to win big prizes including a smart car or vacation package.

With availability for C and C++ developers on Windows and C developers on Moblin, "The vision here is that developers will be able to write one app and it will run on multiple devices -- both Windows- and Moblin-based," Apeland said.

In addition, Apeland said Intel expects that social media, education and entertainment on the go will be the primary categories developers are likely to focus on as they develop applications for the netbook platform. The larger screen and more accessible keyboard make the netbook an ideal platform for applications in these three categories, as compared to smartphones, he said.

Also, Apeland said he thinks that down the road the app stores will feature support for additional devices, such as handhelds, Internet TVs, set-top boxes and more.