Rookie questions (costs for developpers)

[Walter.Spermann]

I'm new here and an OO/C++/Java developper and thinking about developping Apps for Nokia smartphones.
It's difficult to gather all information that is necessary to get an
overview and to get started.

Before starting I'd like to know the minimum and average costs for app development. What I have understood so far:
- Publisher ID for 200€/year
- Publisher fee of 50€/application
- Support: 170€/case (for a rookie it's very likely to need support at
the beginning, right ?)
- test app in test house: At least 200€
- Nokia handy for testing on physical device: At least 250 €
Is it also possible to test without the phone, only with simulation ?

I'm also thinking joining the Nokia Launch Pad, which is again 300€ but saves the publicher fee.

Is that realistic what I'm thinking ? Please let me know your experience !

Regards,
Walter

[ltomuta]

Hi Walter, let me try to answer a few of you questions.

There are costs and costs, some can be avoided while others not. For example, a Publisher ID is something that is needed once you've learn your way around native application development and you are ready to try more advanced features, which require a developer certificate for signing, or you are ready to release your app in the Ovi Store. However only companies can get a Publisher ID or publish in the store so if you are an independent developer/student/hobbyist them you need not consider these costs as they are out if reach anyway. The same goes for Launchpad membership.

It is true, you will need support during your learning stage but you don't have to pay for it. These forums are here for you to get (and offer) help from (to) other developers. The site is also full with free resources (documents, examples, eLearning tutorials). Technical Support is an advanced option, you should reserve it for when the answer you seek is really time critical and worth the money.

As for devices the RDA service gives you access to any S60 device for free, for remote application testing.

[kiran10182]

Let me mitigate the anguish:

- Publisher ID for 200$/year (dollar)
- Publisher fee of 20$/application (20 dollars - Express signing)
- Support: 170€/case (Lots of people survive without that. Because we have really great resources here on Forum Nokia Community as already said by Lucian.)
- test app in test house: At least 200€ (Express signing will do most of the time, hence 20 $)
- Nokia handy for testing on physical device: At least 250 € (RDA is there as said by Lucian which a free service by Forum Nokia)
- I'm also thinking joining the Nokia Launch Pad, which is again 300€ but saves the publicher fee. (I think there are some confusions here. It is not mandatory to join Launch Pad program. However, it will help in many aspects. Read more about it. And it does not offer free Publisher ID(correct me if I am unaware)

[Walter.Spermann]

Let me mitigate the anguish:

- Publisher ID for 200$/year (dollar)
- Publisher fee of 20$/application (20 dollars - Express signing)
- Support: 170€/case (Lots of people survive without that. Because we have really great resources here on Forum Nokia Community as already said by Lucian.)
- test app in test house: At least 200€ (Express signing will do most of the time, hence 20 $)
- Nokia handy for testing on physical device: At least 250 € (RDA is there as said by Lucian which a free service by Forum Nokia)
- I'm also thinking joining the Nokia Launch Pad, which is again 300€ but saves the publicher fee. (I think there are some confusions here. It is not mandatory to join Launch Pad program. However, it will help in many aspects. Read more about it. And it does not offer free Publisher ID(correct me if I am unaware)

Many thanks, this helps already !
I should have mentioned I want to sell my future apps in Ovi Store.
Itomuta's comment confuses me:
He says only companies can distribute in Ovi Store.
I'm a freelancer in Germany with my own tax id (one man company).
Can I develop and sell apps in Ovi Store or can I not ? I wonder if this is not possible.
Can Express signing also be sufficient for selling in Ovi Store ?
Thanks for the hint on RDA testing !

Walter

[ltomuta]

Many thanks, this helps already !
I should have mentioned I want to sell my future apps in Ovi Store.
Itomuta's comment confuses me:
He says only companies can distribute in Ovi Store.
I'm a freelancer in Germany with my own tax id (one man company).
Can I develop and sell apps in Ovi Store or can I not ? I wonder if this is not possible.
Can Express signing also be sufficient for selling in Ovi Store ?
Thanks for the hint on RDA testing !

Walter

As you say, you are a registered [one man] company thus you can be a Ovi publisher. You can also obtain a Publisher ID (on the same grounds) and thus, if all other conditions satisfied, you could eventually access Express Signed.

I've read your question as that of one intested in learning mobile development rather than already targeting the store, that's wht my answer was focused on leting you know that you can learn and even release software without having to pay lots of money.

[Walter.Spermann]

Yes it's true, I want to start with mobile development and also earn money with it,
but before really starting I want to get a raw overview what expects me.
Thanks so far !

Walter

[tamhanna]

200 USD for Certificate per year
20 USD per signing per app and update
50 EUR for Ovi access / once in life
plus, to do serious developing
300 euro for device (forget the emulator)

If the trustcenter does not accept you
400 extra euros for UK limited