Microsoft reduces Windows Dev Center fee from annual to one-time, details Benefits program for developers

Microsoft today announced the lifetime Dev Center account and a new Dev Center Benefits program. In short, the company is reducing its Dev Center fee from annual to a one-time lifelong registration, and detailing several new features for its Windows and Windows Phone developers.

The Windows Dev Center now only requires a one-time registration payment of$19 for individuals and $99 for companies. This means developers can submit apps to both the Windows Store and Windows Phone Store with no annual renewal fee required.

Since the change is effective immediately, it affects both new and existing signups. The 600,000+ registered developers will no longer need to pay any additional fees to maintain their account.

The Dev Center Benefits program, which quietly launched some two weeks ago for all registered developers worldwide, is now official. The company describes it as “designed to accelerate your success on our platform by helping you develop, improve and market your apps with a variety of offers and tools.”

The program comes in three offer packages based on experience level. As apps get more downloads, higher revenue, better ratings, and improved app experiences, developers are expected to move on up:

• Explorer, gets you started quickly with design and architecture guidance and consulting help from a Microsoft expert, Gift Cards, and Dev Center registration fee.
• Expert, helps you reach more users faster with advertising offers, a publishing contract, and more.
• Master, unlocks VIP access to developer marketing and support, SDK early access and more.

Microsoft is also reminding developers to use the latest Ad SDK and follow thelatest monetization guidance. In short, the company wants developers to pay less, and make more. Nobody can argue with that.