Microsoft, the software giant announced on Monday that it has started accepting applications from developers for the upcoming Windows Marketplace, in a move that would shift Microsoft's attention from devices to services.

Microsoft's current move has opened the door for the developers in twenty-nine nations to submit their applications, widgets and games, which will be eligible to win one of the four categories, viz. the most downloaded freeware; the most moneymaking app; the most useful product, and the most playful app.

Microsoft's Windows marketplace for mobile application will initially be available on Windows Mobile phones running the upcoming 6.5 version of the mobile operating system.

Earlier, Apple, Google, BlackBerry and Nokia emerged with their App Store, Android Market, App World and Ovi Store respectively.

Developers would be able to use Microsoft's software development kit for a nominal fee, whereas student would be able to avail this opportunity free of cost.

Microsoft has plans to honor innovative developers to encourage them.

The submission process is expected to last for 10 days and the contest will come to end on December 31, 2009.