Web Dev Apps on June 20

I think CC should have a separate category for full fledged applications and if crosses a certain threshold in activity/sales/authors/etc, Envato can then go ahead and split it off into its own marketplace.

But definitely, apps should be given a chance here—both clientside and web apps.

I think such a market could start out at CodeCanyon (kind of like how code started elsewhere), but it would eventually need it’s own marketplace unless the source code is included with the app.

The main concern I have is security. Any binary executable has the potential to be a vehicle for malware. What’s to stop a devious author from writing malicious software that steals information behind the scenes?

Go for it!

As long as the category is prepared to accept big “web apps” then it will fit right in. After 50 or so hardcore apps it may even spawn its own marketplace..

Woops. Double post. See post below.

jwmcpeak said
The main concern I have is security. Any binary executable has the potential to be a vehicle for malware. What’s to stop a devious author from writing malicious software that steals information behind the scenes?

First time app authors can only upload, say, 1-2 apps at a time. Once they’re approved and look to be clean, we can increase it by a couple of apps or so. Eventually, once we know the author is clean, we can remove the limit. Or let a reviewer remove the limit once he/she knows the author is legit and not some demented malware writer. Doesn’t stop an author from writing a stream of legit looking apps that awaken later though.

Either way, while security definitely is a concern, I don’t see why it has to be a stumbling block. Modern AV and anti-malware apps are extremely thorough in their heuristic testing process. A run through 3 such applications can make for a test that’s 99.99% accurate. This paired with the heuristics a human reviewer brings to the table makes for a system that’s a virtual fortress.

This, of course, brings in the problem of digital rights managements and the entire hoopla but that’s a discussion for another day.

You’ll need to make sure you check the code BEFORE you check the app.

But how are you going to review an app that could be the size of photoshop for example? Check all the code and then the app itself?

All great points guys. Lots to think over. I think, if we did find a way to do, it would certainly be a very targeted category. So, for example, we’re not going up against Apple or Google’s app stores—these would be very dev specific.

Still not sure though. It all comes down to reward vs. effort. It takes a lot of time to plan these new types of categories.

Anyhow, keep the thoughts coming!

@Jeffery

I can see lot of potential for small uISV apps. especially for OS x (but also Windows 7). If there will be a category, the apps should not be Open Source or Web Apps. A targeted category for Desktop apps.

You’ll just need to convince authors that CC will bring more sales. And also find the right clients and audience for the apps.

Hey guys! I think we’re going to test this out. If things take off, we could eventually look into exporting this category to its own marketplace (long shot), and if they don’t, it was a fun experiment.

We’ll add a top level “Apps” category, and then subcategories for Mac, Windows, and Web.

I think the primary hurdle is finding items for the category. But we’ll see. If you have anything in the works, let me know, and we’ll talk!

I think if the apps have no source attached, they should get their own marketplace, it would not fit here – dev specific marketplace

My 2 cents.