Smartphone-maker Palm is to follow in the footsteps of rivals such as Apple, Google and Research In Motion (RIM) by launching its own applications store. Available as a software download for both Palm’s own operating system and its Windows Mobile-based devices, Palm’s ‘Software Store’ offers 5,000 applications and games. Around 1,000 are free. The store is supported by over 25 Palm devices, including the Centro and Treo Pro, and is powered by PocketGear, an applications distributor.

According to a Washington Post report, 1,500 developers have already submitted applications to the Software Store. However, the report notes that Palm is only offering developers a 50 percent cut on applications sales via the store. This compares to a 70 percent cut for third-parties developing applications for Apple’s ‘App Store’ and Google’s ‘Android Market,’ and an 80 percent share via RIM’s forthcoming ‘Application Center.’ The timing of Palm’s launch is also considered significant as the vendor is widely expected to launch its new operating system – known as ‘Nova’ – at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month.