Intel just announced the launch of their “Intel Atom Processor Developer Program for Mobile Devices”, enabling netbook OEMs and other partners to create application stores through which validated applications can be sold. From their press release:

“We want to fuel the growth of Intel Atom-based products designed for the mobile lifestyle,” said Renee James, corporate vice president and general manager, Intel Software and Services Group. “The netbook has become one of the most popular consumer devices in the market today, but its true potential has been limited by applications that are not optimized for its mobility and smaller screen size. The Intel Atom Developer Program provides a great opportunity for developers to create useful and inventive applications that will unlock a netbook’s potential while opening a new sales and distribution channel.”

To provide a broad choice of applications across platforms, the Developer Program will support multiple OS’s and run-time environments such as Microsoft Silverlight, enabling developers to use a single code base to support multiple device platforms.

Developers will receive 70% of the revenue from every sale from every partner store; Intel will “cover their costs” from the remaining 30%. Interestingly, developers will be able to use some of their revenue for promoting their applications. Another way of making money from the application stores is to develop application components, in exchange for a percentage share of revenue from every application sold that which uses the component.

The SDK will be available soon; today developers can join and become members of the Intel Atom Develop Program. The annual fee will be $99, but right now it is still free for a limited time.