Amazon continues to strengthen its offering in cloud with an app store for cloud applications, the AWS Marketplace. The new portal allows customers to buy the Amazon’s cloud applications as well as third party software towards the development of their business.

The Marketplace has pre-configured software and technical services, and a shopping cart and list feature.  Amazon made it easy and fast with its proprietary 1-Click purchases for software, and will use the monthly payment structure for customers.

The available software ranges from general applications designed to manage servers and databases, to software applications specifically designed for the business world, and developer tools for issue and bug tracking solutions to name a few.  Amazon has grouped the AWS marketplace categories in to three groups – Software Infrastructure, Developer tools and Business Software.

The applications come from a number of known suppliers, including SAP, Zend, Microsoft, IBM, Canonical, Perforce, Couchbase, Acquia, Check Point Software, and 10gen, and open-source vendors such as WordPress, Drupal and MediaWiki.

The new service aims to further monetize the company’s cloud offering and promoting the development of the online business of its customers, using tailored made tools as per the needs of companies.

Rise of Enterprise App Stores

Understanding customers’ needs helps companies define new market opportunities and drive innovation.  Amazon’s new Marketplace is one such concept where the service provider will generate revenue through the provision a single platform ecosystem for users’ business needs.

As enterprises and users are rapidly adopting smartphones and tablets in their work and personal lives, the fast-moving mobilization trends are intensifying the demand for enterprise-ready app stores and marketplaces.

Apple sets the trend for consumers, with Google’s Android and RIM following closely behind. Complementary to the major providers, the marketplace model is changing the way users and developers buy and create software.

Industry biggies and business service providers have come up with some answers for app stores of their own, trying to create new ecosystems with customers, partners and users. Let’s look at some of the leading marketplace providers in the industry.

Appcelerator Titanium Platform Open Mobile Marketplace

Mobile cloud platform company Appcelerator, which provides cross-platform Titanium platform for building mobile, tablet and desktop applications, offers the Appcelerator Open Mobile Marketplace.

The open mobile store includes mobile app modules, templates, design elements, and other cloud component extensions for the developer community.  Moreover, the Marketplace has an open system of tools for publishers that allow them to upload their own content, integrating with existing services.

The Marketplace is available for any developer or business who wants to publish a native or HTML5 mobile module, app template, or mobile cloud service.

Cisco Developer Network Marketplace

Cisco offers users the next generation hosted, community based marketplace called Cisco Developer Network Marketplace (CDN). The marketplace enables developer to validate, market, and sell complementary product offerings – from mobile applications to end-to-end business solutions.

The CDN marketplace features a unique searchable, centralized repository feature, Cisco AppHQ, which transforms the way developers communicate, collaborate and connect using Cisco devices. The client version of AppHQ is also available on mobile and other fixed Cisco devices.

Cisco provides a single platform for developers to license and distribute their products to end users. The network giant also offers App store for independent software vendor, systems integrator and Android developer.

Google App Marketplace

Whether you need a CRM application, accounting or project management apps, you can find, purchase and install high quality web applications that integrate with Google Apps in Google Apps Marketplace.

The marketplace extends the offerings of other third party Software-as-a-Service applications that work with Google’s cloud applications.

All applications of Google Apps Marketplace offer single sign-on integration. In addition, they also offer additional features such as data synchronization with Google Apps and gadgets to enjoy enhanced functionality.