Regarding Nullriver, Apple Has Questions to Answer About App Store

Apple's new App Store addition to iTunes is a hit - the company is selling huge numbers of Apple and third-party application to iPhone users. But things aren't going as smoothly as they might seem on the surface.

One company, Nullriver, has encountered a strange occurrence: It seems that their NetShare application - which allowed users to connect their computer to the iPhone to use it's network connection - was offered and then removed from the App Store. Then it was up again. Then it was gone again. And Nullriver has gotten no notice as to why.

All App Store applications must run through a vetting process. They must be submitted to and approved by Apple, which says they do so in order to prevent any malignant applications, or any that might violate the conditions under which iPhone users must operate. It is possible that NetShare violated one of these conditions by essentially turning the iPhone into a wireless broadband modem - applications aren't supposed to use the over-the-air networks. But, that doesn't explain how NetShare made it through Apple's approval process in the first place, or why it was put back up after the initial time it was removed.

And the bigger issue stems around the fact that Nullriver has not been contacted by Apple, nor have they had any of their attempts at correspondence answered. The company has been completely left in the dark as to why their application was removed after initially being approved.

The App Store promises to be a huge moneymaker -- for both Apple and the developers who sell iPhone applications through it. But Apple's business practices as of this early date aren't encouraging. The vetting process was intended to ensure that all App Store applications abide by the rules, and Apple is obligated to explain to developers why applications don't make it through - or, in Nullriver's case - why applications are approved only to be removed later. This is a good business practices that will guarantee that Apple keeps a good relationship with developers, who are the lifeblood of the App Store.