Microsoft is coming up with their answer to Apple iTunes Store. They are calling it the Microsoft SkyMarket, and no, it is totally unrelated to the Shopping Magazine! Before you understand how it works or how it will be different from iTunes, you need to understand SkyBox v1.0. The beta version will be released at the MWC 2009 for free. It will support a mobile version of Windows Restore: for data back up and restoration; content management and data sharing. There will also be two more versions to be released.

In the middle of this year, SkyBox v1.5 will be unveiled. As with most Microsoft products, Skybox will come in several versions: standard service or subscription-based SkyBox premium service. The SkyBox v1.5 service will be available on Windows Mobile 6.1, 6.5 and probably 7! In addition to that, it might also run on other non-Windows smart phones.

Despite all the versions discussed above, the flagship will be SkyBox v2.0. This version will come with numerous Microsoft functions and applications. Consumers will be able to navigate their phones directly from the Internet: handling ringtones, backgrounds, mobile applications, music and video! Finally, this will all be tied closely together with the Windows Live service.

SkyBox v2.9 will then tie-a-not with SkyMarket. This is where it gets interesting. The SkyMarket will provide users a way to buy applications through the net (Hmm..Like the Apple AppStore, Blackberry Application Storefront, Google Android Application Market or Samsung S60 and Windows Mobile Mobile Application store?).

This is great because the world is slowly moving towards the smartphone-era! With the sales of Smart phones slowly increasing, with 3G+ connectivity growing in popularity, it is only a matter of time until smart phones replace your laptops for that business trip!