While I think that the iTunes App Store is a brilliant idea, there’s also the problem of developers, particularly the smaller, independent ones, not getting enough attention on a increasingly competitive space. While banding together might help companies pool resources, the guys at MEDL Mobile go the way of incubating and developing ideas for iPhone and iPad apps.

Their latest initiative announced at the GDC includes buying up thousands of mobile apps outright from the developers but continue to pay some portion of the profits (from the subsequent sales of the apps on the App Store or other marketplaces) to the original developers. This is probably the first time I’ve seen such a thing happen when it comes to iOS or even Android apps, so only time can tell whether this will be successful in the long run.

Check out the press release below for further details on this innovative plan:


MEDL ANNOUNCES PLANS TO PURCHASE THOUSANDS OF MOBILE APPS

The mobile app developer and publisher behind dozens of global hits will acquire thousands of apps to build an alliance of independent developers.

Fountain Valley, CA – MEDL Mobile, Inc. (www.medlmobile.com), the leader in custom mobile application development and the company behind dozens of internationally successful apps is using the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco to launch The MEDL Alliance – a program by which MEDL will acquire apps directly from developers – but continue to pay out a portion of the profits to the original developer.

“It’s very challenging for an independent developer to thrive amidst the chaos of this emerging app market.” said Andrew Maltin, MEDL Mobile’s CEO. “For every successful developer, there are dozens who have invested significant resources yet are still unable to properly market and monetize their creations.”

MEDL plans to invest an undisclosed sum to acquire iPhone, iPad and Android apps, improve functionality, and supplement the code to make them a part of their growing app network. In addition to monetizing apps via traditional methods such as download fees, in-app purchase and working with top advertising networks, MEDL also works directly with advertisers to create app sponsorships. These sponsorships weave a brand’s content into an existing app to yield a deeper level of engagement for the brand and increased monetization for the developer.

The Gartner Group announced recently that mobile applications reached $5.1 billion in 2010 and are predicted to top $15 billion for 2011. The Alliance strategy will allow MEDL Mobile to quickly scale their library to capitalize on this massive app opportunity. The Alliance purchase price and ongoing percentages paid to developers are variable depending upon the app itself.  Developers wishing to learn more can visit www.medlmobile.com/alliance.