Palm's webOS developer program for creating mobile apps will officially open in December -- and it's taking a much different approach than rival Apple does with its App Store for the iPhone.

The program will offer developers a choice of how to get their applications to market -- via Palm's online store or elsewhere on the Web -- and what Palm (NASDAQ: PALM) calls "an unparalleled level of transparency" that includes a do-it-yourself certifying option for webOS apps.

"Our program will be unlike anything currently available, and has been established to promote a thriving community by giving developers direct involvement in their own success," Katie Mitic, senior vice president, product marketing for Palm, said in a statement. "Whether you're looking for immediate distribution or just feedback on early stages of development, this program is built to scale to your needs and finally put you in control of investing in and promoting your business."

Following up on the release of the beta app catalog e-commerce program, Palm said today it will open its app distribution program to the entire developer community by the end of the year.

In August, Palm announced that developers who wish to charge for their Palm webOS applications could begin submitting them for consideration in the Palm App Catalog e-commerce beta program, which went live today. Developers selected to participate in the beta program have the opportunity to make their applications -- both free and paid -- available to consumers.

Under Palm's revenue model, developers receive a 70 percent split of gross revenues generated through application sales.

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