Case raises fairness issues

Apple is giving special support treatment to at least one iPhone developer, according to the latter party. CEO Mike Simon of LogMeIn has revealed that he now has a private phone number he can call regarding Ignition, the company's remote access app. The software has an unusually high price of $30, and is said to have generated at least $1 million for LogMeIn since its December introduction.

Simon explains that the company was initially contacted several months ago by an Apple representative, who offered ongoing help for any problems that might arise with the App Store. It is not certain why LogMeIn would warrant the extra attention, but reasons could include the company's financial clout, and the inclusion of Ignition in Apple advertising. The app has appeared in TV spots and in publications like the Wall Street Journal.

LogMeIn's relationship with Apple stands in contrast to that of most iPhone developers, who can only communicate via e-mail. A number have complained that should an app be rejected, Apple representatives will often provide only vague reasons for the denial, with no suggestions for how to get something approved. The company has made modest attempts at branching out to developers, but the efforts are not yet systemic.

by MacNN Staff