Microsoft is set to launch a developer program aimed at local companies creating applications using the open-source model.

Microsoft recently announced it will open an open-source "interoperability" lab in the Asia Pacific.

The lab, to be located at the National Computer Center, is meant for use by application developers who want to test their software for interoperability with Microsoft products.

D3 Systems, which develops mobile applications running on Java, will be the first to use the lab.

Abet Dela Cruz, Microsoft Philippines platform strategy manager, said the company intends to recruit more open-source companies to join an ISV (independent software vendor) program.

Apart from D3 Systems, Dela Cruz declined to mention companies in his shortlist, although other companies doing development work on Java are likely to be recruited.

"It's easy to recruit because a lot of developers here are creating software for mobile devices on Java, for example. It should be a win-win situation for them since device support for Windows Mobile is increasing," Dela Cruz said.

Microsoft earlier this year announced its interoperability initiative geared toward the open source community.

Among others, Microsoft said it would open APIs (application programming interfaces) on some of its core products like Windows and Microsoft Office to allow developers to more freely run their software on its products.

"The ISV program is open to all developers that have demonstrated worthy open-source projects. Our goal is to help them expand their market," Dela Cruz said.