MUMBAI: Bangalore-based InMobi, an independent mobile ad network, has announced the launch of App Publish, an Android app store distribution platform.

The free-to-use tool will allow Android developers to publish their apps across global app stores in just a few clicks.

According to the company while app discovery on Google Play is a challenge for developers and users alike, alternative channels such as GetJar, Mobango, Slide Me and several third-party app stores based in China are estimated to drive billions of downloads every year.

While these outside sources help developers reach millions of users in new markets, publishing to each app store independently presents several significant challenges like- Navigating complex international laws, various platforms‘ widely varied aesthetic and informational requirements, difficulties tracking and reporting download and install figures, the challenges of collecting revenue from smaller or international platforms in a timely manner.

InMobi‘s App Publish platform will allow developers to avoid these and other pain points that come from deploying an Android app globally, using proven intelligent technology to reduce the cost and effort to submit to multiple app stores.

InMobi head of product management for developer platforms Girish Prabhu said, "Paying for position and app discovery on Google Play is becoming increasingly expensive and ultra-competitive. The launch of App Publish serves to meet the mass desire from app developers to compete in multiple channels in a simple, profitable way. Early beta testers of App Publish have seen 30 per cent more downloads through these new app store channels."