In an attempt to persuade developers to create apps for its forthcoming smartphone operating system, Windows Phone 7, Microsoft Thursday acknowledged that it is offering resources as well as a co-funding option for their software development projects.

Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 platform, which will be later this year, aggregates Web content and applications into subject-specific Hubs like Office or Games. After its launch, the OS will be paired with a Windows Phone Marketplace, for which developers will be allowed to submit five ‘free’ applications – which will subsequently entail a $19.99 charge – as well as an unlimited number of paid applications.

Apparently, Microsoft’s strategy behind Windows Phone 7 is chiefly focused on three tenets: smart design, integrated experiences and an optimized ecosystem.

Confirming about the co-funding proposition for developers, a Microsoft spokesperson told eWEEK on July 14: “We are investing heavily in the developer community by offering as many resources as we can to help them be successful on our platform. Where it makes sense we do co-fund strategic projects on a limited basis.”

A Bloomberg article also quoted Todd Brix, a senior director at Microsoft, who clearly hinted that Microsoft would offer all possible resources to attract app developers to the Windows Phone 7 platform. Brix further added that the planned move by Microsoft will essentially enable developers to understand what the underlying opportunity and help them become successful.