Microsoft UK Windows 8 App Excellence Labs

In the past year, I have had the opportunity to meet hundreds of UK academics, students and educators  who are passionate and excited about the opportunities with Windows 8. Now, we would like to share how to get early access into the Windows Store for your Windows 8 app via the Windows 8 App Excellence Labs (AEL).

What is the App Excellence Lab?

The App Excellence Lab is a 2-hour engagement with a trained Microsoft Services Engineer who will run your app through a series of tests based on a quality checklist to ensure your app is (or will be) in top-notch shape when you submit. You will also get a chance discuss ways to make your app even better and you will get answers to any questions you might have. Of course, the Labs are the singular path for motivated developers to gain early access to the Store, allowing you to receive an account, register your app and get a head start in publishing your app.

Who is it for?

The App Excellence Labs are open to developers who have almost completed their app as well as to developers who are in their early development/ideation cycle who would benefit from a consultation with Windows Engineer. Bottom line is that you will be able to work with a client expert who can rapidly help you accelerate your development.

When and where are the App Excellence Labs held?

The App Excellence Labs are held Monday to Friday at the Microsoft Campus in Thames Valley Park (Reading). We highly recommend you to attend in person, however, if for any reason you are unable to attend in person, we do offer a virtual option for you to join via Live Meeting. Please see the time slots listed below.

Below is the list of current times available for App Excellence Labs sign up.

We hope to see many of you at the App Excellence Labs and your apps in the Store.

Please follow the 4 simple steps to sign up to the App Excellence Labs.

Step One

Register and log in to https://win8.msregistration.com

Step Two

Once you have successfully logged in, please complete the Application Profile Survey. Our Windows 8 consultant will use this information to work with you on your app during before and during the App Excellence Lab.

Step Three

Under the 'Notes' section of the Application Profile Survey, please enter the following information:

Date/Time of your preferred App Excellence Lab(by choosing two preferred times/dates of the ones listed above)

Choose your preference of In-person or virtualApp Excellence Lab (by stating In Person or Virtual).

Step Four

Click on 'New Application Profile' once you've completed your profile and stated your preferred date/time & in-person and virtual preference. We will then get in touch with you to confirm your Windows 8 App Excellence Lab.

Note: If for any reason, you do not receive a response or confirmation from us within 3 working days, please drop an email to ukmsdn@microsoft.com with your App Excellence Lab details.  

Help & Support for the Windows 8 App Excellence Labs Booking & Attendance

Please either call 0845 073 7159 or email v-jat@microsoft.com

Note: If for any reason, you do not receive a response or confirmation from us within 2 working days, please drop an email to v-jat@microsoft.com with your App Excellence Lab details.