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Some applications, or even some ideas, just make you want to write about them. They make you grab that (virtual) pencil and put down your opinion for the world to read.

Bodega is one such application. The team responsible for this new product (IDFusion Software and Centrix.ca) aims to solve one of the ancient problems of the Mac users developers community: application search and distribution.

The Application

As the successful App Store already solved the problem for iPhone and iPod users, Bodega wants to bring an elegant and organized way to search, find, install, and keep track of all our favorite applications on the Mac. A very Mac-like program resembling a little shop would present you with a variety of categories, a shelf of featured products, and the essential search engine.

Two of the nicest and more original features of Bodega are the local applications section (which allows you to keep updates track of your installed apps, and even the ones you didn’t buy through Bodega), and the press links section (which helps not only users who may want to find reviews about possible purchases, but also developers who may want to link reviews, news, or blog spots regarding their applications.

Bodega is a very responsive and light app (I’ve never been a fan of the slow-loading iTunes App Store); it has some nice New Releases, Shopkeeper’s Picks, Top Free, and Top Paid Downloads sections. The money is supposed to be made by sponsors’ ads, which will be nicely displayed on the store, not the apps.

Developers Playground

If you’re a developer and you want your application to be sold in the Bodega, you can become part of the developers group by opening a free account.  Once you confirm your account, you will be able to add applications press links, generate reports, see ratings/comments about your applications, and much more. There’s even a dedicated place for all of you Mac developers at this stand with all the information you need to know to get started.

Once an app is submitted, the guys in charge will, as they say, “... moderate it strictly to ensure it’s a legit submission, test links, and make sure it’s not malware.” I’m sure they’re working hard to make this a pretty straightforward and objective process. Learning from Apple mistakes on the evaluation of submitted applications could be a way to go here.

Bodega currently has over 170 applications on its shelves, and a lot more coming its way. Time will determine the future of this initiative. Users, developers, and the Bodega team’s ability to improve and promote their work will be a key factor of success. So far, the idea is great, the application is promising, the hopes are high, and the support undeniable for these guys who dared to bring a solution to the Mac software-distribution table.

Product [Bodega]