Microsoft, Nokia and Telstra are preparing to open mobile phone applications stores.

Telstra product management executive director Ross Fielding did not confirm that the telco would be launching an apps store in the near future, but hinted that it was part of the Microsoft and Nokia alliance.

Fielding said that he didnt know if he would call it the Telstra apps store, but it'll be one-click, pretty simple to use. Microsoft and Nokia are following Apple's lead in the application market. 

However while Apple applications are mostly closed source, and tailored for the iPhone, the Redmond/Nokia version will be for a wide range of phones.