Adknowledge is rounding out its platform offerings quite nicely, with the launch of its iOS software developer kit.  Announced on day two of the Mobile World Congress on Barcelona, the new SDK comes on the heels of Adknowledge’s Android version launch, making the leap to mobile.  The new iOS SDK, which supports Apple iPhone and iPad devices, gives publishers in-app monetization capabilities through its Super Rewards system.

This virtual marketplace is an ad network that exchanges user actions for free goods, which encompass virtual currencies, exclusive feature access and other items.  Brokering such activity gives Adknowledge a unique marketplace, one who’s format has been debated, critiqued and promoted.

The added perk for app publishers is the ability to generate revenues through iPhone apps without dealing directly with Apple’s rather stringent rules.  Given Apple’s recent micro-managed enthusiasm around publishers revenue-generating methods, Adknowledge itself may have some direct dealings with Apple at some point.  Even Google’s beginning to pay more attention to deviating marketplaces, shutting down Kongregate’s Flash arcade app shortly after it launched.

I actually discussed the Kongregate matter with Chris Smutny, general manager of Adknowledge’s game division, when Adknowledge launched their Android SDK, and it warranted a similar chat regarding the iOS as well.  “We are following in the footsteps of other companies like TapJoy,” Smutny explains.  “There are absolutely no direct payment methods, or other types of items that circumvent or seek to circumvent Apple’s products.  We are seeking to improve the Apple ecosystem and provide consumers more ways to interact with F2P games.”

But Adknowledge now operates across Facebook, Android and iOS, giving it great positioning for the social, mobile market.  This is a major intersection for social consumerism, which is encouraged through gaming, virtual economies of varying sorts, and the point-of-purchase access mobile devices deliver.

As businesses find web monetization incorporates multi-platform management skills, platforms such as AdKnowledge’s will become a vital part of the transition to platform-agnostic languages like HTML5.  Adknowledge has created a centralized dashboard for managing and deploying apps across supported platforms, simplifying yet another aspect of publisher needs.

Residing at this junction, Adknowledge also has a good perspective on platform fragmentation, particularly as it applies to software distribution as a whole.  “The fascinating thing about Android this year is that you’ll have devices for free with new phone plans. So the fragmentation issue isn’t going to be solved,” says Smutny.  “But browser-based services are going to address this.  It’s an issue people have solved many times.”