Qualcomm (NSDQ: QCOM) entered the trendy app store space today by announcing a product of its own, called Plaza Retail. Release.

At first, the technology sounds like an alternative to the company’s own popular Brew developer environment used by Verizon Wireless (NYSE: VZ) and other carriers, but it’s actually different for one main reason—because it works across multiple handsets and operating systems. That not only sets it apart from Brew, but most other app stores that have been announced to date, which act as independent silos that only work on the handset makers’ individual operating system.

The storefront will support Java, BREW, Flash and BlackBerry, and Qualcomm eventually plans to soon support Android, Windows Mobile, Palm (NSDQ: PALM), Symbian and LiMo. Carriers will be able to manage pricing, licensing, promotions and other attributes of the store. The storefront will be available on the internet, mobile web and through a portal on the handset.

This is clearly Qualcomm’s attempt at helping carriers enter a more open environment without losing control (while also staying in the game themselves). As Qualcomm puts it: “the goal of Plaza Retail is to allow application retailers (typically mobile operators) to present subscribers with a uniform and easy shopping experience on any capable device. Plaza Retail also gives publishers and developers the ability to make their content available to multiple retailers instantly, regardless of their development platform.”

• Qualcomm Creates Mobile Internet Strategy To Go Head-To-Head With Internet Giants
• Let The Widget Wars Begin