Intel is pushing Atom out of netbooks and into embedded applications like Daimler and BMW infotainment systems, cell phones and other devices in search of what it calls a $15 billion opportunity.

It wants its OEMs and other friends to take a page out of Apple’s book and create app stores for downloadable programs starting with netbook-ware. Dell, Acer and Asustek are in.

ISVs can use Microsoft’s Silverlight software framework for web-based applications and its rival Adobe Air so their mobile- and small screen-optimized apps run unchanged on both Windows and Linux Moblin.

It now appears that Silverlight 3, which is supposed to be cross-platform anyway, will support Linux directly. Developers won’t have to resort to the open source Moonlight version of Silverlight that Novell has been conjuring up. Apparently the widgetry will be available on Atom netbooks in Q1.

The Financial Time says Intel CEO Paul Otellini told reporters before the announcement at the Intel Developer Forum this week that Microsoft was just being “pragmatic.”

Intel is setting up an Atom Developer Program to take ISVs from application creation through testing to the go-to-market stage.

Intel’s also got a early community preview Moblin 2.1 that should hit beta in Q4. It will come in versions for handhelds, netbooks and nettops with a rejiggered scalable interface to accommodate itty-bitty screens and native touchscreen support as well as support of Pine Trail, the Atom chip that sticks the graphic processor inside the CPU. Pine Trail netbooks will probably be out next year.

Otellini suggested that the classic software distribution is on its way out.