Java Development

[Aviator168]

Getting our apps  on the BB is cheap and easy. Doesn't RIM still have total control what app can be allowed to be put on the BB? If they don't like our apps or there is a conflict of interest, all they have to do is to revote the keys and we can't sign our apps any more. What are your thoughts?

[JSanders Resident Expert]

What's behind this question?

Surely there is more to this than is evident from your post.

[RexDoug]

be very afraid...  

[Xandrex]

---

Aviator168 wrote:

Doesn't RIM still have total control what app can be allowed to be put on the BB? If they don't like our apps or there is a conflict of interest, all they have to do is to revote the keys and we can't sign our apps any more.

---

On contrairy to what happens on Apple AppStore, any developer can publish an application for BlackBerry devices, as long as he has the signing keys. If RIM is not happy with your cooperation, they can probably firbid you to publish new applications, but the existing applications can still exist. Besides, you can also publish non-signed applications. Not ideal but works too.

Lastly, why would there be a conflict of interest ? RIM provides core features like email or browser or calendar, but on contrary to Apple Inc, they never forbid a competitor to take some marketshare. Look at Empower email, or Opera Mini. they are here for good.

[ydaraishy]

What's to stop you registering new keys under a different name or organization and continuing to sign applications this way?

[rcmaniac25]

Also you don't need to install through the App World, unlike the iPhone/iPod if you get rejected from the store you could just put it online, all the devices have a browser and there are free hosting sites out there.

[icefrost1]

RIM supports third-party development, unless your doing something malicious, I don't see any threat. They are more likely to help you.

[Aviator168]

Thanks for all your responds. Given the recent data "over load " on AT&T's network. Wireless services might crackdown on high bandwidth applications on mobile devices. We are a bit concerned. Eventhough there is nothing the service providers can do about it, they can, through their manufacturing partner,  prevent such application to be deployed.

[rcmaniac25]

Unlike the Apple/AT&T partnership there is really nothing they can do to prevent an app from getting on a device unless they block websites, different app stores, and put filtering software on your computer itself. There are so many ways to get your app on a BlackBerry that it is impossible to prevent it unless you are using a business BlackBerry (which can restrict 3rd party apps).

[Aviator168]

---

rcmaniac25 wrote:

Unlike the Apple/AT&T partnership there is really nothing they can do to prevent an app from getting on a device unless they block websites, different app stores, and put filtering software on your computer itself. There are so many ways to get your app on a BlackBerry that it is impossible to prevent it unless you are using a business BlackBerry (which can restrict 3rd party apps).

---

This is one of the reasons we choosed the BB platform for this particular application.