As Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 platform continues to flounder despite having some very good features, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the application ecosystem can make or break a platform. RIM is apparently (and finally) aware of this fact, and plans to push apps hard with its upcoming BlackBerry 10 operating system. RIM’s VP of Developer Relations has gone so far as to guarantee that quality apps will make at least $10,000 in their first year, or RIM will make up the difference.
The statement comes as RIM releases BlackBerry 10 beta development tools and Dev Alpha devices to revitalize a platform that has been hemorrhaging users quarter after quarter. On the face of it, this deal seems too perfect, and the kind of thing that would have developers flocking to download those dev tools. As with everything that falls into that “too good to be true” zone, there is a catch.
RIM is going to be setting up a strict certification program for apps to make sure the apps eligible for that $10,000 payout are actually good. Details on the program are scant, but we do know that the approved apps have to be able to generate at least $1,000 in sales on their own before RIM will cut a check. Fast forward 18 months or so and I predict a few stories of slighted developer that fell short of RIM’s benchmarks in some way.
Even if the deal comes with strings attached, it’s more of a guarantee than Android or iOS is offering. It’s possible for great apps to get lost in the shuffle on those platforms. RIM’s deep pockets could put independent part-time developers at ease knowing there is a good chance of seeing some return on investment with BlackBerry 10.
via TechCrunch
