Developing BlackBerry business applications in 8 steps
BlackBerry business application development is necessary today because the majority of BlackBerry users come from the corporate world and BlackBerry has become a status symbol among the middle and senior management of most business houses.
If you want to create and market a BlackBerry application for business, here are the 8 steps to follow.
Step 1: get used to the Black Berry platform
The developer must first get used to the BlackBerry platform, which is based on Java. The BlackBerry platform provides developers with 2 SDK alternatives. The first option is APIs that are BlackBerry specific, while the other is MIDP / CLDC. The first option offers greater flexibility and allows the free download of the BlackBerry Java Development Environment (JDE). The JDE has a built-in simulator so you don’t need another Blackberry phone to test the applications and troubleshoot, if any. The developer must first download the JDE and get used to the BlackBerry platform by creating a simple application.
Step 2: Conceptualization
The success of any BlackBerry application depends primarily on the concept. The concept must be unique and business-oriented. At first, you may find that the BlackBerry platform is uncooperative, but later, with practice, you will discover that applications can be presented in one of the best ways through the Black Berry application development process.
Step 3: User Interface (UI)
The user interface (UI) should be as simple as possible and at the same time attractive to the user. It should not be cluttered with information. You need to remember that the BlackBerry operating system is business oriented. One look at the application should be sufficient to understand the functionality and availability of options in the application. One way to keep the user interface simple and easy to use is by using short descriptions to explain the check boxes, fields, and option buttons.
Step 4: test and support
The application must be tested first on the simulator and then on the actual BlackBerry phone device. This is to ensure the performance of the application. The subtleties of BlackBerry application development can be understood with the help of e-books, guides, and forums on the Internet.
Step 5: pricing:
The BlackBerry application that you have developed must be priced appropriately with reference to its utility and demand. If there is already a similar type of application on the market, it is better to offer the application for free and then charge for later versions.
Step 6: Digital Rights Management (DRM):
BlackBerry application development is a service and includes payment for services provided. The developer must guarantee the payment of the money and make logical arrangements for contingencies such as breaking the device or turning on another device.
Step 7: sale:
The application can be sold directly through BlackBerry App World or some other retailer. The information to be submitted to sell the application should include the short and long description of the application, the icon, the screenshots, the trial version and the preview videos.
Step 8: after sales:
The developer must be quick to offer after-sales service and respond to customer inquiries. Appropriate actions are needed depending on the feedback. The better the customer support, the better the app’s reference market.