Research In Motion has recently started to accept application submissions for its Blackberry Application Storefront. The app platform will directly compete with the Apple iTunes store and the Android Market and is expected to officially launch in March. ZDNet had a chance to interview RIM’s head of developer relations, Mike Kirkup, and pulled out some interesting details not only regarding the Blackberry app store but the company’s strategic direction as well.
For application developers, the payment structure will be the best available. Developers will net 80 percent of the revenue generated from application sales, while the other 20 percent will go to channel partners such as Paypal. The remaining cash will other be distributed among carriers or kept by RIM. Apple and Android both only share 70 percent of revenues with developers.
While the company won’t be as strict as Apple when reviewing submissions, it won’t be quite as open as Android either. Applications that use excessive bandwidth, are lewd, or violate agreements will be rejected. Unfortunately that means there won’t be any cool video or audio streaming apps for the Blackberry, by the looks of it.
Kirkup also felt that Blackberry’s closed platform had an advantage over Android’s open strategy. Blackberry hardware, software, API’s and pretty well everything else is made by RIM and therefore consistent across all devices. Aside from the iPhone, which provides developers consistency because it’s one of a kind, Kirkup argues that Android devices will never provide consistency because handset makers use different hardware, etc. I think he has a good point there. I also think enterprise application developers have a chance to make some serious money with Blackberry’s storefront. Of its 21 million strong active user base, I’m sure that a majority are business users.
At launch Paypal will be the only way to pay for applications, which might be a pain for those that enjoy the convenience of a credit card payment, but also an opportunity for those without credit cards or uncomfortable sharing personal information on the web a chance to buy cool applications. You can still use Paypal to pay with a credit card, but it adds an extra step. That’s enough to deter some people. Kirkus said the payment system may evolve in the future.
A couple more quick details: applications will work with Blackberry OS v4.2.1 and higher and the Application Storefront will also provide free trials. Oh, and I bet you this all makes President Obama very happy.
via zdnet
