BlackBerry business application development is necessary nowadays because most BlackBerry users come from the corporate world and BlackBerry has become a status symbol among the middle and upper management of most business houses.
If you want to build and market a BlackBerry Enterprise App, here are the 8 steps you need to take.
Step 1: Getting 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 alternative SDKs. The first option is APIs that are specific to BlackBerry, 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 solve the problems, if any. The developer needs to first download the JDE and get used to the BlackBerry platform by creating a simple application.
Step 2: Conceptualization
The success of any BlackBerry app depends primarily on the concept. The concept must be unique and business oriented. Initially, you may find that the BlackBerry platform is not cooperative, but later, with practice, you will discover that applications can be presented in one of the best ways through the BlackBerry 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. It is necessary to remember that the BlackBerry operating system is geared towards business. One look at the app should be enough to understand the functionality and the availability of options in the app. One way to keep the user interface simple and easy to use is by using short descriptions to explain checkboxes, fields, and radio buttons.
Step 4: Testing 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: Price:
The BlackBerry application you have developed must be priced appropriately with reference to its utility and demand. If there is already a similar type of app on the market, it is better to offer the app for free and then charge for subsequent versions.
Step 6: Digital Rights Management (DRM):
BlackBerry application development is a service and includes payment for services rendered. The developer needs to secure payment of the money and make logical arrangements for contingencies like breaking the device or switching to another device.
Step 7: Sale:
The app can be sold directly through BlackBerry App World or some other retailer. The information to be submitted to sell the app should include the short and detailed app description, icon, screenshots, trial version, and preview videos.
Step 8: After Sales:
The developer must be prompt in offering after-sales service and responding to customer queries. Appropriate actions are needed depending on the feedback. The better the customer support, the better the application’s reference market will be.
