RIM lures apps developers with ads tools

 

Gallery

By Reuters

Posted on 11 Nov 2009 at 10:20

RIM is hoping to entice developers to the BlackBerry by making it easier for them to make money from their apps.

The company plans to allow apps developers to insert advertising into the programs more easily. RIM will also help developers better integrate and process payments for premium content.

"Attracting developers is critical," says RIM chief executive Jim Balsillie. "Now, developers can have ad revenue and ad-sharing strategy in their applications."

Applications are crucial to RIM's effort to win a bigger share of the consumer market, from which much of its recent subscriber growth has come.

The software complements models of consumer-focused BlackBerries, such as the touch-screen Storm, which has been RIM's answer to Apple's iPhone.

RIM's push into the retail market has put the company in more direct competition with Apple and other consumer smartphone vendors such as Motorola and Nokia.

RIM opened its own small application store in April, stung by Apple's success and far-wider offering.

Some smartphone apps already feature advertising, while more costly apps come without. There are also basic versions of some apps available for free, but users can upgrade to a full-featured version for a price.