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As a young entrepreneur, it is quite useful to have an understanding, or at least an idea of how much it will cost to get your startup off the ground.  As an independent software developer, these costs are considerably lower than startups in other industries, and sometimes need only a time commitment in order to succeed. In the case of developing and releasing mobile applications however, there are a number of small expenses that may be encountered:

1. Web Hosting ($119.40): To get mobilitea off the ground, I started off small. I was looking for hosting which was relatively cheap and somewhat reliable. I registered for a domain and hosting from DreamHost for around $120.00, which appeared to be a good deal at the time. Note: DreamHost has deals every so often which allows you to get yearly hosting with a domain for only $9.99. Getting web hosting and a domain is one of the best ways to give yourself a brand, and give your brand a home. I can not stress this enough: get web hosting!
2. Java Code Signing Keys ($20.00): Because the BlackBerry SDK is freely available for download, RIM had to put safeguard(s) in place to discourage developers with malicious intent from writing harmful software. To prevent developers from using sensitive APIs, RIM introduced a secure method of tracking and verifying clean code: Code Signing Keys. At the relatively low price of $20.00 US, developers should apply for these code signing keys. These keys are needed in order to allow applications to run on BlackBerry devices when using APIs that perform system-level commands, such as making changes to the file system.
3. BlackBerry App World ($200.00): Although it isn’t entirely necessary to sign up as a vendor on the BlackBerry App World, I definitely recommend it. RIM is pushing App World as the answer to the iPhone App Store. Although this may not be the case at the moment, App World is quickly shaping up to be an excellent platform for developers to release their software. After a fairly simple application process and a cost of $200.00, independent developers are able to  begin submitting their applications and selling them (albeit for a minimum of $2.99 compared to Apple’s brilliant $0.99) to BlackBerry subscribers.

Although this list does not mirror that of all other mobile application development firms, it is a pretty standard representation of what one can expect to pay in order to finance a small BlackBerry development firm. For approximately $340 US, and sometimes even less, an independent software developer or startup can begin developing and releasing software for BlackBerry handsets.

It may also be good to note that some costs can be avoided entirely by using free alternatives.

1. In the case of web hosting, many people may just opt in to use a free blogging service such as WordPress or tumblr. Both services allow users to post information and content without paying a dime.
2. Instead of releasing software on App World, many BlackBerry developers opt to release their software for free on the MobiHand network. MobiHand offers a network of online and on-device stores to sell mobile applications on, for free. The only cost to the developer is a 20-40% take from each sale. 20% for all sales on MobiHand’s main store, or 40% on MobiHand’s partner stores, such as the CrackBerry Store.

Hopefully this article will give new developers an idea of what costs may be incurred when attempting to sell applications for the BlackBerry. Like I said, it is an extremely good idea to sign up as a vendor on the BlackBerry App World, and definitely a good idea to pick up a domain and web hosting. When used together, utilizing the free MobiHand network , the BlackBerry App World, and solid web hosting will be one of the best decisions you can make.

Thanks for taking the time to read this article, and I hope everything outlined above will be a great help to every independent BlackBerry developer out there. Also, feel free to provide feedback on my posts, and don’t hesitate to ask about other useful topics – I may end up writing on them!

jlgosse

jlgosse BlackBerry, Development, Entrepreneurship BlackBerry, costs, Development, Entrepreneurship, finance, start-up