As application developers for the BlackBerry platform continue to increase in numbers globally, new developers face challenges getting started, like gaining access to RIM for BlackBerry technology updates and developer events. This is especially prevalent in countries where RIM presence is not as extensive as in the US and Canada. This is one of the gaps that developers overcome by banding together to form developer communities.
One developer community that stands out in Asia is the Philippine BlackBerry Developer Group, or PinoyBBDev. Since its birth in 2010, the group continues to grow and now boasts of hundreds of experienced and up-and-coming developers.
Continue reading to know more about PinoyBBDev in this BlackBerry Empire exclusive.
PinoyBBDev was founded by BlackBerry application developers Pete Angelo Doligosa and John Bibal II back in April 1, 2010 and had its formal launch and first meet up a month later.
In an exclusive conversation with BlackBerry Empire, Pete Doligosa shared that the PinoyBBDev’s vision is “to see more Filipino developers to create applications for the BlackBerry platform, both smartphones and tablet, and see their apps available on BlackBerry AppWorld.”
PinoyBBDev is proud to be the first developer group of its kind in Asia, and the only RIM-sanctioned developer community in the Philippines. PinoyBBDev is also one of the first developer communities in the country to initiate a development challenge – the PinoyBBDev Challenge, which successfully concluded a couple of weeks ago. PinoyBBDev also proudly developed the first version of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) Navigator App for BlackBerry smartphones and the PlayBook. The said app, which provides up-to-date traffic situation and information for the public’s daily travel in Metro Manila, is among the most downloaded by BlackBerry smartphone and PlayBook owners in the metro.
When asked “What sets PinoyBBDev apart from other developer communities/groups in the Philippines?,” Pete had this to share with BlackBerry Empire:
“We are the only RIM-sanctioned developer community in the country. Being recognized by Research In Motion, we have early access to BlackBerry updates, particularly on the development aspect, to be shared to group members. Another perk of being a group member is that they are prioritized in terms of information and to RIM-sponsored promotions, e.g. complimentary passes to various developer events.”
“Being a recognized developer group, RIM and Filipino developers can expect us to provide technical information and support in various forms, such as meet-ups and tech sessions.”
PinoyBBDev has over 180 registered members (experienced and new developers) and continues to grow. There are regular meet-ups participated in by active members. We asked them what it takes to be a PinoyBBDev member, and here’s what they shared with BlackBerry Empire:
“You have to be a developer or someone who are planning to be. Since the BlackBerry platform supports a number of mobile technologies, the group is not only open to Java BlackBerry developers, Web developers, Flash, Android, and C/C++ developers. Even designers are welcome to join the group.”
As BlackBerry application development continues to gain momentum, the group is lining up a number of activities aimed at further enabling its members, as well as encouraging more developers, in developing more BlackBerry apps. On top of its current activities which include Hack-a-thons, Tutorials, Tech Sessions, etc., Pete shared that they are “planning to expand and reach out to college students for more awareness on BlackBerry development.” Likewise, “we will be holding the second PinoyBBDev Challenge later this year,” Pete added.
In preparation for BlackBerry 10, founders Pete and John will be attending the BlackBerry 10 Jam in May. Pete reassured “After that, we are planning to hold a series of meet-ups and tech sessions focusing on the upcoming platform development options.”
Truly, PinoyBBDev plays a significant role in promoting application development for the BlackBerry platform in the Philippines. With PinoyBBDev, new application developers are afforded valuable opportunities to further enhance their capabilities in BlackBerry application development, through various means. Thanks to the vision of its founders, PinoyBBDev is enabling more and more Filipino developers to compete globally, as well as make a difference in people’s lives through the development of innovative apps.
For more information, and to register for membership, visit PinoyBBDev’s official blog site.
To connect with PinoyBBDev:
- Follow their official Twitter account @pinoybbdev
- “Like” PinoyBBDev’s Facebook page