There are a variety of options for developing wireless applications for the BlackBerry® platform:

• Java®/Java platform, Micro Edition, applications for BlackBerry smartphones
• BlackBerry® Plug-in for Microsoft® Visual Studio®
• BlackBerry® MDS Studio
• Browser-based applications for BlackBerry smartphones
• Value-added content services for BlackBerry smartphones

The following chart summarizes these options:

Developing Java/Java ME Applications for BlackBerry Smartphones

The BlackBerry JDE provides tools for developing and testing rich Java applications for BlackBerry smartphones. With the BlackBerry JDE, application developers can build custom client applications for the BlackBerry smartphone that can operate as stand-alone applications or communicate with web or application servers residing on the Internet or corporate intranet. Rich-client Java applications for BlackBerry smartphones can leverage features such as:

• Customizable user interface
• Persistent local data storage and client-side logic
• Simplified wireless connectivity to Internet or corporate intranet
• Support for server-initiated push of content
• Local integration with email, Personal Information Management (PIM) and phone applications
• Location-based services

Java applications for BlackBerry smartphones can communicate with new or existing server-side applications written in a variety of programming languages and using standard protocols and data formats such as HTTP(S), TCP/IP and XML.

BlackBerry Plug-in for Microsoft Visual Studio

The BlackBerry Plug-in for Microsoft Visual Studio allows enterprise developers and system integrators to leverage existing Microsoft® based developer tools to wirelessly enable applications for BlackBerry smartphones. It lets developers working within a .NET programming environment use their development tool of choice, while still taking advantage of the benefits of the BlackBerry® Mobile Data System. They can still enjoy simplified wireless application development, deployment and management for the enterprise.

BlackBerry MDS Studio

With BlackBerry MDS Studio, developers can quickly create rich-client applications using a component-based drag and drop approach. It supports XML Web Services and service-oriented architectures for integration and interoperability between mobile applications and existing enterprise applications and back-end systems.

Developing Browser-based Applications for BlackBerry Smartphones

BlackBerry smartphones include an integrated web browser that supports standard mark-up and scripting languages such as:

• HTML
• JavaScript®
• WML and WML Script

Users of both BlackBerry Internet Service and the BlackBerry® Enterprise Solution can use the browser to access Internet content*.

Application developers can leverage their existing web development skills and use programming models such as HTML, .NET ASP or Java/JSP™.

Developing Value-added Content Services for BlackBerry Smartphones

The Plazmic Content Developer's Kit for the BlackBerry platform provides a suite of tools to allow application developers to create value-added content services for BlackBerry smartphones. With the Plazmic Content Developer's Kit, developers can create colorful and dynamic rich-media content for the BlackBerry smartphone leveraging Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) and Macromedia® Flash®.

Next Step – Discover the Development Opportunities and Programs Available to You

*Check with airtime service provider for airtime wireless service, availability, roaming arrangements, service plans and features. Some airtime service providers may not offer Internet browsing functionality with a subscription to BlackBerry Internet Service.