BlackBerry Programming 101 - How to Get Started With BlackBerry Software Development

The success of newer BlackBerry models like the Pearl, Curve, Bold and Storm have allowed RIM (Research in Motion) to penetrate the consumer smartphone market and go head-to-head with the Apple iPhone as an application platform. If you've been ignoring the BlackBerry platform because it was too Enterprise-focused for your applications, it might be time to specifically target the BlackBerry. Here's how you get started.

It's Java Time

BlackBerry development for all recent models is done exclusively in Java. So if you're not a strong Java programmer, now's the time to brush up on your Java programming skills. (C# programmers will find the transition to Java fairly simple, the languages are very close in most respects.) Don't learn about the newest Java features, however, because the BlackBerry platform is built on top of Java Micro Edition (Java ME), which is itself a derivative of Java version 1.3. So forget all the fancy (but useful) language features introduced in Java 1.5 -- generics, enumerations, and so on -- you can't use these in BlackBerry programming. You can't also use most of the library classes you're familiar with -- they're just not there. A small subset of the Java Standard Edition (Java SE) classes are supported, as well as a number of BlackBerry-specific classes.

BlackBerry Programming 101 - How to Get Started With BlackBerry Software Development

Java Micro Edition?

Once you've brushed up on your Java, you need to spend a bit of time understanding the Java ME platform, which was formerly known as Java 2 Micro Edition, or J2ME for short. You need to understand the concepts of configurations and profiles, and in particular the CLDC and MIDP standards. You'll find lots of information about these in various books and on Sun's Java development site.

The BlackBerry Platform

After learning about Java ME, it's time to explore the BlackBerry platform. The BlackBerry platform is based on the CLDC and includes support for MIDP 2.0. However, a large number of BlackBerry-specific classes are also provided. Which brings you to the first question you'll face: are you going to write a BlackBerry application or a MIDP application? In a MIDP application you're constrained to only use the APIs exposed by the CLDC and MIDP standards. Your application will run on the BlackBerry and on most cellphones, but it won't be able to use any of the BlackBerry's special features. You can use any MIDP-compatible development tool, such as the Sun Java Wireless Toolkit for CLDC (formerly known as the J2ME Wireless Toolkit), to create your applications.

Most application developers opt to build BlackBerry-specific applications. This means learning the BlackBerry-specific APIs -- including new user interface classes -- and using the BlackBerry Java Development Environment (JDE) to develop your applications. The JDE, which is free to download, works with the standard Java Software Development Kit and provides you with all the tools necessary to create, package, test and debug BlackBerry applications. You don't even need a BlackBerry handheld, because the JDE includes a full-featured BlackBerry device simulator. A complete set of JavaDocs is provided that describes all the classes and interfaces available to programmers.

After downloading and installing the JDE, you'll want to read the developer's guides that come with the JDE and look at the sample applications that are shipped with it. Then start your development by writing a few simple applications to get a feel for the BlackBerry APIs and the tools.

Get A BlackBerry Handheld

Although you can develop and test your applications for free, at some point you'll need to run the application on an actual BlackBerry handheld. This will cost you money, of course, and so it's not something you'll want to do until you're serious about writing BlackBerry applications. On-device testing is crucial to ensuring that the application works correctly, because the simulator is not a perfect emulation system.

If you're truly serious about BlackBerry application development, consider also joining one of the BlackBerry developer programs for additional support and early access to new devices and APIs. You should also explore RIM's other BlackBerry developer resources. There are also third-party forums and books available to help you learn the BlackBerry platform.

Conclusion

BlackBerry programming is not hard if you know some Java and you understand the constraints and limitations of the underlying Java ME platform. You have to learn a new set of APIs and use new development tools, but in the end it's just another kind of Java programming.

BlackBerry Programming 101 - How to Get Started With BlackBerry Software Development
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Eric Giguere is a consultant and author who specializes in BlackBerry programming and other wireless development topics.

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Writing a Request For Proposal For Web Site Design and Development

A company that is looking to get bids from several qualified vendors for a Web site design or development project will typically write a Request for Proposal (RFP) and either post it online or send it directly to potential vendors it has identified.

As with any complex project, a Web site design project requires clear communication between the client and web developer in order for the client to receive accurate bids. The RFP serves as a baseline of project requirements on which competing vendors may price their services. I have outlined a few items below that should typically be in a Website Design and Development Request for Proposal, though some times more information is necessary.

Writing your Request for Proposal

Writing a Request For Proposal For Web Site Design and Development

The Request for Proposal (RFP) process allows potential vendors to get an idea of your goals, existing challenges and possible limitations without lengthy phone discussions or in-person meetings that can severely impact the amount of time it takes for you to get started with your Web Design and Development project. It allows you to succinctly describe exactly what you are looking for and what a potential vendor should expect in the project.

An ideal RFP would clearly specify all the requirements pertaining to your website. It would allow the developer to present you with a proposal based your particular needs and, needless to say, the more details your RFP contains, the more accurate a proposal the developer is able to present.

Components of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Web site Design and Development Project:

Project Background Information

Brief overview of your organization, including some history and your primary business objectives. Detailed description of the project you would like to receive the proposal for. If your budget requirements are strict, it might help to include a 'Ballpark' Budget - which developers can use to scope and scale your solution and save you time. Target launch date and required deliverable dates - include any dates that you need the project to meet. Are there crucial meetings and cut-off dates that the developer should be aware of? If you are not sure what the time frame should be, it's okay to see what the proposals you receive recommend and renegotiate. It's also good to anticipate and state how flexible you are with the project's completion date.

Marketing Requirements and Data

Audience demographics - who will be the main users of your site? Are there several different audiences that need to be addressed? User comfort level with technology -  how technically savvy is your audience? Will they know how to deal with plug-ins, for example? Will users have high-speed connections, or will many be on modems? Audience base -  how large do you expect your user base to be?

Design and Corporate Branding Requirements

Do you have corporate identity guidelines that must be followed, including fonts and colors and graphic treatments? What look and feel to you envision for the Web site? Include some adjectives to describe what your site should communicate. Provide examples of Web sites that relate to the RFP either because they have a similar feel to the one your are looking for, or even examples of what you do NOT want. Will there be any animated elements (i.e. Flash animations)? How many? How are they going to be used?

Technical and Infrastructure Requirements

Web hosting considerations. Do you currently have a Web host or are you looking for a new one to handle this project? Browser/platform considerations. Generally speaking, a Web site for consumers or the general public should work similarly across all modern browsers and Operating Systems. If you are targeting a very specific audience it is possible your needs are different. Development platform requirements. Do you require an Open Source solution, are you open to a proprietary solution that is more tailored to your exact needs, etc. Coding language requirements (e.g. ASP.NET, PHP, Java). Many times this depends on the type of Web hosting platform or any pre-existing software you may have. Are there third party applications you'd like to incorporate?

Functionality/programming Requirements

Will there be forms on the site? If so, how many? How should they be handled? (e.g. e-mailed to recipients, stored in a database, etc.) Will the site require tools to manage content/information (e.g. ability for staff to add content such as press releases or quarterly reports)? Will there be any e-commerce on the site? If so, who will be entering data on products offered? How will transactions be managed? Are there any other interactive features the site should have? What are they, and how do you envision them to work?

Search Engine Optimization

Describe any currently defined search engine friendly production requirements and expectations Indicate if you are seeking SEO/SEM consultation services

Ongoing Site Maintenance Plans

How often will the site be updated? Are you looking for a retainer situation, or 'on-demand' hourly work? Will you be self-maintaining or will you be outsourcing maintenance services?

Project Management

Who will be the main point of contact on your staff? Keep in mind that in most cases it is easiest to have a single point of contact at both your organization and the company designing and developing your Web site. How will the tasks be divided between you and the developer in order to complete the project? Are there any third parties (subcontractors, etc.) that will also be involved in the project?

RFP Response Deadline and Contact Information

When is the response to the RFP due? To whom should the response be sent? Do you prefer E-mail or hard copies, and if so, how many hard copies? Is there a specific solicitation number that needs to be referenced in the Proposal Document? What is the RFP review process? How long do you anticipate to take to make your decision before the project can begin?

Some Additional Thoughts Before You Begin:

For all items listed above, be sure to clearly indicate if you must have any item(s) bid as an optional aspect of the project. Keep in mind possible dependencies between project aspect/components that may make this impractical. Before writing your Request For Proposal, determine your budget for the project and, beyond that, your priorities for selecting a Developer who can meet your budgetary requirements.

Writing an RFP is a good exercise for anyone thinking about a site design or redesign as it takes thoughtful planning to specify and construct a website. A well thought out, quality RFP is essential to a successful endeavor because it helps you to focus on your goals and exactly how to achieve them.

Best of luck with your Web site Design and Development Project.

Writing a Request For Proposal For Web Site Design and Development
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Greg Kihlstrom is the Creative Director at Carousel30 Interactive Media, Washington DC. His company designs and develops Web sites and other Interactive Media such as iPhone applications and more.

Greg also writes about Web site Design issues on his blog entitled "Design in Context."

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