I have always said that RIM would make a killing if it simply allowed and encouraged employees to develop apps for their platforms. There are quite a few app developers out there who are actually RIM employees trying to make a few bucks on the side. From what I understand this was a bit tricky because RIM, like many other companies, has terms in their contract that discourage this. Usually employment contracts state something along the lines of them having a claim to anything created by an employee related to work even not during work hours. Many companies have changed these clauses recently but I just heard that RIM may have also done something similar.
According to one of our sources RIM is offering their employees an incentive program similar to the public one. They are offering employees a free BlackBerry PlayBook if their get their app approved by March 31st which is the same as the public offer for developers. They have also thrown in a bonus “Secret Prize” for the employee with the most apps.
I have not been able to confirm the internal incentive program (still working on that) but if it is not true RIM better implement one fast. Many of these employees have the knowledge to create some of the best PlayBook apps out there which could really help RIM at launch. I know it is a bit unfair pitting 3rd party devs against RIM employees but for now it is all about BOTH quality and volume. 3rd party devs will be able to catch up once they have access to an actual device.
What do you think?
DavidB ( View Profile) - Posts: