RIM (Research in Motion) yesterday launched App World, their version of an App Store for their Blackberry smart phones. This as discussed is certainly a good thing as it will help Blackberry users go to a central location to download applications as well as updates to already installed applications. And not only that, but it provides a good way for developers get their apps discovered.

One thing that I think RIM needs to do to help propel this new feature to the Blackberry is to push to get software developers really interested in programming for the Blackberry much like Apple was able to do for the iPhone. Not to say that the Blackberry is a bad phone, but its not made by Apple and does not have the hype that comes with it. What RIM needs to look into is to find a good way to market the Blackberry for its strengths. It's not the iPhone, but it doesn't need to be. It has full background processes, a full keyboard, and the attention of many, particularly those in the business world where the Blackberry is highly regarded for its tie-ins with Microsoft Exchange Server. And besides, developers can look at it and see that they're getting 80% of the sales of their app compared to Apple's offering of 70%.

App World did launch with a pretty nice selection of Apps which is a good thing and shows promise and I hope that RIM can keep on this momentum and convince more developers to jump on board with it. The Blackberry may not have the "cool" factor the iPhone has, but its a solid phone. I myself use the apps like Google Talk, Twitterberry, and Pandora Radio all the time. To get more devs on board might help those looking for a smart phone choose the Blackberry. And as I see it, Blackberry has the advantage of having phones on multiple carriers. Compared to the iPhone which (looking at the US only) is available only on AT&T. So unless someone on T-Mobile is willing to shell out money to buy an iPhone out of contract and unlock it or willing to change carriers, the iPhone is out of their grasp. The Blackberry on the other hand is available on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, and many others. So looking at it that way, they can use that to their advantage.

The one (and big downside for me) is that the App World's transactions are done through PayPal which I absolutely abhor. So be aware that if you want to purchase an application, make sure PayPal is available and you have an account with it you can use.

Anyone try out the App World? What apps did you pick up?