MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom is bringing back CodeSpark, a program that encourages Filipino developers to exhibit their ability and creativity in designing and innovating applications for the mobile phone.
Globe is once again partnering with Nokia Philippines in reinforcing Filipino talent and ingenuity and showcasing local technological innovations to the international market.
Through the CodeSpark program, developers get the chance to build innovative applications for the Nokia platform and distribute their creations through Globe and Nokia’s Ovi Store.
For this year’s CodeSpark program, Globe and Nokia Philippines have also partnered with Forum Nokia, the global developer program that provides developers with tools, technical information, support, and distribution channels that they can use to build and sell innovative, world-class applications.
Nokia will be awarding $1,000 for every successful application that will be published on the Ovi Store.
The CodeSpark program is spearheaded by Globe Labs, a department in Globe created in 2008 to immerse the company and its different partners with technologies.
Globe Labs aims to identify and develop applications across fixed and wireless networks that can be commercially introduced. It helps bring in the latest information and communication technologies at the earliest market-relevant time to consumers.
“We are delighted by the response we received when we launched the program last year. This year, it will be even bigger and more challenging for Filipino developers as we seek for fresh concepts and ideas for mobile applications that will cater to the local preference of the market and engage them to download away,” said Blue de Venecia, head of Globe Labs.
“Implementing the CodeSpark program is very much aligned with our plans of strengthening our mobile data business this year. Through CodeSpark, our consumers will enjoy new and exciting mobile phone applications developed for the Filipino, by the Filipino,” De Venecia added.
CodeSpark 2011 is open to developers - individuals, groups, companies or members of the academe. The applications should be built using QT or Java MIDP platform. Game applications to be developed must be educational in nature.
Applications should connect to the Internet via GPRS, 3G or HSDPA to deliver all or part of its core functionality or use at least one of Globe services — SMS, MMS, LBS or Voice.
Interested developers who wish to register should include their outlines for the application they wish to develop.
Submitted application proposals will be evaluated and approved by Globe, Nokia Philippines and Forum Nokia based on the following criteria: (1) Stickiness, applications’ ability to cause users to return to use it often as part of life’s routines; (2) Relevance, applications that are locally relevant to the target audience, geographically and demographically; (3) Uniqueness, applications that are not currently available in the Ovi Store; and (4) Fun and Cool.
Once proposal for application is approved, qualified developers will be advised to create an Ovi Store Publisher Account to be approved by Nokia.
Presentation of applications proposal for review will happen on March 15, April 1 and May 2. The applications should by then be functioning and installable on actual devices.
Publication of the applications on Nokia’s Ovi Store is on May 31 and at the myGlobe Free Apps for six months, making the applications available to Globe subscribers for free.
For more information on CodeSpark 2011, visit www.globelabs.com.ph.