Advanced BlackBerry Browser Development

Similarly, BlackBerry’s Push Application Programming Interface (API) enables developers to access the power of the BlackBerry Push infrastructure while infusing their Java applications with the speed that smartphone users have become accustomed to. Simply put, BlackBerry developers can now create a wide array of exciting new apps that will truly enhance the smartphone experience.

This technology is called “push”, because according to BlackBerry, that is the technique utilized by the API. Here's a quick rundown of how it works: A notification and either URL or data are pushed to the device at which point the device is notified, and depending on the type of push will either alert the user or update the cache on the device. If channel or message push is used, the user will be notified by either an icon or a message and when they click on the notification it will launch the browser to that URL. In a nutshell, push delivers needed content or notifications to a device without the device having to request it. This data is sent to a port on the device where the application is waiting for it. There is also a Push initiator, which has a similar function. The initiator submits a request to the hosted data push service, which contains delivery instructions and the data itself that details exactly where the information is to be sent.

The BlackBerry Browser is, of course, indigenous to all BlackBerry devices that have a BlackBerry MDS account on a BlackBerry Enterprise Server. The BlackBerry Browser can be used, along with existing web content development tools, to provide integrated mobile access to a wide array of communications. Keep in mind that the BlackBerry Browser uses the BlackBerry MDS Services, which is part of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server, to provide access to this information. The BlackBerry MDS Services, in turn, carries the encrypted data between the BlackBerry Enterprise Server (who encrypts the data) and a BlackBerry device. Quite conveniently, the Push application is designed to use this same encrypted channel.

Now that’s we’ve had a general overview of how the Push technology works, let’s discuss some advanced tips and tricks that will help you develop new and exciting applications like never before.

Advanced Development

Using BlackBerry’s Push technology will enable you to create applications unlike any others, because they will be so intuitive in nature. In fact, it’s so advanced that it very well may be the only step necessary to mobilize existing applications in your organization. It could also prove to be the first step in mobilizing applications.

BlackBerry devices support three push services for BlackBerry browser content: browser channel push, browser message push, and the browser cache push. Let’s discuss all three in detail so you can have a better understanding of how to make the most of this advanced feature.

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