Windows Phone developers in Kenya alongside 19 other countries will get their efforts rewarded courtesy of Nokia’s own DVLUP rewards program. The initiative which aims to increase the number of apps developed on the Windows platform will see developers empowered by increasing the visibility and success of their mobile applications. According to Chanse Arrington, Nokia’s Global head of developer business tools, the DVLUP program will ensure applications developed are featured in app discovery as well as Nokia’s marketing channels, thereby putting developers directly in the driver’s seat. He also noted that developers will earn points as they improve their applications by leveraging on elements of gaminification.
In the process, the app ecosystem will become more transparent and fair, empowering developers to promote their apps in marketing as well as merchandizing and putting them in control of their own success. Nokia’s DVLUP initiative which is available as a pilot program in the United States and Canada since November 2012, now introduces a more interactive, intuitive user experience with feature consistency across mobile, tablet and desktop platforms to the global marketplace. It gives developers a heads-up in creating, booking and managing their own application promotion and marketing campaigns – becoming the first of its kind in the industry since existing app stores leverage on algorithms to control promotional efforts.
By using the gaminification model, DVLUP program creates a fun, inventive and competitive environment for developers to build successful Windows Phone applications. Developers can earn badges and experience points (known as “XP”) by completing quizzes and challenges related to application development. By creating high-quality applications, developers can also earn additional points and unlock even greater opportunities. For instance, developers can promote their applications through the Windows Phone Store, App Social, in-app advertising, as well as by using print, digital, social and out-of-home media opportunities.
Windows Phone operating system has a young but growing ecosystem compared to industry’s favorites – Android and iOS, initiatives such as DVLUP will encourage more developers to adopt the platform and combat the popularity enjoyed by Android as well as iOS. As of now, DVLUP is available in more than 20 countries including: Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Poland, United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam. DVLUP is free to join. To learn more, visit www.dvlup.com.