RIM acquires mobile storefront provider Cellmania

It appears RIM's efforts to update BlackBerry App World with a new pricing structure and payment methods were just the start.

Storefront provider Cellmania has revealed it's been acquired by RIM for an undisclosed fee, with the firm set to use its expertise to evolve BlackBerry's marketplace in the coming months.

Cellmania develops the infrastructure for thirdparty app stores and serves up content, with its mFinder platform sourcing, delivering and promoting apps for carriers across the globe.

Marketplace mania

The news was delivered via Cellmania's website, with the company which has worked with both T Mobile and Three claiming the purchase won't impact its relationship with existing clients.

"Our team has joined RIM's global organisation and will continue to bring out expertise in application storefront development to the BlackBerry platform," the company states.

"The Cellmania team will continue to support our current client base and would like to thank our customers and partners for their support."

RIM recently lowered the minimum price on BlackBerry App World as part of a wider restructuring, allowing developers to sell $1.99 and 99c apps and games on the marketplace.

The company also upped its share of the revenue made from app sales, taking 30 percent of the money generated from each download of the marketplace.

[source: TechCrunch]