Looking to spread the gospel about its BuddyScript SDK for the making of
instant messaging bots, New York-based ActiveBuddy is seeking help from an
unlikely source.
ActiveBuddy, which makes IM bots that run on AOL’s AIM and Microsoft’s MSN Messenger platforms on Monday launched two
incentive-based programs for developers who market the BuddyScript
bot-making kit.
The move to target developers with the incentive programs comes at a crucial
time for ActiveBuddy. Immediately after the company won a crucial patent
covering all aspects of the IM bot technology, developers heavily
criticized the patenting process, arguing that the availability of prior
art renders the patent unenforceable.
Despite the public relations nightmare, ActiveBuddy is pressing ahead with
its BuddyScript Certified Developer Program, which provides developers with
“significant marketing benefits in recognition of their expertise using the
BuddyScript language to create interactive agents.”
The company, which is backed by Reuters and Wit Soundview, said more than
3000 developers had downloaded the free BuddyScript SDK since July and those
certified developers who recommend and implement the software customers are
eligible for discounts to resellers based on annual sales of BuddyScript
Server products.
The company did not provide details on the discounts or referral fees.
In addition to marketing benefits, developers spreading the BuddyScript
program can find listing on the BuddyScript
home page and the use of the ‘BuddyScript Certified Developers’ logo for
their web sites and other communications.
To become certified, ActiveBuddy said a developer must submit a complete
interactive agent application for review. After evaluation to verify the
developer’s mastery of the BuddyScript language, interactive agent design
principles, and techniques for integrating agents with external data
providers and applications, certification is granted, the company explained.
ActiveBuddy’s news also comes as instant messaging plays are discussing the use of IM as an enterprise tool at a two-day Conference and Expo
sponsored by InstantMessagingPlanet.com, EarthWeb and Jupitermedia Corp.
, the parent company of internet.com and this Web site.
