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The gold standard for modules


Wed Dec 13, 2000 - 6:39 PM EST - By James Hromadka

Last week I gave you some tips for getting rid of Fatal Errors on Springboard modules. Those errors may soon be a thing of the past. Handspring announced today a compatibility testing program for Springboard™ module developers. Submitted products will be tested with Product Quality Partners starting in January 2001. From the press release:

Developers that participate in the Springboard compatibility program at Quality Partners and pass a suite of tests specifically designed for seamless integration with the Springboard platform will have their products recognized with a special mark of distinction, called "Springboard Gold." A Springboard compatible logo that can be included on product packaging and all marketing materials, Springboard Gold indicates the level of distinction that a module has achieved. Modules bearing the Springboard Gold mark will also receive additional exposure through Handspring marketing programs.

There will also be a free test suite available from Handspring's developer website beginning Q1 2001. Developers that pass the free test can have a standard Springboard mark.

This is a great idea. In the software industry, a product "goes gold" when it has been released to manufacturing. I suspect that Springboard manufacturers will begin announcing when their modules "go gold" to signify that the product will soon be released, and I wouldn't be surprised if current modules get certified to have that distinction.