BlackBerry Code Signing

Update: Companies that are part of the BlackBerry Trial Premier Support can obtain signing keys for free. Contact your BlackBerry Account Manager for more details.

You create apps for the BlackBerry and it runs perfect on the simulator. Now you want to deploy it on an actual device. It may sound easy, but if your app is using specific BlackBerry API’s, your program will not function if they are not code-signed. You need to sign-up for API keys from RIM.

So you want to run your app on a BlackBerry device? Start reading!

Basically, you need to do three things:

1. First, you need to fill out the BlackBerry signing keys request form. You can fill out the form here. There is a $25 fee for requesting signing keys. During registration, you will be asked for a security PIN. REMEMBER THIS PIN!
2. Once the form is complete, you will get an email from RIM with attachments (.csi) within 48 hours to 10 business days. You will get three keys in three separate emails.
3. Finally, install the keys on your machine by running the BlackBerry SignatureTool. This program is located under the BlackBerry JDE installation directory. To run SignatureTool, use the command prompt and type the following:

   java -jar <BB JDE Dir>\SignatureTool.jar <.csi file>

   This will take you to the SignatureTool registration wizard. The wizard will ask you for the registration PIN mentioned in Step 1. It will also ask you for a personal password. Make sure to remember this personal password since you will be asked for it whenever you compile you BlackBerry app.

That’s it! The steps might be a bit intimidating at first, but its very straightforward. I still honestly think that RIM should streamline the key signing process similar to the iPhone Developer Program.

Additionally, you may also want to read this article from Chris Crowe.