MOTODEV is upbeat at least…

Despite the perhaps less-than-stellar showing at MWC, Moto are upbeat on some things. Like many of the major handset vendors, Moto has a dev program, which they call …. wait for it …. MOTODEV – and I got a mail from them telling me things are good:

MOTODEV is here to put the power of Motorola (NYSE: MOT) to work for you–simplifying and streamlining your development with valuable content and services and connecting you to the broader Motorola community through our events and social networks. Your responses to the 2008 MOTODEV Member Survey helped us understand how we can continue to enhance our online programs to better serve you and we have already begun to incorporate your feedback by adding new content and support features, new partner services, and many more networking opportunities. We will be greatly expanding all of these resources in 2009, so we have dedicated this month’s newsletter to highlighting a few of the programs that you should plan to take full advantage of over the coming months. We are looking forward to working with you to deliver innovative new experiences for mobile users in 2009, so be sure to stay connected with MOTODEV!

One thing Moto does have in spades is the scale of operations to run a program like this, and to make it work for developers. And you’ve got to hand it to them for putting the effort in! A number of items for developers are in the newsletter, including:

• Solutions Catalog
• Tools
• Events
• Fast Track Center
• Widget Developer Challenge

… which to me says that whilst Moto might be down, they are definitely not out. As we know, and Moto know, from reasonably recent experiences, it only takes one or two killer handsets to revive (and/or boost) a brand value. Come on Moto, pull one out the bag for us and give us a device to drool over!

For the developer bods amongst you, check out MOTODEV here.