RIM just launched a new program today called Built for BlackBerry, which will aim to support, promote, and certify accessories with a recognizable logo. If that sounds a lot like the Made for iPhone program, it’s because it is. The Built for BlackBerry program provides “technical, strategic and marketing support” to some of the inaugural members, like OtterBox and Case-mate; other companies that want want in should shoot an e-mail to BuiltforBlackBerry@rim.com.
With the PlayBook right around the corner (complete with HDMI-out), it’s safe to expect a new breed of accessories interested in working with RIM. With the tablet craze is taking off, it likely won’t take a lot of tweaking to get simple stuff like sleeves to work between similarly-sized devices (like the Galaxy Tab), but for more technical accessories, like docks, Built for BlackBerry will be a helpful resource.
RIM had launched another program a few years ago that was also called Built for BlackBerry, only it was to promote apps before App World was available. Can’t really blame them for recycling the name, it’s got a nice ring to it. For more info on the accessory program, hit up RIM’s landing page.