Mxit has lunched a preferred developer program (PDP) to encourage the development of third-party apps on the platform.<\/p>\n
The PDP was established to “recognize and reward” app developers who are already building apps for third parties on the platform.<\/p>\n
The launch of the program features 8 members who have committed to build engaging and scalable applications and communities on Mxit for their clients.<\/p>\n
These members are: Bazooka Games, Cytrus, Deloitte Digital RSA, Harsi Games, INESSOFT, Kazazoom, NATIVE and Springfisher.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe program is designed to connect people who want custom Mxit apps built with the best developers available for hire,” said Andy Volk, vice president of developer relations at Mxit.<\/p>\n
“It\u2019s also a great opportunity for us to acknowledge some of the best developers on Mxit who continue to build on their knowledge and insight of what works,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The PDP forms part of the new direction for Mxit, which is embracing its position as an open platform.<\/p>\n
In recent months, Mxit has seen a significant shift in company strategy.<\/p>\n
In 2012 the company acquired mobile community specialist company, Motribe, and partnered with big South African banks for a mobile money service called Mxit Money.<\/p>\n
The mobile social platform also secured a R100 million investment in October 2012, but soon after saw its former CEO, Alan Knott-Craig Jnr step down from the company.<\/p>\n
In subsequent months, nearing the end of 2012, much uncertainty surrounded the company – and in December 2012, Mxit accepted the voluntary resignation of 41 of its employees.<\/p>\n
Mxit\u2019s acting-CEO, Francois Swart, who took over control from Knott-Craig, was tasked with pegging a new strategy for the social network.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is to more than double our user base during the next year. To achieve this we need to take a very focused approach to what Mxit does and does not do,\u201d Swart said at the time.<\/p>\n
According to Mxit, the R100 million investment, as well as the savings from company-wide cost cutting, will be channelled into key growth areas to push its new strategy.<\/p>\n
This includes self-service community creation tools, developer support, technology innovation, advertising partnerships and collaboration with key companies and brands.<\/p>\n
No merry Christmas for Mxit<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Alan Knott-Craig Jnr leaves Mxit<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n