Native plugins drive Brightcove's app platform

Video platform company Brightcove has updated its App Cloud platform and is claiming a lead in mobile app development. The claim is based on the introduction of a new open native plugin architecture which allows app builders to extend the functionality of App Cloud apps using the company's own library of plugins. These include a native media uploader, native audio player and an in-app email composer. The plugins also include cloud service integrations with Google Analytics and comScore's Digital Analytix.

Brightcove believes it has the lead in the market because it offers a complete platform for the lifecycle of an app and, while other platforms offer native plugin capabilities, they tend to be "frequently out-of-date, largely unsupported, and more trouble than they are worth", whereas App Cloud's plugins are tested and supported by the company.

Adding the plugins to an application involves copying a directory into an App Cloud project and including a JavaScript file; Brightcove's compilation service takes care of the new functionality and generates binaries ready for Apple and Google app store distribution. Brightcove plans to add native video players, DRM protected video, and in-app purchase support to its plugin library collection in the future, and third-party developers will be able to create their own custom plugins with a "soon to be released" App Cloud plugin development kit.

Other enhancements in the latest App Cloud include new Push Notification APIs which can enable developers to push messages to particular users or custom defined groups of users. Options for App Cloud range from a free "community-supported" plan, through a Pro subscription from $99 a month, and up to an Enterprise level "price on application" plan.

(djwm)