Applications certified via the BackupBuddy Certification Program should:

1. always back up their data to your desktop computer
2. restore their data properly to your organizer after a reset
3. save their data in a manner which speeds HotSync times significantly when used in conjunction with BackupBuddy.

Why is this needed? Here's one example:  if you're reading Doc files with one of the uncertified Doc readers, the Doc files will be marked as "modified" when you exit the application.  BackupBuddy interprets this is a request on the part of the application to backup its data, which BackupBuddy will happily do during the next HotSync.   However, unless you're using a Doc editor to change the contents of the Doc file, its actual data hasn't changed.  This leads to a situation in which HotSync times can be significantly prolonged, particularly for large Doc files.  Using the advanced features of BackupBuddy, you can exclude the Doc files from being backed up, but this can be cumbersome, particularly if you have a lot of Doc files on your PalmPilot.  Certified applications obviate the need for complex workarounds, and make the backup process less error-prone and more transparent to the user.

How do I know if an application is certified? All BackupBuddy certified applications should have the BackupBuddy certified logo displayed on their website. If your favorite application doesn't, please ask the author(s) to contact Blue Nomad, and we'd be happy to help them get certified.

Software authors interested in certifying their applications should contact Blue Nomad.  Certification is simple and free, and any application can be certified.  Certification entitles software authors to a complimentary, licensed copy of BackupBuddy.