ROADS - RISC OS Active Developer Scheme

Do all ROADS lead to ROMs?

RISCOSbits are pleased to announce a new scheme to encourage current and potential software developers in the RISC OS scene, just in time for the MUG Xmas Market, where the discounts will apply for those registered (or who register at the Show). Called RISC OS Active Developer Scheme (or ROADS for short), the scheme offers discounted hardware to enable developers to work on new and modern hardware. The scheme isn’t just aimed at current developers, but is also available to other developers who wish to work on RISC OS, including returning developers and existing users who wish to learn to code on RISC OS.

There’s an information and registration page available here which outlines the criteria for the scheme. Once a developer has completed the application form, and their eligibility has been approved, they will receive a username and password to allow access to discounted RISCOSbits hardware. Discounts of up to 50% are available, depending on the item and the commitment of the developer. The scheme also allows developers to pay for their hardware in interest-free instalments, to try to overcome the effects of the “cost of living” crisis. Whilst the scheme is targeted at all developers, overseas applicants should be aware that surcharges will apply to postage costs.

The aim of the scheme was in recognition of comments made by others that one of the shortfalls of RISC OS at the current time is the lack of new and/or updated software. By offering discounts and instalments on hardware purchases, RISCOSbits hope that more developers will complement their older hardware and emulators with fresh, modern and contemporary hardware for coding and testing purposes. One prolific RISC OS programmer has commented on how using a RISCOSbits’ FAST machine has improved his productivity in that compiling code is a much more enjoyable experience, and a RISCOS FAST system has become his new development machine; so making that more easily available to more programmers, especially during a cost of living crisis, seems like a no-brainer.

The scheme recognises that there’s a wealth of untapped ARM-coding and BASIC programming knowledge out there, that used to be productive in the RISC OS field, but has fallen back as the Acorn scene dwindled. It is hoped that easier access to quality contemporary hardware may encourage some of those programmers who left RISC OS in the 1990s and 2000s back into the fold, even if just to update some of their old software to allow it to run with newer machines.

For more information, and to apply, go to https://www.riscosbits.co.uk/roads/