We can't imagine many of the leaders at Research in Motion Limited, maker of the BlackBerry smartphone, were all that bothered when the iPhone first launched in 2007. Maybe they saw it as being more of 'toy' rather than a serious business tool. Not many IT managers would have signed up to the iPhone at this time as the BlackBerry was the instrument of choice at multinationals worldwide. How times have changed. Even hard pressed Yahoo! is ditching the fruit... http://is.gd/Quwc1k
Of course, BlackBerry cemented its reputation during the 9/11 tragedy. They were one of the few communicator machines to work as the ability of the telecom companies to carry so much voice traffic in time of crisis was found wanting. Some of the last messages sent from people in the Twin Towers were on BlackBerrys. Just as minds of loved ones were also put at rest as people who survived sent their good news. RIM really has some robust infrastructure technology and has Network Operating Centers around the world (which very occasionally become infamous when they fall over).
Today, anyone who sees young girls operate the communications within their ecosystems knows that the BlackBerry messenger system features heavily. BlackBerrys are cheap in comparison to other more glitzy smartphones and in case you don't know young girls like to 'chat', incessantly!
This together with infrastructure expertise and assets, and the fact that not everyone wants a zillion 'apps' on their communication device must mean that there is still a future for this iconic brand. What's more is it not beyond the wit of the Digerati to put together a deal that keeps the USPs of RIM and combines them with an APPs universe? Those of us who love our BlackBerrys must be frustrated that Google chose to take over Motorola's handset business rather then link up with RIM. Samsumg-san? Where are you?