Author: Mike Anderson                        Date: October 12, 2012

Topic: Mobile                                      Research Note Number: 2012-30

Issues: What are the technologies and architectures that make up a mobile ecosystem?

Who are the vendors that are battling to lead the mobile computing revolution?

Summary: Research In Motion has fallen from leading in mobility to struggling for its survival. An exit strategy for enterprises is necessary preparation.

Research In Motion, under siege in the smartphone market, continues to explore options that could include selling part or all of the company. Enterprises that depend on RIM software and hardware need an exit strategy in case RIM leaves the market or makes other moves that adversely effect current products or services. This research note provides a planning framework for an exit strategy.

The rapid ascent of Apple’s iPhone and the subsequent wave of Android smartphones caught RIM unprepared. RIM’s strength and strategic focus centered on its secure proprietary network and email service, and its distinctive physical keyboard. RIM fell from its position as dominant market leader when it failed to recognize the power of the new touch-based interface or the massive potential of microapps.

RIM’s slow response continued as Apple’s iPad launched the tablet era. RIM’s initial tablet, the PlayBook, lacked a compelling value proposition, and continued to expose the company’s belief that security would trump user experience as the priority. Consumers go to work, and with BYOD the new direction for mobile pushed these consumer products into RIM’s enterprise stronghold.

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