RIM's Troubles Deepen

Numbered Days for Blackberry

It isn't fun to "pile on" and though I'm not a user of RIM products, I'm at least a little bit sorry to add to the numerous news stories about this today. But I can't help wondering about what short term steps RIM might make towards a best possible end. Blackberry's market share losses, and recent quarter's financial losses, are just the latest signs of a company that's probably too far gone to save in it's current form.

 What I think I hope for most of all is a merciful end.



The audience for Blackberry handheld devices is tanking. Users are picking Android devices and iOS devices and having very positive experiences. RIM, the maker of Blackberry devices has some interesting technology and user interface elements. It's time for RIM to pull the plug on new device development (even for their business users), strike a sweet deal with one or more of the other players (hardware or software) in the smartphone space, and orchestrate a soft landing for executives, stockholders, and users.

RIM is incredibly unlikely to make an Apple-like turnaround without a huge influx of cash and a Steve Jobs class celebrity/genius. They can die a slow ugly death, or can go out on a high note with a few deft moves.

What do the next 6 months look like for RIM? Leave a comment and let us know what you think.


Links:

• http://online.wsj.com/video/rim-shakes-up-ranks-after-loss/5D3ED4F7-CC18-4829-993C-EADBEA34B10D.html

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