|
News
Issue #2002 - 14
(April 2002)
(Updated Apr.
10, 2002)
TECHNOLOGY
RIM Unveils Licensing Strategy For
others to Clone BlackBerry
Research in Motion Ltd. has
unveiled a licensing strategy that will open the door for others to
clone its BlackBerry handheld devices.
The company said it will license its hardware and software
blueprints to other manufacturers through Analog Devices of Norwood,
MA, manufacturer of the BlackBerry chipset.
Licensees will become participants of RIM’ s Reference Design
Program "that will provide them with the solutions and tools to
quickly and easily deliver carrier-ready wireless devices and Java
applications based on the BlackBerry solution," said Mike
Lazaridis, president and CEO of RIM.
According to some analysts, keeping everything propriety or
holding onto its ‘closed approach’ was putting RIM at a
disadvantage.
"By licensing the hardware and software technology, [RIM is]
basically expanding its empire to battle with Microsoft and Palm
operating system groups, which is a good thing," Warren
Chaisatien, an analyst with IDC Canada, told The Globe and Mail.
For more information: http://www.rim.net
(Additional Source The Globe and Mail)
Mobileinfo Comments & Advisory: RIM
has now found it fit to open its proprietary hardware architecture to
other vendors. Now that it has built a brand name, it is a smart move on
the part of RIM, in our estimation.
Note: This news release may contain
forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in
developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology
architectures. All trademarks used in this summary are
the property of their respective owners.
|
