29 Jun 2012

RIM Posts Q1 Operating Loss

Research in Motion, the Canadian manufacturer of the Blackberry has posted Q1 net losses of $518. This is its first quarterly operating loss in more than seven years.

The company also reported that it would delay the launch of the Blackberry 10 until 2013, and shed around 5000 jobs over the course of the next fiscal year which ends in March 2013. This job loss represents around a third of the work force.

These poor results are set against the backdrop of fierce competition in the smartphone business, and the major failure of a switch in the Blackberry backbone.

As for as the products themselves are concerned, Blackberry was seen as having virtually invented the smartphone, but others have entered the market space with much better offerings. Apple with its iPhone and Android are seen by many as having taken the initiative. Also the latest Blackberry offerings lack the lustre provided by the competition.

Microsoft is working hard to gain a significant foothold with their Windows 8 OS and their link with troubled Nokia.

Some commentators believe that there is room in the marketplace for three operating systems. The first two places are undoubtedly reserved for Apple and Android. Will the third be Windows or Blackberry. What is certain is that RIM will have to work very hard to try to regain market share and improve their falling sales.

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