I have to admit I’ve never been a big fan of BlackBerry – either the devices or more significantly the service which more properly bears the name. First of all, even though I’ve owned a number of RIM products over the years, going all the way back to one based on the RAM Mobile Data network, RIM’s user interface for much of its history was just too terse and text-oriented for me. I’m also not a push-e-mail type; I prefer Web mail, even when mobile. The RIM browser historically was nowhere near as usable or as functional as competitive products from Nokia, Palm and even Microsoft, and the local applications suite always seemed to be in need of a serious refresh. But, then, my company definitely qualifies as a small business, and RIM builds products for governments and larger enterprises. I’m not the target market.
Regardless, RIM has clearly prospered over the years, outpacing its rivals in the enterprise space because of two key elements – and I think these two will be requirements for all serious handheld competitors going forward. The first is an emphasis on enterprise sales. I think mobile devices being owned by the enterprise is critical, rather than letting end-users buy whatever they want and trusting them to protect sensitive company data that might be stored on an otherwise unsecured and unmanaged device. And secondly, BlackBerry represents classic systems thinking – selling not just a handheld and a handshake, but server-side functionality as well. It’s the BlackBerry server software that is the real value here. Motorola purchased Good Technology, which has similar functionality, but hasn’t done much with it yet. Microsoft hasn’t done much, either. But just wait – the business model developed by RIM is clearly the winner, and the competition knows this. Keep your eye on Google. Android. Google Apps. See the pattern here?
One might argue, however, that, given the culture of open systems that defines IT, mix ‘n’ match might be a better approach – do we really need server software and the device (or at least its systems software) built by a single vendor? This implies that each element – the handheld and the server – must stand on its own merits. Still, inferring as to what Google might be doing, it looks like the systems approach will win in the near term, and perhaps longer.
But even with increasing competition in the enterprise handheld space, I’m happy to report that the latest RIM handheld, the BlackBerry 8820, is an excellent step forward for the company. I’ve been testing one for a while; the interface and browser continue to improve, although I think I like the dial better than the “pearl” trackball. The built-in a/b/g Wi-Fi is a nice touch, but the EDGE-based WWAN service is pretty fast, again a testament to good server-side design and implementation. Wi-Fi will prove important for convergence apps, though, regardless. RIM’s famous battery life is still present, and the built-in apps are much improved, at least in look. Again, BlackBerry is not for me, but worthy of your attention if you’re seeking an enterprise solution. You can find a complete review of the 8820 here.
So, even with the increasing competition, RIM is likely to be around for a good long while. After all, to “BlackBerry” someone has taken on verbal status akin to “TIVOing” a television show, perhaps the highest honor bestowed to high-tech products. And regardless of product and technology trends, a big installed base and positive market image still count for quite a bit.
