Does RIM Deserve Your Scorn?

Wow, it is hard to figure out who is in more denial. The RIM executives, who are spinning the tale that having a product delayed so it comes out after the holidays is a good idea,  or the naysayers who are looking for the crash and burn to be immediate. 

I was at Blackberry World’s developer event and I was impressed with their existing ecosystems’ loyalty and the opportunity to catch the wave of HTML5. However, this is not a trend that only has one member on the bus, and RIM is vulnerable.

If you look at the usual suspects, it’s easy to see who is vulnerable, but the question of hunger is a different question.

For example, Amazon and Facebook are both talking about their need to have phones. While to me personally, this feels as smart as Capital Cities efforts with Disney and ESPN MVNOs, particularly for Facebook, it may mean that buying someone is a good move.

When you look at who is vulnerable RIMM and NOKIA are clear targets.   

Nokia, according to friends, has a better history of supporting app developers; but I think that Amazon and Facebook can overcome that weakness. Android has lost some momentum as Samsung keeps 2.3 alive.

As an Internet guy I want to see pure software win, but as Apple continues to gain market share, it’s hard not to expect that software companies are looking to merge.  

My personal view of hunger would point to Oracle, since their acquisition of Sun has made them the Java keepers and a hardware company, but not a mobile player yet. I can also make the case for Microsoft, but like Google it impacts the ecosystem.

Then comes the view that network I/O is needed, which is what many friends are suggesting Apple needs to do and is the subject of our discussion on August 16th with Street Contributor Anton Wahlman. Join us by clicking here to register .

I am not sure I like the consolidation that’s coming, but I do know the status quo is in flux.

Want to learn more about today’s powerful mobile Internet ecosystem? Then be sure to attend the Mobility Tech Conference & Expo, collocated with ITEXPO West 2012 taking place Oct. 2-5 2012, in Austin, TX. Co-sponsored by TMC Partner Crossfire Media the Mobility Tech Conference & Expo provides unmatched networking opportunities and a robust conference program representing the mobile ecosystem. The conference not only brings together the best and brightest in the wireless industry, it actually spans the communications and technology industry. For more information on registering for the Mobility Tech Conference & Expo click here.

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