Research in Motion’s (RIM) Blackberry handheld electronic device, commonly referred to as BB or Blackberry, is an electronic handheld device that is used as a mobile email device and popular with businesspeople. Their distinguishing features are their physical QWERTY keyboard and secure email/corporate communications services; initially used by world leaders and corporate honchos alike to keep in contact with staff; possessing one was seen as a status symbol with many carrying two for business and personal purposes simultaneously.

RIM has also introduced products that rival other smartphones, including Pearl series phones, Curve 8300 models and Bold 9000 series phones, while their Blackberry OS software is used by several major organizations and companies for managing wireless data securely on mobile devices. Furthermore, RIM’s extensive carrier partnerships have significantly expanded their customer base.

Blackberry has attempted to expand into other areas of technology, namely cybersecurity. In February 2016, they acquired UK-based cybersecurity firm Encription and then released the BlackBerry Shield program that integrates with Allied World’s FrameWRX cyber risk management solution.

Even with these efforts, Nokia has struggled to compete against Apple’s iPhone and Android devices. Since 2008, its share of the smartphone market has decreased and Nokia’s market standing has decreased considerably among businesses and consumers.