Research In Motion announces BlackBerry Internet Edition for Internet Service
Providers
RIM and RCN Sign Agreement To Offer
BlackBerry Wireless Email Solution To RCN Subscribers
WATERLOO, ON, Aug. 18 /CNW/ - Research In Motion Limited (NASDAQ: RIMM,
TSE: RIM) today announced it has signed an agreement with RCN Corporation
(NASDAQ: RCNC) to supply BlackBerry(TM) Internet Edition for RCN customers.
The initial order to RIM from RCN will generate over $10 million (U.S.) in
device and service revenue, which will be recognized within the next 12 to 16
months. Through this agreement, RCN becomes the first Internet Service
Provider (ISP) to offer the BlackBerry wireless email solution to its
subscribers. RCN plans to make BlackBerry available to all of its 500,000+
subscribers.
BlackBerry Internet Edition is designed to allow ISPs to offer an
end-to-end wireless email solution with single mailbox integration. The
industry-leading BlackBerry solution includes a powerful RIM wireless handheld
with integrated email/organizer software, PC docking cradle, PC
synchronization software and affordable airtime. BlackBerry allows mobile
users to access their email, calendar, address book and task list wherever
they go.
''We successfully launched our BlackBerry solution for Microsoft Exchange
environments earlier this year, which allowed us to make excellent inroads in
the corporate marketplace,'' said Jim Balsillie, Chairman and Co-CEO, Research
In Motion. ''BlackBerry Internet Edition allows RIM to expand the market
opportunity and offer wireless email to smaller businesses and consumers
through leading service providers, like RCN, that currently serve those
customers.''
''We are thrilled to be the first ISP in the nation to offer this
innovative service to our subscribers,'' said David Epstein, President of
RCN's Internet Group. ''Because RCN is in the unique position of being able to
offer service over its own facilities, we have the ability to build broad,
strong and enduring relationships with our Internet customers. Since the
launch of the rcn.com Internet brand, we have worked hard to build upon our
natural advantage over other ISPs by adding differentiating services, like
wireless email through our association with RIM.''
Key Features of the BlackBerry Internet Edition:
- Powerful RIM Wireless Handheld -- with Intel386(TM) processor, 2 MB
Intel Flash memory, embedded wireless modem, 2 watt transmitter,
optimized keyboard, thumb-operated trackwheel, easy-to-read backlit
screen and integrated email/organizer software; wearable size -- 3.5''
x 2.5'' x 0.93''; operates on one AA alkaline battery.
- Single mailbox integration with user's Internet mailbox -- keep
existing email address; only one mailbox to manage; user-selectable
message filters.
- Read, originate, forward and reply to email using handheld.
- Full-featured, connected organizer -- includes calendar, address book,
task list and alarm; synchronizes with PC using docking cradle and
Puma Technology's award-winning Intellisync(TM) Software (included).
- Always On, Always Connected(TM) -- ''push model'' of email delivery;
no dialing in; no raising antenna or initiating connections; email
finds the user; no effort required.
- Nationwide coverage and affordable pricing.
- End-to-end solution.
RCN expects to make the BlackBerry wireless email solution available to
all rcn.com subscribers later this fall as part of its full suite of
communication services.
About RCN
RCN Corporation (NASDAQ:RCNC) is the nation's first and largest
single-source, facilities-based provider of bundled communications services to
the residential market, and the nation's largest targeted Internet service
provider (ISP), with all of its 500,000+ customers strategically clustered in
the Boston to Washington and San Francisco to San Diego corridors. The company
is currently providing local and long distance phone, cable television and its
rcn.com Internet services to the densest telecommunications markets in the
country, from Boston to Washington, D.C. in the East and San Francisco to San
Diego in the West.
About Research In Motion
Research In Motion Limited is a leading designer, manufacturer and
marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the mobile communications
market. Through development and integration of hardware, software and
services, RIM provides solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive
information including email, messaging, Internet and intranet-based
applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party
developers and manufacturers in North America and around the world to enhance
their products and services with wireless connectivity. RIM's portfolio of
award-winning products includes the RIM Inter@ctive(TM) Pager product line,
the BlackBerry(TM) wireless email solution, wireless personal computer card
adapters, embedded radio-modems and software development tools. Founded in
1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market
(NASDAQ: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE: RIM). Investors may
contact investor_relations@rim.net. Customers may contact info@rim.net.
Research In Motion, RIM, the RIM logo, Inter@ctive, Inter@ctive
Pager, BlackBerry, the BlackBerry logo and 'Always On, Always Connected' are
trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. Research In Motion and RIM are
registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other brands,
products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders. Forward-looking statements in this
news release are made pursuant to the ''safe harbor'' provisions of the United
States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are
cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks relating to possible
product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales
and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, potential foreign risks
related to the year 2000 issue, continued acceptance of RIM's products,
increased levels of competition, technological changes, dependence on
intellectual property rights and other risks detailed from time to time in
RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission and other regulatory authorities.
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For further information: Heidi Lowe, Brodeur Porter Novelli - for RIM,
(203) 399-8257, hlowe@brodeur.com; Mark Guibert, Research In Motion,
(519) 888-7465, mguibert@rim.net |
