Apple's new iPhone 5 could scuttle RIM's efforts to recover from a years-long decline, a financial analyst has said, as a brand survey finds RIM's BlackBerry is plummeting in global reputation.
“We view the iPhone 5 launch ahead of BlackBerry 10 devices as a major blow to RIM’s potential recovery in 2013, given our checks indicate strong demand for the iPhone 5 from consumers and enterprises switching from BlackBerry devices,” Michael Walkley of Canaccord Genuity wrote in a client note, as quoted at IT World Canada.
Meanwhile, the BlackBerry has plummeted to near the bottom in the latest rankings of global brands by an international consultancy.
Interbrand said Tuesday in its latest report that BlackBerry is now 93rd on its list of 100 most valuable global brands, down from 56th in 2011.
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The top three spots on Interbrand's Best Global Brands report for 2012 are held by Coca-Cola, Apple and IBM.
Both Coca-Cola and IBM were unchanged from the positions they held in 2011, while Apple jumped to No. 2 from No. 8 "thanks to stellar sales in both developed and emerging markets,'' Interbrand said in a release.
The big drop by Blackberry followed a drop last year to 56 spot from 54 in 2010. BlackBerry placed 63rd in 2009.
Interbrand noted that BlackBerry shipments are down 41 per cent in the past year and the brand's market share now stands at 4.8 per cent globally, compared with 11.5 per cent a year ago.
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"In order to survive, the brand must clearly demonstrate its relevance and value in today's crowded smartphone market,'' said Alfred DuPuy, managing director, Interbrand Canada.
"If BlackBerry can deliver a truly innovative experience designed for today's mobile professional, it will send the message that the brand is committed to the B2B market on which it had originally built its success.''
Research In Motion has been plagued by product launches that have received only tepid responses and has faced delays in bringing products such as BlackBerry 10 to market.
Canadian billionaire Terry Matthews, who founded or co-founded numerous companies including Mitel and Newbridge Networks, had his own advice to give to RIM. He told Bloomberg News the company should find a strategic partner to help fund the company's efforts at a comeback.
“Partnering is an incredibly important part of the DNA of a company,” Matthews said.
Though he declined speculate on persistent rumours that Microsoft would make a great fit with RIM, he did note that "they have a good partner program and mutual respect."
-- With files from The Canadian Press
A FIRST LOOK AT THE BLACKBERRY 10