IDC defines "converged mobile devices" as mobile phones having a high-level operating system, such as Symbian, Windows Mobile, or embedded Linux.
In its newly released report, IDC notes that RIM is currently the "undisputed market leader" with more than 5.5 million subscribers worldwide and annual sales around $2 billion. But both Nokia and Motorola are well-positioned to challenge RIM's dominance, due to their strong presence in the overall mobile phone market, according to IDC. "The [Windows Mobile-based]
Motorola Q and Nokia E61 are high profile devices intended to
generate buzz and to resonate with business users on both a functional and personal level," IDC said.
Microsoft's size and strong position as a supplier of enterprise software are considered key factors in Redmond's favor. "Microsoft is a key partner that gives device vendors such as Motorola, HTC, Samsung, and Palm the ability to attack the core BlackBerry user base," IDC said. Microsoft is "seeking to exploit its dominant position in the IT systems of enterprises worldwide as well as with end users familiar with the Windows OS and Microsoft applications."
Sean Ryan, research analyst for IDC's Mobile Markets research service, noted that "Several BlackBerry clones have previously attempted to challenge RIM's reign in the enterprise market, but this is a more formidable strike. The timing is right for a more powerful attack against RIM's BlackBerry as competitive forces converge. Nokia is offering an end-to-end solution of its own, while Motorola and Palm, among others, are leveraging Microsoft's Windows Mobile 5.0 and Microsoft Exchange."
Further information on IDC's report, "Worldwide Enterprise Converged Mobile Device 2006 Vendor Analysis: Attack of the BlackBerry Clones," is available
here.
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