Analyst: 'Huge Merit' to an Apple/RIM Collaboration
TMO Reports - Analyst: 'Huge Merit' to an Apple/RIM Collaboration
by , 3:50 PM EDT, June 5th, 2006
Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek last Friday issued a research report in which he saw "huge merit" to a potential collaboration between Apple and Research in Motion Ltd. (RIM), which could result in a mobile phone with iTunes capabilities. A partnership between the two companies could take advantage of Apple's lack of "wireless capabilities and carrier partnerships," while RIM could fix its lack of "a significant consumer presence [and] vast content library."
Mr. Misek noted that RIM has plans to launch a BlackBerry with multimedia capabilities this fall, so that would be a good opportunity for Apple to add iTunes compatibility to it. He also speculated that Apple could create its own "iPhone" with BlackBerry and Intel components. A third scenario would have the two companies collaborate on a brand new device.
However, the analyst saw a "major stumbling black to this relationship" in the "relatively unconstructive attitude Apple has displayed towards the carriers." He added: "In fact, it reminds us of RIM many years ago when they almost wanted to compete with the carriers and then very intelligently realized that partnering was the appropriate route.
"Having said that, Apple is an incredibly shrewd company and has the opportunity to right its wrongs of the past by winning the consumer device market and then parlaying that into a greater role in the PC or central hub market. Under the old adage that the enemy of my enemy is my friend, we believe that an Apple and RIM partnership could indeed be a serious blow to Microsoft."
While Mr. Misek cited no hard evidence to back up his speculation, he did say that his industry sources noted "that the fall out of the Apple and Motorola relationship has been material. We also believe that Apple attempted to build its iPhone with the help of several ODMs who signed very tight and specific NDAs. We believe that performance, battery life and aesthetics proved very disappointing.
"In our opinion," he concluded, "Apple has discussed its plan with senior Intel executives, who have recommended to Apple a co-operation with RIM. We believe RIM has been very receptive to such discussions as RIM's platform and significant IP portfolio can be significantly leveraged in the consumer market with the right design and content partners."
Observer Comments
Mon Jun 05, 2006 5:41 pm Subject: Nickname "CrackPod".
Mon Jun 05, 2006 5:48 pm Subject: they will need a clever name
From the article: However, the analyst saw a "major stumbling black to this relationship" in the "relatively unconstructive attitude Apple has displayed towards the carriers."
Given the carriers' lay-down-and-roll-over attitude toward acquiesing in illegal, warrantless searches, Apple's attitude might make sense. It's very possible that a stockholder revolt will toss some of the executives out. If Congress changes hands, they'll be called out, put under oath, and asked to explain themselves. It could be very entertaining. (Of course, their attitude is explicable if one checks into their political contributions and the payoffs they have received, including setting up a cell phone system in Iraq that is incompatible with every other system in the region.)
These are very different corporate cultures; RIM is much more on the pattern of an Oracle or Microsoft (lawyers and marketers) than an Apple; Apple should be wary of RIM and, while I think RIM might need an ally like Apple, I don't think Apple needs RIM. Frankly, I was kind of hoping RIM would bite the dust so that true innovators could fill their space.
The Intel based 8700C is very nice, I'd take it over the Palm or Windows handhelds any day. The only think it was missing was itunes for music and video. If Apple licenses RIM push technology, which I believe is available for anyone to license and develops an even higher res and brighter phone using Intel components, that would be very sweet.
Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:00 am Subject: I'd definitely buy and retire my Treo 650 & iPod
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