BlackBerry maker RIM now in top five of mobile manufacturers

With 10.6 million handsets sold in the first quarter of 2010, BlackBerry manufacturer RIM is now one of the top five mobile manufacturers according to the IDC research institute.

RIM is clearly reaping the rewards of the smartphone market's sustained buoyancy. Many analysts predicted that smartphones would be the product to carry mobile phone sales in 2010 and it looks like the trend is set to continue as the sector is maintaining steady growth. Most mobile manufacturers are present in the smartphone market, each with their own take on the web-connected handset, which can now be found to suit all tastes and budgets. Even Canadian manufacturer RIM, traditionally the prime choice of business users, is now trying to diversify its product range as well as its client base.

Mission accomplished

At the end of last year, RIM released a more affordable version of the BlackBerry, the Curve 8520, in the aim of winning over the general public, in particular the younger generation of smartphone users. Undoubtedly aided by the strength of the brand's image and reputation, RIM's new strategy seems to have paid off.

In fact, for the first time, RIM has worked its way up into the top five mobile manufacturers, taking the number four slot just ahead of Sony-Ericsson (10.5 million handsets sold over the same period). This is all the more impressive given that RIM only markets smartphones, whereas most of its competitors boost sales with extensive ranges and more aggressive pricing strategies.

Elsewhere in the top five, LG hangs on to third place, just behind Samsung at number two, and the unshakeable leader, Nokia, remains at number one with 107 million handsets sold.

RIM knocked Motorola out of the top five.






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