Microsoft to buy BlackBerry maker RIM?

Toronto, May 6: Just think about your favourite BlackBerry smartphone running the Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 operating system. Soon this may happen! According to latest rumors in the technology market, software giant Microsoft may buy the BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM).

Citing Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer's appearance at the recently concluded BlackBerry World Annual Conference, market analysts speculates that Microsoft is looking for a possible acquisition of RIM.

Moreover, during the conference, Steve Ballmer announced Microsoft's partnership with RIM to make its popular web browser Bing as the default browser on BlackBerry devices. Analysts opinionated this alliance as the first step for the merger of the two giants.

Though RIM announced new BlackBerry OS 7 and two touchscreen smartphones, namely BlackBerry Bold Touch 9900 and Bold Touch 9930, it failed to gain much attention from smartphone lovers.

Analysts pointed the plunging RIM market shares as the major reason behind the plan to sell the company to Microsoft. The poor performance may deplete RIM's current value, which is estimated about $24 billion, to just $15 billion.

In a recent survey conducted by Nelson revealed that only 11 percent of the new smartphone buyers in United States wish to buy a BlackBerry smartphone. BlackBerry devices are facing loss to latest Android smartphones and Apple's iPhone.

Similarly, RIM faces intense competition in the surging tablet market. The recently launched RIM tablet BlackBerry PlayBook failed in the race against other powerful tablets like Apple iPad, Motorola Xoom and Samsung Galaxy Tabs.

Just like the RIM, the alleged acquisition will help Microsoft as it faces pressure in smartphone and tablet market. The acquisition of RIM will push Microsoft as one of the prominent players in the market, which is largely dominated by its rivals, Google and Apple.

OneIndia News