The case describes the competition in the smartphone market in the U.S., and the position of one player, Research In Motion (RIM), which produces the popular Blackberry line of products. In early 2011, RIM is in trouble. Its share price fell sharply, amid poor business results, and its future as an independent company in doubt. The new chief executive, Thorsten Heins, must decide how to position the company for the future. The case allows students to understand the strategic dynamics in the platform industry in general, and to explore more specifically how firm that led the industry in 2007 may fall to the ground so suddenly four years later. The case is based on data and information from public sources. "Hide
by Alan MacCormack, Bryan Dunn, Chris F. Kemerer Source: Harvard Business School 22 pages. Publication Date: July 16, 2012. Prod. #: 613001-PDF-ENG
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