Game Over for Research In Motion Ltd (BBRY)’s BB10

BlackBerry’s business advantage

But wait, can’t Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) do well as a niche player? One that sells phones predominantly to enterprise users?

Even here, there are major stumbling blocks. Most notably, the growing trend of BYOD (bring your own device). Workers using their own technology are opting for the iPhone and various Android handsets, not BlackBerry devices.

Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) seems to have accepted this. The company has brought its Secure Work Space to Android and iOS devices. Companies that use the service are adding to Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY)’s revenue, but by making other phone operating systems compatible, BlackBerry seems to be giving up on business users.

Moreover, BlackBerry’s vaunted security advantage does not seem so formidable. The Pentagon has approved Apple’s iOS devices and some Samsung Android handsets for use.

Investing in BlackBerry

Starting last fall, Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) shares went on a tremendous run, roughly tripling in the span of just four months, ahead of the unveiling of BB10.

But given BlackBerry’s recent quarterly report, it seems highly unlikely that BB10 will catch on. The phones are not selling well, and the operating system continues to be disadvantaged by a lack of apps.

Perhaps the company can return to profitability by selling services (like its Secure Work Space) to businesses. But any investors expecting Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) to return to its glory days are deluding themselves. Android and iOS appear to have a firm duopoly when it comes to smartphone operating systems, and BB10 won’t change that.

The article Game Over for BlackBerry’s BB10 originally appeared on Fool.com.

Salvatore “Sam” is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.

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