However, the good news for BlackBerry is, as mentioned in the earnings call, about 55% of the Z10s were sold to users who were migrating from other operating sources such as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iOS, Android and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s Windows Phone and management feels very positively about the future prospects of the platform. Enterprises have always been the strongest customers for the company. But now, gradually, even consumers have also started taking interest in Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) products. And with the increasing interest from consumers, the need for apps is increasing even more. BlackBerry started off 70,000 global BB10 apps and recently it added another 30,000 apps, taking the total count to 100,000.
But, we must not forget that all the top players of the space have put their best foot forward. Samsung is ready to battle it out with its latest Android Jelly bean powered Galaxy S IV smartphone and Nokia and Microsoft are not holding back from promoting the Lumia 920. Even Apple is rumored to be acting on the successor of the iPhone 5. Though the latest iPhone continues to be the number 1 selling smartphone, it still hasn’t been able to meet up to the expectations and this is what Apple intends to address with the iPhone 5S.
One more point that BlackBerry needs to think about is, with the present Z10 and the soon to be launched Q10, the company will be targeting only the top layer of the market who can afford such expensive handsets. In order to gain sustainability, BlackBerry can’t just focus on the high-end market. Its peers, Samsung and Nokia, have launched a fleet of devices that are addressing the needs of different segments and the same needs to be done by the Canadian phonemaker also. The company can’t rely on its older BB7 platform to compete with the latest Android and Windows platforms. Users seek new and exciting OSs and if BlackBerry can’t figure out a way to offer the BB10 to the remaining segments, it will again start facing some harsh times.
Final thoughts
Overall, the company posted some pretty encouraging numbers for its stakeholders and even its efforts to improve its future performance seem to be making sense. The phonemaker also aims to invest heavily in its marketing muscle to promote its flagship device and it’s pretty clear that the firm won’t face any budget related issues thanks to the huge pile of cash on its balance sheet. Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) is also going to expand its network as it has decided to make its BBES10 system to Android and iPhone users. Strong Z10 sales, brilliantly managed cash pile and the ability to manage through tough times and see the light of the day – all these suggest the company has potential. For all we know, the fourth quarter results may be just a teaser of the bright future this company can have.
The article Name Change, a Million Units Baby, a Surprise Profit and More From BlackBerry originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Rahul Chattaraj.
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