Research in Motion's Storm: Why It Matters (at Seeking Alpha)

by: Larry Dignan posted on: October 09, 2008 | about stocks: ) has launched its Storm touch handheld, and it is critical to the company’s long-term plans. RIM, along with Vodafone and Verizon Wireless, launched the Storm on Wednesday.. The phone, a rival to Apple's iPhone 3G, signals a product barrage for the company. On RIM’s last earnings call, co-CEO Jim Balsillie talked about how the company would launch a barrage of products aimed at grabbing market share. The message that rattled Wall Street: RIM’s time is now and worrying about margins is silly given the opportunity. With the launch of the Storm, which really signals the beginning of RIM’s next product cycle, we’ll find out if Balsillie’s bet will pay off. Why is the Storm important? RIM can use the Storm to rally telecom carrier support – especially among those left... [read full story]