Business users probably complained, but business admins and execs make those purchasing decisions. Admins don't want apps for obvious reasons, and media support is mostly from the user base that wants to putz around. Don't get me wrong, there's a damn good business case for both, but it tends to break down for larger organizations who prefer simplicity, lower security risk and lower maintenance costs. Media and app support means more personal use, leading to more replacements, tech support, etc.
What I think is that RIM took its customers saying, "Don't change a thing" literally, when it really meant, "Don't change a thing about the email platform."
Your last paragraph is absolutely correct. The thing is, the enterprise base probably told them that's what they wanted - it's not their job to innovate for RIM. They just want secure email. RIM failed to take the initiative and build around that email platform that their customers like. That will probably be the same reason they will not become a software company, even though that would be a smart move for them.
Ultimately, whether you're right (that the customers spoke up and RIM chose not to listen) or I'm right (RIM took customer feedback to mean more than just keep the core email product strong), they're going in the same direction for pretty much the same reason - failure to innovate outside a fairly excellent email product.
What are your thoughts as an acquisition target for Microsoft?
What I think is that RIM took its customers saying, "Don't change a thing" literally, when it really meant, "Don't change a thing about the email platform."
Your last paragraph is absolutely correct. The thing is, the enterprise base probably told them that's what they wanted - it's not their job to innovate for RIM. They just want secure email. RIM failed to take the initiative and build around that email platform that their customers like. That will probably be the same reason they will not become a software company, even though that would be a smart move for them.
Ultimately, whether you're right (that the customers spoke up and RIM chose not to listen) or I'm right (RIM took customer feedback to mean more than just keep the core email product strong), they're going in the same direction for pretty much the same reason - failure to innovate outside a fairly excellent email product.
What are your thoughts as an acquisition target for Microsoft?
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