(07-10-2013, 02:48 PM)specuvestor Wrote: [ -> ]U read my mind 
Push-mail was the KEY technology and driver for Blackberry when MSFT exchange sucked, and the security as yeokiwi mentioned.
The irony according to my IT friend is that BES 10 is not backward compatible. Talk about shooting own foot.
(07-10-2013, 02:13 PM)CityFarmer Wrote: [ -> ]The only valuable tech is the push-email? Is the tech still relevance and in-dispensable nowadays?
Yes, There were more than one shot on its foot. One of the shots was venturing into consumer market without clear understanding of its customer.
I recalled, plug-in hardware with phones would enable secure comm with SMS during the old days. It is not difficult to enable secure comm nowadays with smartphone's app.
Apple and Samsung's devices have received clearance from the Pentagon for secure comm. So it's not a question of functionality, but a preference.
(07-10-2013, 02:46 PM)yeokiwi Wrote: [ -> ]Quote:The only valuable tech is the push-email? Is the tech still relevance and in-dispensable nowadays?
I think it is the secure management of information that is valuable. It may not be unbreakable but many countries had requested BB to deliver the messages in clear to them for national security purpose.
At least, in comparison with whatsapp, wechat or whatever, BB messaging is much much more secured than them.
I agree.
People tend to ignore the most valuable asset in blackberry is its security infrastructure, its NOC. It takes time and money to build it to blackberry's scale.
No business serious about security will simply choose iPhone or android. They are not built with the security requirements of business. It's okay for most people and business. But as an executive, apps have no lure. It's security they care more. They don't want information being stole by its competitors.
As for its patent portfolio, it is only meaningful to Google. But Microsoft and Apple probably will make sure Google does not get it as a significant part of the patents are shared by Microsoft/Apple/BlackBerry. It's a part of strategy for Microsoft/Apple to counter Android. As everyone knows, Microsoft earns a significant license fee from most Android smartphones. Samsung pays Microsoft, so are HTC and LG etc.
It is still useful for its corporate customers.
BlackBerry saves the best for last with its Z30
SINGAPORE — BlackBerry’s troubles have dominated technology headlines in recent weeks, and rumoured attempts from Google, Cisco, SAP and Fairfax to buy the company could see the brand disappear within the next few months.
But that has not stopped the Canadian company from making what could possibly be their last smartphone a great device.
The BlackBerry Z30 is not the thinnest or lightest device of its kind in the market, but it does come with a carbon-fibre-like weave case which BlackBerry claims is twice as strong as the plastic used on other smartphones. In the hand, the plastic casing felt solid and did not creak. The phone was light enough to hold as well.
The Z30 does not boast impressive specs either. It has a 5-inch Super AMOLED display — the largest to be fitted onto a BlackBerry — that is hardly revolutionary.
Its dual-core, 1.7 GHz processor also pales in comparison to the quad-core offerings its more successful competitors are putting on the market.
...
http://www.todayonline.com/tech/gadgets/...-best-last
One more likely bidder. The BB story will continue...
BlackBerry considering bid for company
TORONTO — BlackBerry cofounders Mike Lazaridis and Douglas Fregin are considering a bid to buy the struggling smartphone maker, according to a securities filing yesterday (Oct 10), raising the prospect of an alternative to a US$4.7 billion (S$5.9 billion) offer led by its top shareholder.
The filing did not indicate whether the pair was planning to join or to present an alternative to a tentative US$9-a-share bid by a group led by Fairfax. Fairfax, which is headed by financier Prem Watsa, has not yet identified other members of the group.
Mr Lazaridis and Mr Fregin together control some 8 per cent of BlackBerry, the filing said. That compares with roughly 10 per cent controlled by Fairfax.
...
http://www.todayonline.com/business/blac...id-company
My bet is at least $12, can go as high as $18 - 20. I am still long BBRY and bought more under 8.
(11-10-2013, 04:04 PM)freedom Wrote: [ -> ]My bet is at least $12, can go as high as $18 - 20. I am still long BBRY and bought more under 8.
My gut feel is it will never go too far from $9, may be around $10. No serious valuation done, only guesstimate base on few fundamental data
My best wish to your venture.
(not vested)
High time to start the damage control exercises...
BlackBerry issues open letter to calm customers and partners
TORONTO – BlackBerry on Monday sought to reassure its restive customers and partners that it was financially stable and “here to stay”, even though it announced massive layoffs and sources say it is in talks to sell all or part of the company.
In an open letter published in 30 news outlets across nine countries, the Waterloo, Ontario-based company stressed that its customers can continue to count on BlackBerry and its products, despite the challenges it is facing and the changes it is undergoing.
...
http://www.todayonline.com/tech/blackber...d-partners
One more potential bidder, Lenovo...
Lenovo will face obstacles in any BlackBerry deal: Source
TORONTO – Chinese computer maker Lenovo, which has signed a non-disclosure deal to examine BlackBerry’s books, faces regulatory obstacles if it bids for all of the company and will likely pursue just parts, a source familiar with the matter said on Thursday.
BlackBerry said in August it was exploring options that could include an outright sale. And the Canadian company, which helped pioneer smartphones, has since been linked with a string of potential buyers from private equity firms to rival technology companies.
Its shares, which rose 4 per cent after the Wall Street Journal first reported the interest from Lenovo Group, ended up less than a per cent at US$8.20 on the Nasdaq.
...
http://www.todayonline.com/tech/lenovo-w...eal-source
(20-09-2013, 02:44 PM)CityFarmer Wrote: [ -> ]Likely the last chance for the company for survival...
BBM for Android and iOS to launch this weekend
LONDON — BlackBerry has announced that its popular instant messaging service BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) will be available on Android from Sept 21 and iOS from Sept 22, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Previously exclusive to BlackBerry smartphones, BBM will be available as a free download in Google Play and the App Store. Customers will also be able to download BBM by visiting www.BBM.com from their smartphone browser.
BBM runs in the background and is always on, meaning that messages on BBM are typically delivered and read within seconds. It also keeps a record of messages that have been delivered and read, and uses a PIN to keep contacts and information secure.
“BBM is a very engaging messaging service that is simple to use, easy to personalise and has an immediacy that is necessary for mobile communications,” said Mr Andrew Bocking, Executive Vice President for BBM at BlackBerry.
“With more than a billion Android, iOS, and BlackBerry smartphones in the market, and no dominant mobile messaging platform, this is absolutely the right time to bring BBM to Android and iPhone customers.”
Android and iPhone users who download the BBM app will be able to carry out both one-on-one and group text chats, and share files such as photos and voice notes instantly. They will also be able to send a message to all of their BBM contacts in one go using the ‘Broadcast Message’ function.
BBM will be available as a free download for Android smartphones running Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean beginning at 7pm on Sept 21. BBM for iPhones running iOS 6 and iOS 7 will become available for each market on the App Store schedule of 7.01pm on Sept 22.
...
http://www.todayonline.com/tech/bbm-andr...ch-weekend
The implementation finally started. It should be a critical step for BB survival, IMO
BBM for Android, iPhone users: BlackBerry
TORONTO — BlackBerry said yesterday (Oct 21) it has begun to roll out its BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) service to users of Android and iPhone devices.
The long-awaited cross-platform offering, which was delayed after issues arose following the initial launch last month, is now being rolled out in a phased manner.
...
http://www.todayonline.com/tech/gadgets/...blackberry
Well, the Blackberry story will continue. How about others potential bids? Is the $6.5 price tag interesting?
Blackberry abandons sale process
TORONTO — BlackBerry abandoned its sale process today (Nov 4), and announced it will replace its chief executive.
Fairfax, BlackBerry’s largest shareholder with a 10 per cent stake, said it would not buy the struggling smartphone company and take it private but said it and other investors will inject US$1 billion (S$1.24 billion) as part of a revised investment proposal.
BlackBerry said CEO Thorsten Heins is stepping down. Mr Heins took over early last year after the company lost billions in market value. Mr John Chen will serve as interim CEO. Fairfax head Prem Watsa will be appointed to the board.
In premarket trading, BlackBerry shares dropped US$1.44, or 19 per cent, to US$6.33 before being halted.
...
http://www.todayonline.com/tech/blackber...-process-0