RIM continues to thrive while outpacing the competition

With Research in Motion’s (AKA RIM) last quarter earnings report, the BlackBerry line of devices have continued to do well regardless of both a tough economic climate and some stiff competition from devices like the iPhone, and apparently embracing a wide range of business practices, partners and device has let RIM maintain a tight grip on the market. Unlike Apple’s strict one carrier-one device system, RIM has embraced a litany of devices, ranging from the everymans Pearl series, the media junkies Storm way on up to the serious business persons Bold. They don’t seem to have any problem being on practically every carrier either, even if it means some have different devices than others, but it serves not only to help each manufacturer and RIM, but also the consumer, who is given more choice about which carrier to use, which is just good for competition.

But apparently, RIM can be more than just second place, according to a recent press release by NPD , a market research group, the 8300 series devices have even gone so far as to surpass the iPhone’s lead on the market in the first quarter, a series of devices that are in almost no way similar to the competition.

1. RIM BlackBerry Curve (all 83XX models)
2. Apple iPhone 3G (all models)
3. RIM BlackBerry Storm
4. RIM BlackBerry Pearl (all models, except flip)
5. T-Mobile G1

Regardless of the iPhone growing a bit long in the tooth for many at this point, many manufacturers have begun to accept RIM’s design philosophies as their own, not only making devices struck in the image of the iPhone, but the humble Curve series as well (as seen here). Many people still cling to the QWERTY keyboard (myself included) and professional stylings and features of the BlackBerry line, an area where the iPhone simply can’t compete at this point, and this has proved to be paramount to RIM’s success.

With WES happening this week, we may see more that we initially anticipated: with server changes already out in the open, and at least one device already in the public spectrum and continuing rumors of a second generation Storm, RIM may be looking to becoming the market leader across the board in mobile platforms in the U.S.