Microsoft vs. RIM

Engadget Mobile picked up on a story about the possibility of Microsoft taking advantage of the market conditions and buying Research In Motion (RIM) (Not the first time this rumor has floated around either), the makers of the all popular Blackberry.  I have been thinking about this for the last few days…

My experiences with Blackberries are not the best.  I find them to be frustrating little devices.  Primarily, their lack of touch screen is what drives me bonkers.  After that, the next thing that strokes my fur backwards is the sync software for your PC.  People mock ActiveSync but until you have fought with the BB desktop software, don’t speak too loudly.  I have used both for years and ActiveSync is a LOT less frustrating.

My complaint with Microsoft was always that their e-mail server software was crap.  However, the last two versions of Exchange have been vast improvements.  The reason that I bring up e-mail server software is that the driving force for Microsoft’s Windows Mobile is the Exchange infrastructure.  Exchange is what drives the push e-mail for a WinMo based device.  This functionality is what is needed to take on RIM and their Blackberry(s).

Another story on Engadget from the past, indicated that RIM was working on a client package for WinMo devices so that they could interface with a BES (Blackberry Enterprise Server) and effectively become a Blackberry.  This one is different from Blackberry Connect as Connect only allows for a simple interface with a BES.  The linked to info shows that RIM is looking at a full software emulation of a Blackberry.  Unfortunately, I have not heard if it ever came out.

Now if Microsoft buys RIM, they will have full access to all of the code for both the client and the connect add-on.  This would allow them to get major uptake on “their” WinMo based devices.  I say “their” as they do not make any devices but sell to companies such as Palm, HP, HTC, Dell, SonyEricsson, etc…  It would also give them time to deal with the roll out of a newer version of WinMo that has native support for BES and to also decide whether to keep WinMo or the Blackberry OS as their OS of choice.  My vote is that they rip the face off of WinMo and slap the face from Blackberry onto it.  Which leads me into…

The only real issue for WinMo is the usability and that is all down to the interface.  Like I just heard Leo Laporte snipe on a recent ep of Windows Weekly, what idiot at Microsoft thought it was a good idea to put the Windows 95 interface on a portable device?!?!  I have used Windows Mobile going all the way back to the clamshell HP Journada.  This was when it was called Windows CE and it was HORRIBLE.  I have also used Windows Mobile version 3, 4, 5, 6 and now 6.1.  Things have gotten progressively better on the performance and stability side but the interface still SUCKS.

HTC, the current leader in WinMo based devices, has taken up this challenge by writing their own primary interface software that rides on top of WinMo called TouchFlo.  It is far better than the native WinMo but it is still a work in progress.  Newer HTC devices are coming out with better versions and firmware updates for existing devices are getting many of the updates but there are still issues and short comings.

An answer from the entrepreneurs out there is found in SPB Software House.  They produce an entire line of applications for Windows Mobile devices that make them far easier to use.  I personally use SPB Mobile Shell and it is just amazing.  The reason that I add yet another element to this discussion is that it shows that there is no reason for Windows Mobile or Blackberry to look or act the way they do.  As much as I hate getting my screen on my HTC Touch all smudged and greasy, I would FAR rather be able to touch the screen than not.  And on the other hand, there is no excuse out there valid enough to justify why Windows Mobile has to look as crappy as it does.

If Microsoft buying RIM will get them the focus they need to produce an unstoppable and amazing version of WinMo, go for it.  If it only serves to cause all of the best talent from RIM to leave, then this could be all for not or at the least, simply be Microsoft’s way of eliminating the competition.

Either way, there are things to be done by all parties and opportunities to be had due to low stock values.