Blackberry 1999 Annual Report Download - page 7

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EXECUTION OF THE BUSINESS PLAN
Execution of RIM’s business plan involves many key areas. Ongoing
research and development for product improvement and new product
introductions, continued maturing and ramping of manufacturing
capabilities, building reliable and appropriate infrastructure for customer
support, adding the right level of human resources and administration and
continuing to recruit highly qualified and energetic people are all critical.
For RIM to maintain and lengthen its technical competitive lead,
continuous product improvement and new product introductions are
essential. New products will broaden the choices for consumers who
are becoming increasingly comfortable with the notion of wearable
information appliances. Making current products thinner, more powerful,
with longer battery life and increased functionality are ongoing
challenges. Cosmetic improvements such as different colour plastics
are also being explored.
An ongoing focus on improving quality and production efficiency is
clearly important. Emphasis on product design for ease of manufacturing,
strengthening supplier relationships and building contingencies for
sudden demand increases are all part of RIM’s strategy. Hiring and
training knowledgeable production team members are also absolute
requirements.
RIM is dedicated to ensuring that the appropriate management
and administrative support and information systems are properly
implemented and maintained. Integrating all of RIM’s functional areas
as well as managing a growing human resources base are all challenges
for fiscal 2000.
Finally, RIM’s absolute dependence on its ability to hire and retain
bright and highly motivated people is critical for continued success. RIM
currently has 40 students working through university co-op programs and
will continue to increase that number. In addition to technical personnel,
RIM is aggressively recruiting people with expertise in such areas as
marketing, sales, production and finance.
RIM’s employees, management, and directors thank you for your
support during the past year and look forward to continued success
in fiscal 2000.
Jim Balsillie Mike Lazaridis
Chairman and President and
Co-Chief Executive Officer Co-Chief Executive Officer
May 31, 1999
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