Blackberry 2011 Annual Report Download - page 21

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• intense competition within RIM’s industry, including the possibility that strategic transactions by RIM’s competitors or carrier partners
could weaken RIM’s competitive position or require RIM to reduce its prices to compete effectively;
• RIM’s ability to establish new, and to build on existing relationships with its network carrier partners and distributors, and its
dependence on a limited number of significant customers;
• RIM’s reliance on its suppliers for functional components, and the risk that suppliers will not be able to supply components on a
timely basis or in sufficient quantities;
• the efficient and uninterrupted operation of RIM’s network operations center and the networks of its carrier partners, and the risk of
other business interruptions;
• dependence on key personnel and RIM’s ability to attract and retain key personnel;
• RIM’s reliance on third-party manufacturers for certain products and its ability to manage its production process;
• risks associated with RIM’s expanding foreign operations;
• restrictions on import and use of RIM’s products in certain countries due to encryption of the products and services;
• the occurrence or perception of a breach of RIM’s security measures, or an inappropriate disclosure of confidential or personal
information;
• the continued quality and reliability of RIM’s products and services and the potential effect of defects in products and services;
• RIM’s ability to manage inventory and asset risk;
• RIM’s ability to successfully maintain and enhance its brand;
• RIM’s ability to enter the tablet market;
• reliance on strategic alliances and relationships with third-party network infrastructure developers, software platform vendors and
service platform vendors;
• effective management of growth and ongoing development of RIM’s service and support operations;
• regulation, certification and health risks, and risks relating to the misuse of RIM’s products;
• RIM’s ability to expand and enhance BlackBerry App World
TM
;
• government regulation of wireless spectrum and radio frequencies;
• reduced spending by customers due to the uncertainty of economic and geopolitical conditions;
• potential liabilities or costs related to the collection, storage, transmission, use and disclosure of user and personal information;
• risks associated with acquisitions, investments and other business initiatives;
• foreign exchange risks;
• tax liabilities, resulting from changes in tax laws or otherwise, associated with RIM’s worldwide operations;
• general commercial litigation and other litigation claims as part of RIM’s operations;
• changes in interest rates affecting RIM’s investment portfolio and the creditworthiness of its investment portfolio; and
• difficulties in forecasting RIM’s quarterly financial results.
These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on RIM’s forward-looking statements. RIM
has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Overview
RIM is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications
market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM
provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to information, including email, voice, instant messaging, short message service
(SMS), Internet and intranet-based applications and browsing. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and
manufacturers to enhance their products and services through software development kits, wireless connectivity to data and third-party
support programs. RIM’s portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of
organizations and millions of consumers around the world and include the BlackBerry»wireless solution, the RIM Wireless Handheld
TM
product line, software development tools and other software and hardware. The Company’s sales and marketing efforts include
collaboration with strategic partners and distribution channels, as well as its own supporting sales and marketing teams, to promote the
sale of its products and services.
8RESEARCH IN MOTION ANNUAL REPORT 2011
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS