I like my Galaxy but I miss my Blackberry. ~Bill
With sales of older BlackBerry 7 phones higher than new touchscreen models, BlackBerry is planning to re-tool its product line with keyboard handsets aimed at government and corporate clients.
With consumers buying touchscreen iPhone and Android phones by the millions, what can BlackBerry do? Zig while everyone is zagging might be the best possible strategy. And that means a return to what BlackBerrys were best known for: Outstanding QWERTY hardware keyboards catering to those who need those buttons the most.
Over the next 18 months BlackBerry will focus on several new phones with keyboards, Reuters reported on Friday. The devices will be aimed largely at government and corporate clients; two markets that initially helped BlackBerry become a household name over the last ten years. The keyboard models are a complete about-face from the company’s Z10 flagship phone which debuted last year with a full touchscreen and new touch-optimized software.
BlackBerry Z10
Sales of the Z10 and subsequent models never took off in the either the consumer or business market, however. More older BlackBerry phones have been selling than the new BlackBerry 10 devices, in fact. BlackBerry today reported that of the 3.4 million phones sold to end customers in the most recent quarter, 2.3 million of them ran BlackBerry 7 (PDF).
It’s abundantly clear that after taking a long time to transition to a more modern, touch-friendly phone lineup, the effort has largely failed. New CEO John Chen knows that and is focusing on BlackBerry’s core strengths: keyboard devices and profitable services. Speaking to Reuters, Chen said ”We need to generate cash and make money on a consistent basis, and it’s got to come from our big installed base of enterprise and if we can do that, then we can branch out to do a lot of other stuff.”
BlackBerry does have much to offer in the enterprise and still has $2.7 billion of cash to work with. While it “retools” its product line with physical keyboards some of the cash will bleed off, but if Chen keep still keep BlackBerry desirable in the enterprise, he can at least stabilize the company. And from there, maybe BlackBerry will get yet another chance to make waves in the consumer market.
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Bill Salvatore is a member of Heroes Home Advantage, a cash back program for Real Estate buyers and sellers. The program honors Veterans and Active Military Members, Fire Fighters and First Responders, EMTs and Emergency Medical Personnel, Nurses, and Teachers. Through the Heroes Home Advantage program, Realtors give a portion of their commission back to the hero in the form of assistance with closing costs.
Bill is also President of the Phoenix Chapter of VAREP, Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals. VAREP is focused on education and employment, making real estate transactions smoother and easier for Veterans and Military Personnel, and instructing other real estate related professionals in the best procedures for dealing with these transactions. VAREP is a nationwide non-profit organization with an impressive presence in the Phoenix area.
In founding AZVHV, Arizona Veterans Helping Veterans, Bill has spread his dedication to Veterans and Military throughout the real estate industry. An increasing number of local professionals have joined Bill in offering discounts to these heroes, not only when buying or selling a home but in all aspects of homeownership. AZVHV has developed a wide range of services and is gaining momentum every year. Membership is free. Bill’s only requirements are that businesses be legitimate and willing to offer a discount on their services to Veterans and Military Members.
You can contact Bill at Realty Executives East Valley, 1166 E Warner Rd. Suite 117, Gilbert AZ, 85296. Direct Phone: 602-999-0952. E-Mail: golfarizona@cox.net. Web: www.yourValleyProperty.com. Helpful web sites and blogs: www.AZVHV.wordpress.com / www.cashbackforheroes.wordpress.com / www.VAREP.wordpress.com
