The enterprise-services unit of BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion–a company deep into a major transition by some counts and in a "death spiral" by others–has piqued the interest of IBM, Bloomberg has reported.
"IBM made an informal approach about possibly acquiring the division, which operates a network of secure servers used to support RIM’s BlackBerry devices," said the report, citing a source who wished to remain unnamed.
Noting that the business may be valued between $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion, the report added that "no party has shown interest in buying all of RIM or the division that makes its phones," and RIM is unlikely to entertain any offers until the release of BlackBerry 10.
Delayed a second time, now until early 2013, BlackBerry 10 is an entirely new platform for RIM and will be introduced with new smartphones. RIM is, to say the least, betting big on it. While new-CEO Thorsten Heins has trimmed away all initiatives and developments not inherent to "core" RIM offerings, and is in the processing of letting go of 5,000 employees, it’s BlackBerry 10 that has been tasked with saving the company and preventing subscribers from defecting to Android and Apple handsets.
Analysts with Jefferies have suggested that Samsung could potentially buy RIM or license its BlackBerry 10 platform.
To read the original eWeek article, click here: IBM Interested in RIM’s Enterprise Services Division: Report