MONITORING REPORT KHI: After losing significant market share in North America, Research In Motion (RIM) is shifting its focus more towards emerging markets that accounts for 68 per cent of its revenues. BlackBerry App Worlds official launch in Pakistan is another effort towards protecting the revenue-base; say industry experts.
The Canadian manufacturer of BlackBerry once dominated the North American smartphone market with more than a 50 per cent share now sits just under 15 per cent in the US, according to market research firm Neilsen.
“In Q4 of 2011, 68 per cent of our revenue came from markets outside the US, UK and Canada,” RIMs Managing Director for the Middle East Region Sandeep Saihgal told the media.
However, he did not share its revenues from Pakistan but maintained it was an important market for the company, hinting there is more to come after App World. “We currently support the Pakistan market through our partnerships with local carriers and distributors. We receive regular updates on our activity in this important market.”
Pakistani BlackBerry users can access apps that include the newly introduced BBM connected apps, which make it easier for users to stay in touch with their contacts, share content and play multiplayer games, and discover new things from their BBM community, Saihgal said.