Who Invented the BlackBerry?

A BlackBerry is a multi-purpose handheld device that started out as a mobile email device. Eventually it transitioned to meet the needs of evolving technology and people on the go. Today, a BlackBerry has telephone, Web browsing and PDA (address lists, calendars, etc.) capabilities in its repertoire, and is used by people from all walks of life.

History

In 1999, the Canadian company Research In Motion (RIM) conceptualized a handheld email device. It was small and resembled a pager. It was designed to cater to business people and enabled them to have mobile wireless email communications. This new piece of equipment also served as a handheld calendar organizer.

BlackBerry Gets a Name

After 2 years, this device still had no name. Lexicon Branding was hired by RIM to brainstorm possible names. RIM wanted to use the word "email" within the name, an idea not endorsed by Lexicon, who felt the act of emailing could be associated with stress. Rumor has it that because of the device's black color and small keys which resembled seeds, after running the gamut of seeded fruit and vegetable names, the team settled on the BlackBerry name.

Early Evolution

The BlackBerry was designed with the typical QWERTY keyboard format, similar to what one sees on a typewriter or computer keyboard. It has given the user the capability to type quickly using their thumbs.
As time marched on, the BlackBerry acquired improved memory and display. RIM has worked with major partners, including Intel, to create its processor.

Legal Controversy

RIM was engaged in a patent lawsuit with NTP, Inc., a patent holding company. NTP took RIM to court because they never responded to a 2000 offer which NTP proposed for wireless email, but used the technology anyway. The infringement cost NTP nearly $33 million, and RIM and NTP battled it out in the courts through 2006, when they finally reached a settlement. RIM discovered a workaround technology that would not infringe upon NTP's patent (see Resources).

Wave of the Future

A 2005 "PC World" edition named the BlackBerry number 14 on the list of the greatest gadgets of the past 50 years. In December 2008, there were more than 21 million BlackBerry subscribers.
The BlackBerry Storm was RIM's innovative touchscreen smartphone, paving the way for new innovations in this product.

Resources

• The History of The BlackBerry
• BlackBerry Research in Motion
• RIM: BlackBerry History of the Origin of the Name
• NTP, Inc.
• Research In Motion