Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)/Research In Motion Ltd (BBRY): A Glimpse into the Post PC World

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However, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is too reliant on its core PC applications business. The shift to mobile threatens the company’s traditional cash-cows like its Office applications. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) isn’t expanding but shifting revenues from PCs to tablets and phones.

Big trouble for BlackBerry

Gartner’s report also hinted at major troubles in Waterloo projecting that Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) will ship 30% fewer units by 2017. The company is more limited than Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) because consumers are looking for an operating system that works across the board including tablets, smartphones, and PCs. BB10 can’t save Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY). One device no longer makes a company but rather the ecosystem the business creates around several devices.

How likely are these projections to play out? Well 2017 is a long time frame to be forecasting in the technology business. Four years ago Windows and Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) had just toppled Palm and Symbian. It’s still too early to count out the Canadian firm until we see some more data regarding the company’s Z10 launch.

However, this report does highlight the pressure on Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) to build out an ecosystem of products. A slick handset won’t be enough to compete. Even more troubling, as consumers become increasingly glued to one platform, gaining market share will be more difficult today than ever.

Robert Baillieul has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Google. The Motley Fool owns shares of Google and Microsoft.

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