Quote:
Originally Posted by TXLady
Obviously, RIM does not feel that this would be a profitable market for them or they would enter it. That is really the bottom line on why a company does/does not offer something.
To my knowledge, there are no smartphones available in a hardened version, at least direct from the manufacturers. There may be customized available at a high price but I've never looked for one nor would I be willing to pay a lot of money for one.
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All the more reason to make one! Do the people who use them not work in contaminated or high moisture/shock environments?
RIM may not feel this is profitable, but a company also has to look at its whole position in the market. A single product area may not be as profitable as others, or perhaps not even profitable at all initially, but it may also be an area with unusual growth potential. IMO this is one of those areas. Do people with smart phones not work in the trades, or go sailing, diving, kayaking, fishing?
A company should not give up market share and brand loyalty and identification if it wants to grow. Sticking to your profitable niches is a recipe for corporate death, unless no else can do what you are doing, and that sure isn't the case here is it? I won't bore you with all the examples from the past of companies that focussed on their "profitability" at the expense of gaining and keeping market share through meeting consumer demands.
(And DanK. I see the Otterbox you mean now. Maybe I'll get one for the short-term)