The BlackBerry, developed by the Canadian company Research in Motion (RIM; known as BlackBerry from 2013 onwards), was a pioneering line of wireless handheld communication devices manufactured from 1999 to 2016. These devices marked the early era of popular smartphones.
Originating with the RIM 850, a pager introduced in 1999, the BlackBerry's evolution began. Equipped with a compact keyboard, this device facilitated wireless email access, enabling users to stay connected while on the move. Subsequently, RIM launched the RIM 857, a more advanced model resembling a personal digital assistant (PDA), capable of synchronizing with personal and business email accounts. Although initial sales were modest, with only 25,000 users in the inaugural year, adoption rates surged swiftly.
In 2002, RIM introduced the first BlackBerry phones. These innovative "smartphones" combined cellular phone service, wireless email functionality, and Internet access, revolutionizing the business landscape. As demand soared, cellular providers swiftly incorporated BlackBerry-compatible phones into their product portfolios.
