RIM looking to hire Apple iPhone software developer?
By Will Park on Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 at 3:21 PM PST In Apple, BlackBerry, Developer, RIM (Research in Motion), Rumors, iPhone, iPhone OS
Like they say, “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” At least that’s what is seems like RIM is doing by looking to hire software developers for the Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) iPhone. A new internal job listing suggests that RIM is looking to bring its BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) software to the iPhone – possibly even allowing the iPhone to access RIM’s popular push-email service.
“As part of a newly-created team, you’ll influence the development and design of BlackBerry software. This is a very confidential brand new team and a senior position within RIM so I can’t provide too many details. I guess you can figure out what it might be about though.”
Among the job requirements are Mac software development and familiarity with programming in Objective C and Cocoa as well as experience in designing user interfaces. Experience with Javascript and XML are essential.
The job listing and possible push to develop iPhone applications could be seen as conflicting with the firm’s push to pit the BlackBerry 9000, as well as the touchscreen “AK,” against the iPhone. But, if RIM is looking to compete with the iPhone, it might be in it’s best interest to seek alternative revenue channels by hopping on board the iPhone-train. It may not be a case of RIM not being able to beat Apple’s iPhone, but rather RIM may just be looking to cash in on the iPhone while pushing hard with their own iPhone killer.
“If you can’t beat ‘em down, at least make money on ‘em.”
[Via: AppleInsider]
RIM should feel need of updating its BlackBerry devices with latest operating system otherwise Apple and Nokia may be able to engulf its share
RIM is going to take off even more than it already has. They already have a loyal business following, and some how, they have been able to penetrate into the “casual” user segment as well; so many girls I know have a freakin’ Pearl.
If they made the UI nicer to look at and beefed up the media capabilities, then they will simply blow up -
This is false. I personally wrote the opening sentence in that job description…the rest was added by someone else (probably someone trying to stir the pot). Internal RIM descriptions do NOT look like that.
Oh and the job wasn’t internal, it was posted on my website. It’s been taken down now, but if you managed to see it, you’d pick out what the job is really for.
Trust me, it has nothing to do with the iPhone.
Also, this story is several days old.
So what was the job listing really for?
Raidium,
That is too bad. As a CIO for a large corporate company, we are looking for ways to accommodate multiple devices, especially the iPhone. As we are a large BlackBerry shop, it would be a no brainer if RIM sold a client for that device. Now are looking at switching mail platforms just to accommodate the iPhone.
Apple is seen some tremendous growth with its next generation of handsets, the iPhone.
Sam
Experienced iPhone Developers