IBM interested in RIM’s enterprise servers if BlackBerry 10 fails: Reports

IBM might be interested in purchasing troubled smartphone maker Research in Motion’s enterprise messaging system, should RIM’s forthcoming BlackBerry 10 devices fail to gain traction, according to reports.

Last week, SmartCompany reported that IBM executives have already informally expressed interest in purchasing RIM’s enterprise services business.

Tom’s Hardware reports “sources close to the matter” as confirming the earlier reports about IBM’s interest in the business.

The division is estimated to be worth between $US1.5 billion and $US2.5 billion, but would be difficult to separate from the rest of RIM due to the tight integration between RIM’s server, smartphone hardware, and software businesses.