Embattled BlackBerry maker Research in Motion may be looking to sell its BlackBerry smartphone and tablet division in order to focus on its messaging services, according to reports.
The Verge reports the separation of the company is an option being investigated by the company as part of a strategic review it is conducting with RBC and JP Morgan.
In April, the company released a multi-platform version of its BlackBerry Mobile Fusion Enterprise Server that supports Apple iOS and Android, as well as its own BlackBerry devices. Spinning off its hardware business would presumably be a continuation of this strategy.
RIM once dominated the corporate smartphone market, but in recent years has struggled to compete with Apple’s iPhone and Android smartphones such as Samsung’s Galaxy S series. Last month, the company appointed two new board members following disappointing fourth-quarter results.
Andrew Sadauskas is a former journalist at SmartCompany and a former editor of TechCompany.
