RIM Left in ‘No Man’s Land’ After Google Cuts Motorola Deal

Research In Motion Ltd., maker of the BlackBerry smartphone and PlayBook tablet computer, may have the most to lose from Google Inc.’s deal to acquire Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc.

Google’s proposed $12.5 billion acquisition would leave RIM a smaller player relative to rivals, which may force it to strike an alliance with another company or sell itself to remain competitive, said Will Stofega, a program director at consultant IDC. With Google’s cash and software expertise, Motorola may present a direct challenge to RIM in its traditional stronghold, the corporate market, he said.