http://www.informationweek.com/news/hardware/handheld/231601041

I give RIM points for doing all of the correct sales and marketing promotions to get consumers wanting to buy the Playbook.  However, this type of promotional work should have been done last year, at least.

I agree with analysts the company will not be able to produce results in time for its quarterly report.  On the surface that is not bad but given the company’s situation this is bad for RIM.

I have no idea what RIM is doing.  However, in the last month the company has not shown or bragged about increased sales or even a stabilized customer base.  I am not sure a one week promotion will do anything.  I am just exhausted writing and thinking about RIM.  RIM is an example of the typical distressed company that is expecting a miracle to save it.  However, the secret behind saving a distressed company is: TIMING.  Sometimes, a total change in management helps.  However, one thing is certain, when you wait too long to make change, it is often too late to save the company.

In order for a corporate restructuring to be successful, you need to be able to effect change at the top.  It is not just about stabilizing finances.  Operations and marketing need to be aligned with the revenue plan and the company's business plan.  When the folks who got you in trouble are still in charge then it means that all changes made were made by the force of will of the shareholders rather than by the beliefs of the executive management team.  It is often good to scare the heck out of the top executives; make them worry about losing their jobs becaus eit humbles them.  However, it is really not a way to run a company.  It just leads to good decisions being executed badly.

I believe the company’s current efforts are designed to stabilize the customer base, which is fine.  If the tactic works, it should give RIM breathing room for an aggressive sales and marketing strategy to boost sales.

The company’s attempt to reach into the apps development community is coming very late.  I am not saying they will not have a positive effect on RIM, I am just no longer sure the efforts will save RIM.

I will keep my fingers crossed.  If the company’s quarterly financial report is not stellar or at least showing signs of stabilization the company may be done.