Research In Motion Introduces 'BlackBerry Connect' Licensing Program

Research In Motion Introduces 'BlackBerry Connect' Licensing Program

BlackBerry Connect To Extend BlackBerry Wireless Data Experience To Other Wireless Devices

CTIA Wireless - New Orleans, LA - March 17, 2003 - Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) formally unveiled its 'BlackBerry Connect™' licensing program for mobile device manufacturers at the CTIA Wireless 2003 show in New Orleans today (BlackBerry™ booth #5175). The BlackBerry Connect licensing program enables mobile device manufacturers to equip their handsets with the integrated ability to connect to BlackBerry Enterprise Server™ using the same secure, push-based wireless architecture and infrastructure that has been approved and adopted by dozens of carriers and thousands of companies and government organizations around the world.

The BlackBerry Connect licensing program is an important element of RIM's strategy to provide an open, global platform and address the distinct desires of its various customers including end users, IT departments, carriers and licensees. Through licensing, users gain a greater choice of devices to satisfy different needs and preferences. IT departments also gain choice and the ability to support multiple device types with the same back-end infrastructure and end-to-end security model. Wireless carriers gain from the ability to leverage their existing investment in BlackBerry and address different market segments with a broader selection of devices, operating systems and feature sets. Mobile device manufacturers benefit from the ability to quickly and cost-effectively integrate a popular solution, that is supported by leading carriers worldwide, with the manufacturer's existing hardware and software.

"Most users probably haven't thought much about it, but their BlackBerry handheld is only one element of an extremely sophisticated system that connects them to their email account. We've invested tremendous technical integration effort to abstract the complexities of wireless data connectivity and make the BlackBerry experience seemingly effortless for the user. That's a big part of its appeal. We are now in a position to enable the same type of experience and the same level of security on other handsets," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion.

RIM is already working with leading device manufacturers to enable BlackBerry connectivity on their handsets. During the second half of 2003, RIM and Nokia plan to begin offering support for BlackBerry wireless email on the Nokia 6800 messaging phone. RIM and HTC are also working together to offer BlackBerry connectivity for Pocket PC and Smartphone devices from HTC. In addition, RIM and Symbian today announced plans to offer the BlackBerry Connect solution to carriers and Symbian OS licensees.

"HTC is committed to delivering innovative and reliable wireless solutions," said HT Cho, President at HTC. "We are working with RIM to provide a robust solution for our Pocket PC and Smartphone devices that will enable end users to effectively manage their corporate data while mobile and provide IT departments with a greater return on investment."

"As the leading provider of advanced operating systems for mobile phones, we recognize the need to provide Symbian OS licensees with the choice to integrate an innovative wireless corporate data solution such as BlackBerry into their devices," said David Wood, Executive Vice President, Partnering, Symbian Ltd. "We are pleased that RIM has introduced the BlackBerry Connect licensing program as it will enable device manufacturers using the Symbian OS to quickly and easily integrate the BlackBerry experience to their handsets."

"02 is dedicated to providing high-quality wireless services to its business customers across Europe," said Kent Thexton, Chief Marketing Officer at mm02. "RIM's BlackBerry Connect licensing program will further support the adoption of mobile data applications and services."

About Research In Motion (RIM)

Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry™ wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties of Research In Motion Limited. All other brands, products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks relating to possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities.

Symbian OS Phones To Receive BlackBerry Connectivity

London, UK and Waterloo, Canada - March 17, 2003 - Symbian Ltd and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced plans to provide a BlackBerry™ connectivity solution to carriers and Symbian OS licensees to enable wireless email and corporate data services on Symbian OS phones. Symbian OS is licensed to the world's leading handset manufacturers including Samsung, Siemens, Nokia, Motorola and Sony Ericsson. In 2002, Symbian OS licensees accounted for more than 75% of mobile phones shipped worldwide. RIM has joined Symbian's Platinum Partner Program and the companies have initiated technical and business development efforts.

"Mobile device manufacturers, carriers, end users and IT departments are recognizing the productivity benefits that can be gained from wireless access to corporate data and email," said David Levin, CEO, Symbian Ltd. "Our agreement with RIM will enable Symbian OS licensees to exploit the rich functionality of Symbian OS and to add integrated, push-based access to email and enterprise information enabled by the BlackBerry solution."

"We are pleased to partner with Symbian to simplify the availability of the popular BlackBerry experience to Symbian OS licensees worldwide," said Jim Balsillie, Chairman and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. "BlackBerry is truly becoming the wireless platform of choice for enterprise data connectivity. Thousands of companies and government organizations worldwide have already installed BlackBerry Enterprise Server behind their firewall and support for Symbian OS phones will further enhance and extend the reach of the BlackBerry platform."

In a separate announcement today, RIM introduced its 'BlackBerry Connect™' licensing program that enables mobile device manufacturers to equip their handsets with the secure, push-based BlackBerry wireless data experience. With this licensing program and RIM's relationship with Symbian, Symbian OS licensees that participate in BlackBerry Connect will be able to easily integrate the BlackBerry experience on their devices.

Further details of the Symbian / RIM relationship were not disclosed at this time.

About Symbian

Symbian is a software licensing company, owned by Ericsson, Matsushita, Motorola, Nokia, Psion, Samsung, Siemens and Sony Ericsson. Symbian develops and licenses Symbian OS, the global open industry standard operating system for advanced, data-enabled mobile phones.

Symbian has licensed Symbian OS to the world's leading mobile phone manufacturers including Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Siemens and Sony Ericsson. Publicly announced products based on Symbian OS include the Siemens SX-1, NTT DoCoMo FOMA F2051 built by Fujitsu, Sony Ericsson P800 Smartphone, Nokia 9210 Communicator range as well as the 7650, 3650 and N-Gage.

Symbian has its global headquarters in London, United Kingdom with development sites in Europe and Asia. For further information about Symbian, please see www.symbian.com.

About Research In Motion (RIM)

About BlackBerry

BlackBerry is a leading wireless enterprise platform that has been widely deployed to provide mobile access to information. The BlackBerry architecture aptly supports enterprise requirements including back-end integration, end-to-end security and push-based wireless applications. Thousands of organizations across North America and Europe already use BlackBerry with expansion beginning in Asia Pacific.

RIM To Offer BlackBerry Connectivity For Microsoft Windows Powered Mobile Devices

Pocket PC And Smartphone Devices From HTC To Include BlackBerry Connectivity

Waterloo, ON - March 17, 2003 - Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced plans to enable BlackBerry™ connectivity for mobile devices based on the Microsoft Windows Powered Pocket PC and Smartphone platforms. RIM will provide a solution to help mobile device manufacturers and mobile operators easily integrate BlackBerry email and data services into their Pocket PC and Smartphone products.

"The growing popularity of Microsoft Windows Powered devices has inspired developers to create a wide range of innovative solutions that work with these platforms. We're pleased RIM is extending its software and services to Pocket PC and Smartphone customers," said Andy Haon, director of the Mobile Devices Division at Microsoft Corp. "RIM's development work gives customers another option for wireless messaging solutions."

"The combination of BlackBerry wireless connectivity, advanced services, leading operating systems and choice of mobile devices will provide a compelling push-based solution that will increase the popularity of data services in Europe," said Kent Thexton, Chief Marketing Officer at mm02. "We have strong relationships with RIM, HTC and Microsoft and are pleased to all be working together to deliver innovative wireless solutions to corporate customers."

"RIM is committed to enhancing and extending the BlackBerry wireless platform with multi-device and multi-network support," said Jim Balsillie, Chairman and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. "We have worked closely with Microsoft for several years to ensure proper BlackBerry integration with Exchange and are pleased to now expand our relationship to provide BlackBerry connectivity to leading Smartphone and Pocket PC licensees such as HTC."

HTC is a leading original design manufacturer (ODM) of Pocket PC and Smartphone products. HTC designs innovative smart handheld devices that motivate consumer interest and provide added value to corporate users. By providing different ways to communicate beyond voice, HTC delivers personal and powerful mobile experiences that offer customers multiple choices to keep in touch, whether via voice, text or a combination of both.

"Microsoft and HTC have jointly delivered some of the most successful and popular mobile devices and we are excited to now work with RIM to enable BlackBerry connectivity for our customers," said HT Cho, President at HTC. "The RIM solution for Pocket PC and Smartphone will simplify the integration of BlackBerry connectivity into our Pocket PC and Smartphone products."

Today, RIM formally introduced its 'BlackBerry Connect™' licensing program that enables mobile device manufacturers to equip their handsets with the reliable, proven, secure, push-based BlackBerry wireless data experience. With this licensing program and RIM's work with Microsoft, Pocket PC and Smartphone licensees such as HTC will be able to easily integrate the BlackBerry experience in their devices.

BlackBerry is a leading wireless enterprise platform that has been widely deployed to provide wireless access to information. The BlackBerry architecture supports enterprise requirements including back-end integration, end-to-end security and push-based wireless applications. Thousands of organizations across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific already use BlackBerry with expansion beginning in Latin America.

About Research In Motion (RIM)

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, whether RIM and various mobile device manufacturers and mobile operators will enter into definitive agreements, risks relating to possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities.

HTC and RIM To Offer BlackBerry Connectivity For Microsoft Windows Powered Devices From HTC

Taoyuan, Taiwan and Waterloo, Canada - March 17, 2003 - High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC) (TAIEX: 2498) and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced that they plan to offer BlackBerry™ connectivity for the Microsoft Windows Powered Pocket PC and Smartphone products from HTC. Through RIM's BlackBerry Connect™ licensing program, HTC can enable its handsets to connect to BlackBerry Enterprise Server using the same secure, push-based wireless architecture and infrastructure that popularized BlackBerry and supports thousands of organizations around the world today.

Since established in 1997, HTC has aimed to design innovative smart handheld devices that motivate consumer interest and provide added value to corporate users. By providing different ways to communicate beyond voice, HTC delivers personal and powerful mobile experiences that offer customers multiple choices to keep in touch, whether via voice, text or a combination of both. That means that with Pocket PC or Smartphone devices, customers can receive their email or information anytime and anyplace with no need for a cradle connection or to initiate a wireless call.

"HTC forms strategic alliances with the industry's leading suppliers of hardware, software and services in order to deliver the best possible mobile information and communication devices for our customers," said HT Cho, president at HTC. "RIM's BlackBerry Connect products and services will allow us to expand the functionality of Pocket PC and Smartphone devices from HTC with secure, push-based connectivity to email and corporate data through the secure, efficient and reliable BlackBerry platform."

"Our relationship with leading device manufacturers like HTC is an important element of our strategy to ensure that BlackBerry remains the leading wireless platform for enterprise connectivity around the world," said Jim Balsillie, Chairman and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. "By enabling BlackBerry connectivity on HTC's Pocket PC and Smartphone products, we are providing end-users with additional choice and allowing IT departments to extend their ROI on BlackBerry Enterprise Server."

RIM recently introduced its BlackBerry Connect licensing program that enables mobile device manufacturers to equip their handsets with the reliable, proven, secure, push-based BlackBerry wireless data experience. As part of the BlackBerry Connect program, RIM is working with Microsoft to simplify the integration of wireless data access in a variety of devices. With the BlackBerry Connect licensing program and RIM's work with Microsoft, Pocket PC and Smartphone licensees including HTC will be able to easily integrate the BlackBerry experience in their devices.

"The combination of Microsoft Windows Powered software with a sleek, stylish form factor has already attracted a broad base of customers," said Andy Haon, director of the Mobile Devices Division at Microsoft Corp. "With RIM's development work, these customers now have access to more choices for compelling wireless messaging solutions."

"Our business customers have indicated that they want to be able to manage their email and data while on the go," said Kent Thexton, Chief Marketing Officer at mm02. "We look forward to working with RIM and HTC to deliver BlackBerry wireless connectivity on a variety of mobile devices."

BlackBerry is a leading wireless enterprise platform that has been widely deployed to provide mobile access to information. The BlackBerry architecture aptly supports enterprise requirements including back-end integration, end-to-end security and push-based wireless applications. Thousands of organizations across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific already use BlackBerry with expansion beginning in Latin America.

Further details of the HTC/RIM relationship and products will be shared at a later time.

About HTC

HTC is the world's largest original design manufacturer (ODM) of Windows CE-based Pocket PC, Pocket PC phone edition, and Smartphone products. Our mission is to become the global market leader in the design and manufacturing of mobile information and communication devices. For more information, please visit www.htc.com.tw.

About Research In Motion (RIM)

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, whether RIM and HTC will enter into a definitive agreement, risks relating to possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, continued acceptance of RIM's and HTC's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks detailed from time to time in RIM's and HTC's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities. HTC and RIM assume no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release, except as otherwise required by applicable law.