Research in Motion is undoubtedly the leader in the mobile wireless email industry but unresolved settlement specifics with NTP could make it easier for Microsoft and RIM’s other competitors to get a toehold in the space.  Companies like Turner Broadcasting has thousands of it’s users on the BlackBerry platform but has put a contingency plan in place to move to other mobile email technology in case the stay on the injunction that, would prevent Research in Motion from selling BlackBerry devices and service in the United States, is removed.

A shutdown of Research in Motion is far from certain at this point but the reality is, I.T. shops only like to deal with vendors that they are certain will be around for the long haul.  The renewed legal uncertainty will definitely make I.T. managers look at alternative technologies from the likes of Microsoft, with their Messaging & Security Feature Pack for Windows Mobile 5.0, and other RIM competitors like Good Technology, who has already struck a patent alliance with NTP.