RIM CEO reflects on BlackBerry OS licensing deals

Research in Motion (RIM) could license its new BlackBerry 10 mobile operating system to other manufacturers, CEO Thorsten Heins told the German newspaper Die welt.

During the interview, Heins said that a licensing agreement similar to Microsoft’s with Windows was “conceivable.”

“Before you get a license for the software, you have to show that the platform has great potential. We must first deliver on our promises. But if such proof is provided, a license is conceivable,” Heins said. .

The beleaguered CEO was also asked why the company has taken so long to bring its next-generation operating system to market.

“We have taken the time to build a scalable platform for the next 10 years,” Heins said.

“Our focus is not only on smartphones, but also on cars, for example, which will be increasingly connected in the future. We see whole new areas of growth with BlackBerry 10,” he added. .

However, Heins remained optimistic about Blackberry’s prospects as a pure mobile device.

When asked if he thinks there is enough room in the long-term market for four mobile operating systems, Heins said, “We are a relatively young industry. The smartphone market is growing rapidly, so there is still plenty of room.

“At some point we’ll see how many systems the market can support. But I think the role that we will play with BlackBerry 10 will not only be [a small one]. I think our role will be important. “