The lack of a mobile data solution posed significant challenges to existing business practices. It limited the ability of businesses to communicate effectively with their employees who were traveling or not at their physical locations. This lack of communication could lead to delays in decision making, inefficiencies, and potential loss of business opportunities. Furthermore, it could also affect the productivity of employees who relied on data and information to perform their tasks. The absence of a mobile data solution meant that businesses were unable to fully leverage the potential of mobile technology in their operations.

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Losing the Signal

The Kodak of smartphones, RIMs rise and fall, is an epic tale of how relationships, patents, lack of unity, and the wrong strategic plan led to the fa...

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When Mike Lazaridis heard the assignment, he knew it was big. The Mobitex network would activate a "radio-based system that enabled communications on a network of computer and mobile devices." While corporations had systems and networks at their physical locations, there was not a solution to enable data or messages to easily reach employees who were traveling. Though RIM went to work on activating the Mobitex network, the commercial side faltered. There were few believers and fewer buyers, in the mobile data that Rogers was selling.

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The themes of disruption, distraction, and disjoint teams are highly relevant in contemporary business debates. Disruption refers to the introduction of new technologies or business models that can potentially change the market dynamics. Distraction refers to the challenges that businesses face in maintaining focus amidst a rapidly changing business environment. Disjoint teams refer to the lack of unity and coordination among different teams within an organization, which can lead to inefficiencies and conflicts. These themes are particularly relevant in the context of technology companies, where rapid innovation and change are the norm.

A company in a traditional sector like manufacturing can apply the lessons from RIM's story in several ways. Firstly, they can ensure that they maintain unity and clear communication within the organization. Disunity and lack of clear communication were some of the factors that led to RIM's downfall. Secondly, they can prioritize innovation and adaptability. RIM failed to adapt to the changing market trends and this led to their downfall. Lastly, they can ensure that they have a strategic plan that is in line with the current market trends and customer needs.

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