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RIM Announces Workaround in NTP Case
Justin Michael writes "RIM announces they have a software solution in the event that the courts rules in favor of NTP. The fix is called their multi-mode edition. Customers are being told that they do not need to take action yet, but would need to install the multi-mode edition on both servers and handhelds." A Reuters article also covers the announcement. From that article: "The company said it will soon begin shipping handsets with the software update in a dormant mode. It will make the update available at www.blackberry.com/workaround at a later, but as yet unspecified, date. RIM said the changes would require software updates, but the new system will deliver the same functions and performance."
I cannot say for certain, but given the current perilous status of the NTP patents, it may just turn out to be unnecessary. It seems the Patent Office is overturning these things, but operating even more slowly than the courts.
It was a joke! When you give me that look it was a joke.
Two possibilities come to mind:
1. Don't mess with a working system if you don't have to. There may be bugs in the new one, and why expose your users to that unless it's absolutely necessary?
2. Maybe the new process requires more computing power on the server end.
It would be awesome if RIM could not only beat NTP on the patent issue, but go back at them and sue for damage done to their image and stock.
The main reason RIM lost the original case is because they created false evidence to try to demonstrate prior art. However, they were caught trying to pull this off in the courtroom. Nothing says "I'm breaking the law and trying to get away with it" like perjury.
You are reading a copy of my copyrighted post.