2007

Paris, France and Waterloo, Canada, 13 February 2007

 

Orange Business Services and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced the launch of the new BlackBerryâ 8800 smartphone in France. The BlackBerry 8800, thin and elegant, comes with a full ergonomic AZERTY keyboard. It also integrates advanced features including built-in GPS for the Orange GPS navigation application, a multimedia player and expandable memory slot. The new smartphone has all the features that created the popularity of the BlackBerry solution. It also supports a range of applications for work and leisure, including push email, phone, SMS, web browser, organizer and more.

 

Orange Business Services launches the new BlackBerry 8800 in France, the essential smartphone for mobile professionals

From its launch at the end of February 2007, the BlackBerry 8800 will be available at a special offer from €159 plus VAT (with a 24 month obligation and a BlackBerry service subscription).

The BlackBerry 8800 operates with BlackBerry® Enterprise Server and BlackBerry® Internet Service, giving users the ability stay connected while on the go.

BlackBerry® Enterprise Server tightly integrates with Microsoft® Exchange, IBM Lotus® Domino® and Novell® GroupWise®. It can also work with existing enterprise systems to enable secure, push-based wireless access to email and other corporate data.

BlackBerry will enable Orange Business Services’ enterprise customers access to new functionalities via a compact, elegant and innovative device.

As the first plug-and-play BlackBerry handset compatible with Orange’s GPS navigation system, it can make traveling very much easier in France and in many other countries across Europe*.

 

With a full AZERTY keyboard and intuitive trackball navigation system, the BlackBerry 8800 is easy to operate and offers users the increased flexibility of being able to browse the web, listen to music and access email at the same time. Its stylish design and elegant finish make the BlackBerry 8800 the smartest way to get things done when on the move.

 

“The partnership between Orange Business Services and RIM allows us to meet the growing needs of our business customers with the latest in mobile communication technology. The BlackBerry 8800 is a perfect choice for mobile professionals who are looking for easy access to their mail system. Its performances are reenforced thanks to the high performance of the Orange EDGE network, available for more than 95% of the French population”, said Jean-Marie Culpin, VP Orange enterprise in France.

 

“We are pleased to bring the BlackBerry 8800 to France with Orange. The BlackBerry 8800 is the mobile professional’s ultimate tool for success. It is feature-rich and delivers performance and style together in a smartphone that will impress even the most demanding user,” said Charmaine Eggberry, Vice President and Managing Director, EMEA at RIM. “Featuring built-in GPS, the BlackBerry 8800 continues to extend BlackBerry capabilities far beyond email with location-based and navigation services.”

 

*Germany, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Portugal, Czech Republic, united Kingdom, San Marin, Sweden, Swiss, Vatican.

 

 

Orange is the key brand of France Telecom, one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators with more than 158.6 million customers on five continents.

 

In June, 2006, as part of the France Telecom integrated operator strategy (NExT programme) to deliver simple, convergent products, Orange became the single brand for mobile, internet and tv offers in France, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands and in Spain, strengthening Orange’s position as the number two mobile and internet services brand in Europe. In addition, Orange Business Services became the new banner for business communications solutions and services. Orange Business Services is present in 166 countries and territories and serves customers in 220.

 

France Telecom (NYSE:FTE) is listed on Euronext Paris Eurolist market and on the New York Stock  Exchange. At December 31, 2006, the group had 97.6 million mobile customers, 12.3 million internet customers and 48.7 million fixed line customers.

 

At the end of 2006, France Telecom had consolidated sales of 51.7 billion euros by IFRS standards (preliminary results) and had 191,000 employees.

 

Further information about Orange and France Telecom can be found on the Orange website at www.orange.com or the France Telecom at www.francetelecom.com.

 

Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trade marks of Orange Personal Communications Services Limited.

 

 

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.

 

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.   When used herein, words such as "intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties.   Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the initiation or outcome of litigation, acts or potential acts of terrorism, international conflicts, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities.   The Company has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. RIM assumes no liability and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee in relation to third party products or services.