RIM looking to hire Apple iPhone software developer?

“Research in Motion, originator of the popular BlackBerry smartphone, may in fact be seeking to develop applications for Apple’s iPhone, anonymous sources claim. A job listing for such a role is said to be circulating internally, with so few details that even RIM employees may not fully understand what their work will entail. ‘As part of a newly-created team, you’ll influence the development and design of BlackBerry software,’ the notice reads. ‘This is a very confidential brand new team and a senior position within RIM so I can’t provide too many details. I guess you can figure out what it might be about though,'” Electronista reports.

“It is unknown why RIM would consider developing on Apple’s platform; the project could be an attempt at reverse-engineering certain concepts, but it may be more likely that RIM is developing a client that would access BlackBerry push e-mail from an iPhone,” Electronista speculates. “RIM may also be hedging some bets, as the upcoming introduction of Exchange e-mail for the iPhone may hurt the appeal of BlackBerries amongst professional users.”

Full article here.

Aidan Malley reports for AppleInsider, “Any development for the Apple platform would represent an unusual move for the Canadian firm, which analysts have said may lose marketshare in the US once native third-party applications and Exchange data support allow business users to rely on the iPhone.”

“RIM would stand as just one of hundreds of high profile firms who’ve recently signed on to develop applications for the touch-screen handset. During a recent conference call with analysts and members of the media, Apple said that over a third of companies in the Fortune 500, and over 400 higher education institutions, have applied for iPhone developer status since last month,” Malley reports.

Full article here.

RIM is in deeper trouble than most seem to realize.