RIM has
plans to allow its software and applications to work on devices manufactured by third parties. Currently, RIM makes a significant percentage of its revenue from devices. By allowing interoperation with other devices RIM can sell more software and services. In addition, they can exploit innovations in devices made by third parties. This move will also create the option for them to sell its hardware unit in the future if it feels the compulsion to do so. This is what Palm did with its hardware unit.