Microsoft cashing in on RIM’s misfortune, giving away free phones

Yesterday was an action packed day not only for Apple users who had trouble gaining access to the new iOS 5 and iCloud services. BlackBerry users too have been facing a system shut down for a few days now. Every time a BB user tried to send an email or an instant message, it has bounced back.                      

Microsoft decided that this was the perfect time for it to come to the rescue. Windows Phone team member Ben Rudolph spread the word on Twitter that the company was giving away smartphones to users frustrated with the BlackBerry software looking to shift operating systems.                               

Ben Rudolph tweeted, “Dear BlackBerry users, frustrated with your BB? Tell me why you want to upgrade to a Windows Phone – I have 25 to give away.” People who have the best stories to tell about the harrowing experiences they have had with RIM will get a brand new device powered by Windows Phone Mango.              

Recently RIM’s core systems collapsed and it’s backup failed to pick up where the core left off, inconveniencing BB users across America and Europe. Though the reasons for the mishap are not fully known, RIM has apologised for all the trouble it’s systems have caused and, from the looks of it, has restored all it’s services today. 

With RIM’s systems back in place, BB users might not want to change over to Windows Phone Mango, especially since Microsoft is only giving away 25 phones. Maybe if it was giving away hundreds or thousands of phones, people would jump at the chance of a change. 

How many people take up Microsoft on its offer will be an indicator of things to come. With the way things are going with RIM, Microsoft might just be able to consolidate its presence at the 3^rd position after Apple and Android.