BBM for Windows/Mac

Hi Guys,

first time posting here, so forgive me if I miss out on any important rules, etc.
Recently, there was all this talk about whether RIM should license out its software to others and this was generally rejected (which I agree with).
But what if RIM made BBM available to all personal computers? I.e. a free BBM client for Windows, Mac, etc. BUT as far as mobile-space goes, it's exclusive to a BlackBerry.

It expands the user-base and adds a sticky-factor to the BB phones. I don't know if it's even feasible, but I just thought it would be a cool idea. What do you guys think about this? :)

It is an interesting idea. I quite like it actually. It brings them to a wider audience without canibalising their mobile customer base by offering it on other platforms.
Technically, there's no problems in doing it. BBM passes through the data part of the mobile device and if you're connected to wifi with the phone, it will pass directly through the wifi network and onto the internet, instead of going through the mobile network.
So technically, I can't see it being a problem. I guess the only minor thing would be the BBid which BBM uses to distinguish between devises and therefore who to send the BBM message to, but there should be a way around that.

Si.

If RIM wants a shot at survival, they need to open up BBM and allow users from other platforms, including desktop OS's, the ability to send (and receive) BBM messages to their existing BlackBerry users. I'm sure this is not something hard to accomplish. The question is if their executive management is willing to think outside the box.

I say they need to open up BBM now.