In my mind comparing RIM to other tech companies that are gone is one big FAIL
Comparing RIM to any company that has failed in the past simply makes no sense for one KEY reason.
RIM just like Apple has something that only few can brag about and many others can just dream about. Devoted [if not fanatic] user base that will stand by the brand no matter what.
This is what helped Apple to get through tough times and this is something that will help Rim to go through its tough times today.
RIM creates heated conversations on the internet, some hate it with passion, some love it to death.
So please stop comparing RIM to Word Perfect, Netscape and others because RIM is different. RIM is like Apple in a way and this is why Apple fanatics hate Blackberry so much :)
[by the way I just got BB 9300 for my wife] :D It was actually funny when i got the phone because I caught myself trying to slide the screen every other second. After playing with 9300 for an hour one thing that came to my mind is that OS7 with 9900 and 9810 is night and day comparing to previous generation BB phones.