Press Release

March 20, 2001

BlackBerry Wireless Handhelds Meet Important Security Standard for Government Customers

End-To-End Security Differentiates BlackBerry In Wireless Market

Washington, D.C. - FOSE - Research In Motion Limited (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSE: RIM), a world leader in the mobile communications market, today announced that the BlackBerry Wireless Handheld™ has been awarded the FIPS 140-1Validation for its embedded encryption technology by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

"The BlackBerry wireless email solution incorporates advanced encryption technology that was designed to meet the strict security requirements of both public and private sector organizations," said David Werezak, Vice President, Marketing at Research In Motion. "The FIPS 140-1 Validation by the National Institute of Standards and Technology is an important, and often mandatory, purchasing criteria for many organizations and will help facilitate continued adoption of BlackBerry in the government sector."

BlackBerry Enterprise Edition is a proven, secure and complete wireless email solution that integrates the industry's most advanced wireless handhelds with enterprise server software, end-to-end encryption technology, desktop utilities and nationwide wireless networks. BlackBerry Enterprise Edition supports both Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Domino environments and incorporates a unique security architecture that ensures all incoming and outgoing wireless email is encrypted using Triple DES (Data Encryption Standard).

Under the Information Technology Management Reform Act, the Secretary of Commerce approves standards and guidelines that are developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for U.S. Federal computer systems. NIST collaborates with national and international standards committees, users, industry groups, consortia, and research and trade organizations to get needed standards developed. These standards and guidelines are issued by NIST as Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) for use government-wide. NIST develops FIPS when there are compelling Federal government requirements such as for security and privacy of sensitive information in Federal computer systems.

FIPS 140-1 (Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules) provides the security requirements that are to be satisfied by a cryptographic module implemented within a security system. The security requirements covered include design, interfaces, authorized roles and services, physical security, software security, key management, cryptographic algorithms, and self-testing. The Computer Security Division at NIST coordinates the Cryptographic Module Validation (CMV) Program that encompasses validation testing for FIPS 140-1. The CMV Program was established by NIST in the United States and the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) of the Government of Canada. All of the tests under the CMV Program are handled by third-party, accredited laboratories.

About Research In Motion

Research In Motion® Limited is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the mobile communications market. Through development and integration of hardware, software and services, RIM® provides solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers around the world to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products includes the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, the BlackBerry™ wireless email solution, embedded radio-modems and software development tools. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario RIM operates offices in Canada, the United States and England. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.net. Investors may contact investor_relations@rim.net. Customers may contact info@rim.net.

Research In Motion, RIM, BlackBerry and BlackBerry Wireless Handheld are trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. Research In Motion and RIM are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks relating to possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, risks related to the year 2000 issue, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities.