Press Release

March 17, 2003

RIM To Offer BlackBerry Connectivity For Microsoft Windows Powered Mobile Devices

Pocket PC And Smartphone Devices From HTC To Include BlackBerry Connectivity

Waterloo, ON - Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced plans to enable BlackBerry™ connectivity for mobile devices based on the Microsoft Windows Powered Pocket PC and Smartphone platforms. RIM will provide a solution to help mobile device manufacturers and mobile operators easily integrate BlackBerry email and data services into their Pocket PC and Smartphone products.

"The growing popularity of Microsoft Windows Powered devices has inspired developers to create a wide range of innovative solutions that work with these platforms. We're pleased RIM is extending its software and services to Pocket PC and Smartphone customers," said Andy Haon, director of the Mobile Devices Division at Microsoft Corp. "RIM's development work gives customers another option for wireless messaging solutions."

"The combination of BlackBerry wireless connectivity, advanced services, leading operating systems and choice of mobile devices will provide a compelling push-based solution that will increase the popularity of data services in Europe," said Kent Thexton, Chief Marketing Officer at mm02. "We have strong relationships with RIM, HTC and Microsoft and are pleased to all be working together to deliver innovative wireless solutions to corporate customers."

"RIM is committed to enhancing and extending the BlackBerry wireless platform with multi-device and multi-network support," said Jim Balsillie, Chairman and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. "We have worked closely with Microsoft for several years to ensure proper BlackBerry integration with Exchange and are pleased to now expand our relationship to provide BlackBerry connectivity to leading Smartphone and Pocket PC licensees such as HTC."

HTC is a leading original design manufacturer (ODM) of Pocket PC and Smartphone products. HTC designs innovative smart handheld devices that motivate consumer interest and provide added value to corporate users. By providing different ways to communicate beyond voice, HTC delivers personal and powerful mobile experiences that offer customers multiple choices to keep in touch, whether via voice, text or a combination of both.

"Microsoft and HTC have jointly delivered some of the most successful and popular mobile devices and we are excited to now work with RIM to enable BlackBerry connectivity for our customers," said HT Cho, President at HTC. "The RIM solution for Pocket PC and Smartphone will simplify the integration of BlackBerry connectivity into our Pocket PC and Smartphone products."

Today, RIM formally introduced its 'BlackBerry Connect™' licensing program that enables mobile device manufacturers to equip their handsets with the reliable, proven, secure, push-based BlackBerry wireless data experience. With this licensing program and RIM's work with Microsoft, Pocket PC and Smartphone licensees such as HTC will be able to easily integrate the BlackBerry experience in their devices.

BlackBerry is a leading wireless enterprise platform that has been widely deployed to provide wireless access to information. The BlackBerry architecture supports enterprise requirements including back-end integration, end-to-end security and push-based wireless applications. Thousands of organizations across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific already use BlackBerry with expansion beginning in Latin America.

About Research In Motion (RIM)

Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry™ wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties of Research In Motion Limited. 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, whether RIM and various mobile device manufacturers and mobile operators will enter into definitive agreements, risks relating to possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, 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.