Press Release

March 17, 2003

Research In Motion Introduces 'BlackBerry Connect' Licensing Program

BlackBerry Connect To Extend BlackBerry Wireless Data Experience To Other Wireless Devices

CTIA Wireless - New Orleans, LA - Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) formally unveiled its 'BlackBerry Connect™' licensing program for mobile device manufacturers at the CTIA Wireless 2003 show in New Orleans today (BlackBerry™ booth #5175). The BlackBerry Connect licensing program enables mobile device manufacturers to equip their handsets with the integrated ability to connect to BlackBerry Enterprise Server™ using the same secure, push-based wireless architecture and infrastructure that has been approved and adopted by dozens of carriers and thousands of companies and government organizations around the world.

The BlackBerry Connect licensing program is an important element of RIM's strategy to provide an open, global platform and address the distinct desires of its various customers including end users, IT departments, carriers and licensees. Through licensing, users gain a greater choice of devices to satisfy different needs and preferences. IT departments also gain choice and the ability to support multiple device types with the same back-end infrastructure and end-to-end security model. Wireless carriers gain from the ability to leverage their existing investment in BlackBerry and address different market segments with a broader selection of devices, operating systems and feature sets. Mobile device manufacturers benefit from the ability to quickly and cost-effectively integrate a popular solution, that is supported by leading carriers worldwide, with the manufacturer's existing hardware and software.

"Most users probably haven't thought much about it, but their BlackBerry handheld is only one element of an extremely sophisticated system that connects them to their email account. We've invested tremendous technical integration effort to abstract the complexities of wireless data connectivity and make the BlackBerry experience seemingly effortless for the user. That's a big part of its appeal. We are now in a position to enable the same type of experience and the same level of security on other handsets," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion.

RIM is already working with leading device manufacturers to enable BlackBerry connectivity on their handsets. During the second half of 2003, RIM and Nokia plan to begin offering support for BlackBerry wireless email on the Nokia 6800 messaging phone. RIM and HTC are also working together to offer BlackBerry connectivity for Pocket PC and Smartphone devices from HTC. In addition, RIM and Symbian today announced plans to offer the BlackBerry Connect solution to carriers and Symbian OS licensees.

"HTC is committed to delivering innovative and reliable wireless solutions," said HT Cho, President at HTC. "We are working with RIM to provide a robust solution for our Pocket PC and Smartphone devices that will enable end users to effectively manage their corporate data while mobile and provide IT departments with a greater return on investment."

"As the leading provider of advanced operating systems for mobile phones, we recognize the need to provide Symbian OS licensees with the choice to integrate an innovative wireless corporate data solution such as BlackBerry into their devices," said David Wood, Executive Vice President, Partnering, Symbian Ltd. "We are pleased that RIM has introduced the BlackBerry Connect licensing program as it will enable device manufacturers using the Symbian OS to quickly and easily integrate the BlackBerry experience to their handsets."

"02 is dedicated to providing high-quality wireless services to its business customers across Europe," said Kent Thexton, Chief Marketing Officer at mm02. "RIM's BlackBerry Connect licensing program will further support the adoption of mobile data applications and services."

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, 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.