Blackberry is a wireless device providing speedy and secure mobile access to corporate e-mails.

Mr. Smith said Blackberry has become an essential tool for professionals who travel a lot on the job and use email as a means of communication.

It was introduced to Jamaica by local mobile telephone phone service providers, Cable and Wireless in 2004 and Digicel in 2005.

Director of Communications at Cable and Wireless Jamaica, Errol Miller, told Wednesday Business that representatives of his company were meeting with the American-based Research in Motion Limited (RIM) this week to discuss the impact of the lawsuit on local operations.

RIM, maker of Blackberry, is currently engaged in a legal battle with NTP Incorporated which is suing it for using its patents.

Wednesday Business understands that in the week of January 25, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to review a major patent infringement ruling against RIM.

Cellular giant Digicel said whatever the outcome of the lawsuit, their Blackberry clients would not be affected.  They do not foresee a problem for local users even if RIM is forced to adopt new technology because of the outcome of the case.

"As far as we know our customers don't have to worry because our mother company is a Canadian company," said Mr. Smith.  "It is inappropriate to comment on the situation at this time, but we will do whatever we have to do."

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