Tough times for BlackBerry maker

Research In Motion said on Tuesday it had hired two new senior executives. Here's a look at recent developments: September 15, 2011: RIM reports a sharp drop in net income and revenue in the fiscal second quarter and says it has sold far fewer PlayBook tablet computers than it expected. October 10: Email and internet services are disrupted for three days. October 25: RIM says it is delaying the launch of an upgraded operating system for the PlayBook until February. December 2: RIM says it is writing off much of its inventory of PlayBook tablets after it had to sell them at a deep discount. December 6: RIM says "BlackBerry 10" will be the new name for its next-generation system. December 15: RIM says new phones deemed key to firm's future won't be out until late 2012. January 22, 2012: RIM founder Mike Lazaridis and long-time executive Jim Balsillie announce they will step down as co-CEOs. February 21: RIM finally releases an upgraded operating system for its PlayBook. March 29: RIM says Balsillie has resigned from its board, and two top executives are leaving. April 26: Newest board member of Rim says a turnaround could take three to five years. May 1: RIM unveils a newly designed smartphone prototype powered by its upcoming BlackBerry 10 system.