RIM: Fortune to Favor the BlackBerry Bold

RIM's guidance for the second quarter may get even more of a boost on better-than-expected uptake of the phone through AT&T competitor Verizon(VZ Quote), says Rob Sanderson, an analyst with independent research firm American Technology Research, in a note.

"We expect strength at Verizon will continue through the summer and believe it is about to surpass AT&T as RIM's largest channel," says Sanderson.

RIM could also see greater sales of its products in Europe, he says.

Meanwhile, increasing competition could actually help RIM gather a greater market share, especially at the cost of companies such as LG and Palm(PALM Quote), says Dator.

It's going to be a much more competitive market for RIM this year, and the company will have to step up its game, says Dator.

But it is the other smartphone makers that could come under pressure as analysts bet RIM will launch more new phones this year, including a touch-screen BlackBerry and new versions of its hit Pearl, among others. These new products could act as a catalyst for RIM, boosting users and helping the company stay ahead -- even as RIM continues to expand its international footprint, especially in Asia.