RIM: Sorry about the whole outage thing. Have some free stuff

After RIM's blackout fiasco that led to many unhappy customers, the company is trying to make amends.

RIM is offering BlackBerry subscribers a "selection of premium apps worth a total value of more than US $100 … as an expression of appreciation for their patience," according to a release.

“Our global network supports the communications needs of more than 70 million customers,” said RIM Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis. “We truly appreciate and value our relationship with our customers.  We’ve worked hard to earn their trust over the past 12 years, and we’re committed to providing the high standard of reliability they expect, today and in the future.”

Some of the free premium apps include Sims 3, Bejeweled, Texas Hold'em Poker 2, Shazam Encore, and Vlingo Plus.

Also included in the apology package is a free month of technical support.

“We are grateful to our loyal BlackBerry customers for their patience,” added Mike. “We have apologized to our customers and we will work tirelessly to restore their confidence.  We are taking immediate and aggressive steps to help prevent something like this from happening again.”