RIM has been kicking some serious smartphone tail and has doubled its market share from a year ago. RIM now owns 17.4% of the smartphone market. Also, new reports have stronger evidence that the much-delayed BlackBerry Bold may finally see the light of day.According to a new report out from Gartner, RIM has been making good progress in penetrating the consumer market. Popular models such as the Pearl and Curve have bolstered its adoption rates, and pushed its market share way up in the last 15 months.

Reuters reports that RIM sold 5.6 million smartphones during the second quarter of 2008. In the year-ago quarter, it sold 2.5 million. That's some serious growth. In order to make those gains, someone had to lose out, and it turns out Nokia saw a drop in smartphone sales when comparing the same periods. It slipped to 47.5% of the smartphone market during the second quarter, compared with the commanding 50.8% it held a year ago.

These are worldwide figures, and not specific to the United States.

Speaking of the U.S., it looks like the BlackBerry Bold, RIM's next-generation smartphone, will finally hit store shelves. According to those "in the know", the Bold is set to be released on AT&T's network starting on Oct. 2. The Boy Genius had reported as much on Aug. 29, but has received further confirmation from those with knowledge of AT&T's plans.

Having such a powerful smartphone hitting the market right at the beginning of the fourth quarter should make for a strong finish to 2008 for RIM.