PalmSource and Research In Motion are to develop a
software client that will enable RIM's BlackBerry handhelds to
connect to the Palm OS.
The project, known as BlackBerry Connect for Palm OS, will be
ready for distribution to Palm OS licensees in the second half of
2004. The development project builds on the Palm Powered Mobile
World program unveiled at the Comdex exhibition in November.
The development effort will aim to enable users of Palm OS-based
wireless PDAs and smartphones to connect to RIM's BlackBerry
Enterprise Server which is used to transmit and receive information
from BlackBerry handhelds.
It will also support BlackBerry Web Client, a wireless internet
e-mail service for individuals and small business, that does not
require server software.
RIM president and co-chairman Mike Lazaridis said RIM views
wireless data connectivity as fundamental to the growth of the
market for wireless devices and services.
BlackBerry services are available in nine western European
countries, plus Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines
in Asia, as well as the US, Canada and Mexico.
In August, research firm IDC warned PDA manufacturers that
connectivity, and particularly services based on converged devices
- those which can combine voice and data - are key for survival in
a market where the hardware is becoming commoditised.
IDC added that hardware companies will need to consider
licensing their technology or developing services around the
hardware to supplement declining revenues.
The tri-band BlackBerry 7230 is the latest RIM device to offer
voice and e-mail connectivity and has recently been launched in
several European markets by Vodafone Group.
David Legard writes for IDG News Service