RIM to Offer BlackBerry Connect Directly to Palm OS Users

Research In Motion (RIM) today announced plans to offer a version of its BlackBerry Connect software directly to consumers. With it, users of Palm OS wireless devices will be able to sign up for BlackBerry wireless services.

"We are working closely with PalmSource to provide Palm OS users the power of always-on, push-based BlackBerry services," said Mike Lazaridis, president and co-CEO, Research In Motion. "By making BlackBerry Connect software available as an aftermarket download, customers will be able to enjoy BlackBerry services on a much broader array of existing and future Palm OS devices."

Palm OS licensees will also be able to ship the BlackBerry Connect software with their handhelds and smartphones.

For individuals and small businesses, BlackBerry Internet Service allows users to access multiple existing corporate and/or personal email accounts (including Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and many popular ISP email accounts) from a single device.

For corporate customers, BlackBerry Enterprise Server software tightly integrates with Microsoft Exchange or IBM Lotus Domino (Novell GroupWise support is expected later this year) and works with existing enterprise systems to enable secure, push-based, wireless access to email and other corporate data.

Earlier this year, when PalmSource CEO David Nagel demonstrated a beta of BlackBerry Connect for Palm OS at a conference, he said this application would be available before the end of the year. However, the two companies declined to give an updated estimate for a release date today.

Related Links

• PalmSource and RIM Demo BlackBerry Connect for Palm OS
• HP and palmOne Better Watch Out for RIM
• First BlackBerry Smartphone Debuting Next Month