Palm OS linked to BlackBerry Server in business apps drive

MarketWatch: Wireless, May 30, 2003

PalmSource Inc has signed a deal with Research In Motion Ltd to make BlackBerry services available to Palm OS-based machines as part of a broader drive to penetrate the enterprise market.

The deal is mutually beneficial to both companies, and will extend the reach of RIM's BlackBerry Server to Palm OS-powered devices - still the most common mobile OS if not yet well established in the smart phone category - while increasing the attractiveness of those devices to corporate users. It is unclear when devices sporting BlackBerry compliance will become available.

The Sunnyvale, California-based subsidiary of device maker Palm Inc joins mobile OS rival Symbian Ltd and Taiwan-based Windows Smartphone builder High Tech Computer Corp as the third licensee to RIM's BlackBerry Connect program.

BlackBerry Connect, which was launched in March, is intended to allow third-party device manufacturers to access Waterloo, Ontario-based RIM's BlackBerry Enterprise Server. Previously this has only been possible using RIM's own range of BlackBerry devices.

The deal was one of a number of announcements made at the PalmSource Developer Seminar aimed at growing the enterprise stature of Palm OS. In an effort to persuade Palm OS developers to create enterprise applications, PalmSource introduced the Palm OS Business Solutions Program. This program provides a means of certification for applications along with marketing and technical support.

Improved development tool support for the 32-bit Palm OS 5 was also introduced at the event, in the form of PalmSource's Fast ARM Solutions Toolkit (FAST) and an updated version of CodeWarrior Development Studio for Palm OS, care of Motorola subsidiary Metrowerks Inc.

The company also announced a new licensee in the shape of Christchurch, New Zealand-based industrial device manufacturer Aceeca Ltd.