Customers Will Be Able To Download BlackBerry Connect Software for their existing Palm OS Device
Research In Motion today announced plans to offer an aftermarket BlackBerry Connect software download for the Palm OS from PalmSource. With the BlackBerry Connect software download, customers with existing Palm OS-based 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.”
“Our work with RIM on BlackBerry Connect demonstrates our dedication to providing Palm OS users with leading solutions,” said David Nagel, president and CEO, PalmSource. “We believe that RIM’s innovative BlackBerry wireless platform and PalmSource’s robust operating system will enable customers with Palm Powered devices to enjoy the freedom and productivity benefits of wireless email on the go.”
The Palm OS platform powers more than 35 million mobile devices from manufacturers such as Aceeca, AlphaSmart, Fossil, Foundertech, Garmin, GSPDA, Kyocera, Lenovo, palmOne, QTech, Samsung, Sony, Symbol, and Tapwave. Palm OS device manufacturers will also be able to ship the BlackBerry Connect solution with their hardware.
“BlackBerry is a popular solution for our customers that want to utilize always-on, wireless connectivity to email and calendar functions,” said Jim Straight, Vice President of Wireless Data at Verizon Wireless. “By making BlackBerry services easily available on a broader array of CDMA-based devices, corporate customers and small business users will have more options to utilize this powerful business tool.”
“Sprint is looking forward to making the BlackBerry service available on the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network later this year and is pleased to learn that RIM and PalmSource are taking steps to combine their powerful technologies,” said Tim Donahue, vice president, enterprise marketing for Sprint Business Solutions. “Being able to offer the BlackBerry solution on the popular Palm OS platform will allow Sprint to provide a larger base of its business customers with another option for staying productive while on the go.”
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.
For individuals and smaller 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.
Further details and information regarding pricing and availability will be available at a later date.