Earlier this week, RIM announced that they will be making a BlackBerry Application Suite available for Windows Mobile devices later this year:
Waterloo, ON – Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced plans to expand its support for Windows Mobile-based devices with a new software application suite that will enable devices from third-party manufacturers to benefit from the popular BlackBerry software applications and services*. RIM plans to begin offering the new software application suite later this year for select devices based on Windows Mobile 6. Once installed, the software will provide users with a virtual BlackBerry application experience, including support for BlackBerry email, phone, calendar, address book, tasks, memos, browser, instant messaging and other applications developed for the BlackBerry platform. Devices running the BlackBerry application suite will be able to connect to BlackBerry services via BlackBerry Enterprise Server as well as BlackBerry Internet Service.
From what I’ve read, RIM is working with AT&T on this. There is also speculation that they may be working with other carriers as well. My understanding is that it will be available for devices running Windows Mobile 6. Hence, if you have a WM device that is capable of a WM6 upgrade, this might be something you would be interested in. By the way, I’ve also seen speculation that RIM may also do this for the Palm platform at some point.
I have never owned a BlackBerry. My only smartphone-type device at the moment is a T-Mobile Dash: I sometimes write for a Smartphone Magazine, so it is pretty much necessary that I have a Smartphone. I do like the Dash a lot, but if I weren’t somewhat locked into the Smartphone platform, and if I had unlimited funds, I would certainly look seriously at getting a BlackBerry. I’d probably also look at getting a Treo 700p, as I still personally like a lot of things about the Palm platform. Eventually, of course, I would have to settle in on one of these devices instead of having all of them.
At least 90% of all the business professionals and executives I know throughout the US use a BlackBerry, and use them effectively. Apparently they are easy to set up, easy to use, reliable, and secure. Hence, while it remains to be seen, having BB software on a WM6 device could be a good thing for the WM market.
Your thoughts?