Blackberry Treo 650

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Palm announced it will offer support for BlackBerry service on its Treo 650. Starting early next year, Treo 650 users will be able to purchase BlackBerry software for their devices, which will allow them to access corporate e-mail through RIM's BlackBerry Enterprise Server.

For Palm, this is the company's first agreement with its closest competitor. Palm's Treo competes directly against RIM's BlackBerry device-both smart phones are aimed at business users and feature a tiny keyboard and a large, bright color screen.

This isn't Palm's first agreement with a competitor, however. The company recently announced it would build a version of its Treo device running Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Mobile software. Palm and Microsoft were long locked in a battle over the smart phone operating system market, although the situation changed when Palm spun off its OS business as PalmSource Inc.

For RIM, the deal marks another step forward in its BlackBerry Connect licensing program. The program allows device makers like Palm to license RIM's BlackBerry software. Although it was introduced more than two years ago, RIM has few BlackBerry Connect devices to show off. Palm's Treo 650 joins Nokia Corp.'s 9300 in supporting BlackBerry software.

BlackBerry software will run inside of Palm's VersaMail application. VersaMail is an e-mail application that comes preinstalled in Treo 650s. Those wishing to add BlackBerry functions will be able to do so through the VersaMail application. However, Palm's forthcoming Windows Mobile Treo may not be able to support BlackBerry software. The Windows Mobile Treo will not include Palm's VersaMail application. The device is scheduled for release through Verizon Wireless next year.