Palm's Treo To License BlackBerry Technology

LONDON (Dow Jones) -- Competitors Palm Inc., maker of the Treo smartphone, and Research in Motion Ltd., maker of the BlackBerry wireless device, on Monday agreed to let Treo use BlackBerry Connect's e-mail and communications technology.

The deal will give Palm (PALM) an opportunity to sell Treos to companies that already have bought RIM's (RIMM) BlackBerry.

The deal could affect competition in the fast-growing market for cell phones that offer e-mail and other functions.

Initially, BlackBerry Connect will be available only on the Treo 650, a popular version of the Treo that runs the Palm operating system. It'll be available in early 2006.

The deal is Palm's second significant move in as many months. In September, Palm said it will use Microsoft Corp's. (MSFT) Windows operating system on a Treo to be sold by Verizon Communications (VZ).

(END) Dow Jones Newswires"

Posted to the site on 17th October 2005