First Microsoft, and now, Research in Motion? Yep, the odd partnerships just keep on coming for Palm, having just announced a deal with RIM to bring the BlackBerry Connect software to the Palm Treo 650. What does this all mean? It means Treo 650 owners now have the option to connect to the BlackBerry Enterprise Server (in addition to Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino, GoodLink, Intellisync, and Seven) and wirelessly receive push-based messages through Palm's VersaMail e-mail client. It also brings automatic calendar synchronization, which will be a first for Treo customers. Both companies expect the solution to be available in early 2006, and pricing and carriers have yet to be announced. Palm also hasn't decided whether it will offer BlackBerry Connect on the new Windows-based Treo.

The news is obviously good for Palm; the partnership gives the company a chance to get more people to buy its smart phone, which has fallen behind RIM BlackBerry devices in terms of shipments. But we have to wonder, what's in it for RIM? Sure, it expands the reach of the BlackBerry solution, but will it affect its handset sales? What do you think?

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