Research In Motion (RIM) has announced plans to expand its support for Windows Mobile 6 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 (the BlackBerry application suite will be available for select Windows Mobile 6 based devices. Check with your service provider for availability). 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.

“Extending BlackBerry applications to a broader range of devices is an important element of RIM’s strategy to provide an open platform that supports industry standards and addresses the various needs of our customers and partners,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. “This new software will provide a range of important benefits, including easier support of Windows Mobile-based devices within BlackBerry Enterprise Server environments, a consistent user interface for BlackBerry applications across various devices, and the ability to run third-party applications developed for the BlackBerry platform.”

The new BlackBerry application suite will complement existing Windows Mobile 6 functionality and will appear as an icon on the screen in the same manner as other third-party applications. Upon clicking the BlackBerry icon, a suite of BlackBerry applications will load and will feature the familiar user interface of a BlackBerry smartphone. The device’s existing Windows Mobile applications are preserved, allowing the user to easily and quickly switch between the Windows Mobile applications and the BlackBerry application suite.

“RIM’s decision to expand its support for Windows Mobile will resonate well with customers, developers and carriers alike,” said Carrie MacGillivray, Senior Analyst, Mobile Enterprise Network Services, IDC. “Security, manageability, usability, international coverage, network efficiency, mobile application support, back-end integration and device selection are all important considerations for a wireless platform and RIM continues to invest in the BlackBerry platform on all fronts.”

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