Microsoft and Research In Motion (RIM) announced an agreement to integrate Microsoft Windows Live services into the BlackBerry platform. The two hope this deal will allow BlackBerry customers easy mobile access to Windows Live Messenger and Hotmail applications.
“The BlackBerry platform is respected around the world for providing optimized messaging capabilities and RIM continues to look for ways to provide customers with a wide range of communications options and the best possible mobile experience,” Mark Guibert, vice president of corporate marketing at RIM, said in a statement. “Our relationship with Microsoft and the addition of Windows Live services to BlackBerry smartphones helps us build on that strategy for our customers.”
Of the deal, Brian Arbogast, vice president of mobile services at Microsoft, said in the statement: “Over 430 million people around the world rely on Windows Live to stay in touch. Our collaboration with RIM will enable BlackBerry smartphone customers to take full advantage of Windows Live.”
Windows Live services for BlackBerry smartphones are expected to be available beginning this summer with support for multiple languages.
