Looks like Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) will be working with longtime nemesis Research in Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ: RIMM) to bring its Windows Live services to the BlackBerry mobile platform. Windows Mobile, the smartphone operating system made by Microsoft that is a direct competitor to RIM's BlackBerry smartphone operating system, is already integrated with Microsoft's Live services, naturally.While RIM figured out long ago that instant access to secure email in a small, portable device was the key to its fortune, Microsoft took years to discover that same fact, and now provides a similar solution on its Windows Mobile platform. But providing access to Windows Live to the biggest competitor it has in the smartphone arena can mean only one thing: Microsoft is trying to fend off Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone.
At the same time, Microsoft wants to get as many customers using its Windows Live services on those mobile phones as possible. The iPhone reportedly will shortly work with Microsoft's Exchange corporate email servers to allow the same "push email" functionality that put the BlackBerry on the map. That is, instant, real-time email wherever you are. Those with Microsoft's Hotmail email service will also enjoy real-time "push" email with this new partnership. But make no mistake -- RIM and Microsoft will need to do more to fend up the upstart competitor, Apple. If a new iPhone is announced this summer as expected, both RIM and Microsoft will see even more turbulence in the mobile markets.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-14-2008 @ 11:41AM
Smitty said...
Microsoft and Blackberry can't compete. Apple has been doing R&D for two decades to make the IPhone work.
Why people are LONG and BUYING APPLE stock.
Because customers are buying APPLE
- The iphone is sold out
- Iphone cutting distribution deals around the globe
- New high speed Iphone coming online
- Wintel showing cracks
- PC market dying slowly
- Apple MAC strong growth
- VIDEO is here online - need a mac!
5-14-2008 @ 2:02PM
Beltway Greg said...
When was the last time a company introduced a product that wasn't going to be available for months? If anything the pre-announcement of the new Blackberry is a strong indicator of the fear that Blackberry feels in regard to the release of the new IPhone. I can imagine customers all over America running to their local dealer only to discover that the product won't be in stock until late August. And if you follow Cramer's (though I do love him so) advice and sell once the new IPhone is released you'll be a hurtin' unit come Dec.
Beltway Greg
5-14-2008 @ 3:26PM
Kenneth said...
Looks like a great phone but I think the iPhone pulls more chics. Mabye they should look into the design. Make it flip around like the sidekick or something. It looks like a boring CEO's plaything. Just my opinion.
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5-14-2008 @ 8:58PM
Marcus Wilhoit said...
It is the beginning of the end for RIM and the Blackberry!
5-19-2008 @ 8:00AM
helmysty said...
OK,.. Just RIM... Rest in Microsoft
6-26-2008 @ 6:34PM
ABC123 said...
You can't type fast enough on an iPhone.