Microsoft teams up with RIM's BlackBerry to fend off Apple

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.