BlackBerry upgrade could leave competitors blue

Source: Exec Canada

Date :02/05/2008 06:25:08

Users of the BlackBerry could soon have a welcome upgrade thanks to a joint venture with a German software developer expected to be announced today.

BlackBerry developer Research in Motion Ltd. of Canada and SAP AG of Germany, the largest maker of business management software, were poised to announce Friday morning they are joining forces to develop business software for the mobile device.

The BlackBerry has been battling growing competition from a number of new rivals and has been adding features that far exceed the mobile e-mail capabilities with which it made its reputation. The latest of those industry challenges has come from Apple Inc’s iPhone. Though initially targeted at consumers, that device has gained steady popularity in the business world.

SAP sells software that automates tasks handled by various types of workers, from accountants to sales representatives and workers in manufacturing plants. With the new software, SAP users will be more easily able to access data on a BlackBerry read screen displays. To do so now, BlackBerry users must utilize a Web browser.

The deal with SAG should aid BlackBerry in combating competition that, in addition to the iPhone, includes Palm Inc’s Treo and smart phones that utilize Microsoft Corporation software.

May 02, 2008