Microsoft and RIM to offer free Office 365 for BlackBerry

Microsoft and Research in Motion (RIM) are preparing to launch a set of free handset productivity and management services.

The companies said that the Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS) for BlackBerry devices will be offered as a free service to all users with a RIM service plan. Previously the service had required a $10 (£6) monthly subscription fee.

The move will allow BlackBerry users to have free access to the Microsoft Exchange Online platform. Eventually, however, the companies plan to expand the service into a much larger offering.

RIM said that it will be hosting a BlackBerry service that will offer Microsoft's Office 365 cloud applications platform. The service will also integrate the BlackBerry Balance data management system as well as tools for administrators to remotely lock and wipe lost or stolen handsets.

RIM said that it will begin a closed beta of the service mid-year. Microsoft has said that it hopes to launch Office 365 later this year, with analysts predicting a June launch.

"We couldn't be more excited about this direction," RIM said in a company blog post.

"This latest addition to RIM's cloud-based services signals a new era of possibilities for enterprise customers."

Microsoft Office 365 product manager Allen Filush said that the deal with RIM will help to further extend the reach of Office 365 over the PC space and into the mobile handset and smartphone sectors.

"As we launch these services, customers can be assured we'll continue to deliver a holistic experience – from service to support to the admin console," he wrote in a post to Microsoft's Office 365 blog.

"To get BlackBerry cloud-based service in the future with Office 365, customers will be able to simply indicate their service need in the Microsoft portal, and a seamless single sign-on to our partner's portal will provide access to manage their device."