RIM to turn Windows phones into virtual Blackberries

RESEARCH IN MOTION (RIM) said it is making a software app that will turn Windows Mobile devices into virtual Blackberries.

The Canadian firm says the software will run on devices running Windows Mobile 6.0 and offer Blackberry functions.

Devices running the BlackBerry application suite will be able to connect to BlackBerry services via BlackBerry Enterprise Server as well as BlackBerry Internet Service.

Mike Lazaridis, president and co-CEO at Research In Motion said the software, "will provide a range of important benefits, including easier support of Windows Mobile-based devices within BlackBerry Enterprise Server environments, a consistent user interface for BlackBerry applications across various devices, and the ability to run third-party applications developed for the BlackBerry platform."

The software should ship this autumn. µ