Handheld computer makers Palm and Research In Motion inked a deal on Monday to let Treo 650 owners to connect with BlackBerry e-mail and calendar software.

The option will be available for new and existing Treo 650 users as well as future Treo products with the Palm operating system starting in early 2006. Carriers, pricing and distribution deals will be announced at a later date, the companies said.

The deal means that the BlackBerry Connect software will show up as an option on Palm's VersaMail e-mail client. Palm also has several software contracts including Microsoft Exchange, IBM's Lotus and Domino, Good Technology's GoodLink software, Intellisync, Seven, and Visto in Europe.

Learn more about the BlackBerry email software deal between Palm and RIM at http://news.com.com/Palm,+RIM+ink+licensing+deal/2100-1041_3-5896751.html.