IBM to sell BlackBerry phones with its software

In a move which marks the first time itwill resell smartphones, IBM will be selling RIM’s BlackBerry devices with the company’s collaboration software. IBM’s collaboration software will be included in the BlackBerry phones being sold to users in a strategic move announced during the annual Lotusphere conference.

IBM insists it does not plan to get back into the hardware business but is apparently using a smart method to sell its social software. The officials at IBM obviously acknowledge the significance of the market which includes mobile devices and smartphones. The growth in sales of smartphones and the increased usage of date plans are all indications of the potential of such a market.