Palm, Inc responds to purchase of PalmSource

[Bob Russell]

In the wake of the purchase of PalmSource by Access, everyone is wondering what it will mean to Palm. Especially with the focus on mobile phones and the rumors of upcoming Windows Mobile versions of the Treo.

Palm is aware that developers are both an especially important resource, and very much affected by whatever the outcome. So Palm Developer Relations has contacted developers via email with the following letter which also had a copy of the press release describing the purchase.

Basically, this letter is just a public statement to developers saying "we need you, we appreciate you, and this will be a positive thing for PalmOS so stick with us."

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Dear Developer,

Some of you may have seen the press release (see below) that was issued by ACCESS Co., Ltd., announcing the acquisition of PalmSource. This is good news for Palm and the Palm Economy. Palm is fully supportive of the acquisition and we look forward to continuing to work with ACCESS to advance the Palm OS platform.

ACCESS is the software technology partner for the Blazer Web Browser, which has been an important contributor in the success of Handspring and Palm. Having PalmSource supported by a strong financial base will help ensure the Palm OS platform moves forward to the benefit of the entire Palm Economy. In May, Palm extended its strategic license agreement, permitting Palm to continue making and marketing products based on Palm OS until the year 2010. Palm's exceptional software team and our cadre of developers have consistently delivered differentiated products by adding value on top of the OS.

We look forward to continuing our strong working relationship to advance the Palm OS platform. If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,

Paul D. Leeper
Director, Developer Relations
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