Microsoft, RIM Announce Search Deal

Microsoft and Research In Motion (RIM) announced on Thursday a partnership that will make it easier for BlackBerry users to reach Microsoft's Live Search search engine.

Blackberry users will have the option to use Microsoft Live Search as their default search engine in the device's browser. And, Microsoft's Live Search will be an option from within RIM's mobile portal.

Microsoft and RIM already have deals around Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger, and Live Search for BlackBerry is available currently in beta form as a download from Microsoft.

In the press release announcing the new deal, Brian Arbogast, corporate vice president of the Mobile Services organization at Microsoft said:

"This joint endeavor with RIM is a strategic indicator of our increased focus on securing broad-scale distribution for Live Search. Microsoft is committed to extending our services across mobile platforms and we are very pleased to be joining forces with RIM to help bring Live Search to millions of BlackBerry users worldwide."

OK, whatever you say! Availability was given as a "just as vague as the Flip launch date"-ish later this year.