Microsoft and Research in Motion (RIM) have collaborated on numerous occasions over the years. Their successful partnership has even led to speculation about a takeover of the Canadian-based wireless device company.

Even though the rumors remain unconfirmed, a new collaboration between the two companies has been announced for this year. The deal involves the integration of Windows Live services on the BlackBerry platform. The results of this collaboration will be available over the next few months. This means that the users will be able to enjoy their e-mail and also instant messaging services from their BlackBerry. Users will be able to work with a HTML supported e-mail and also links, graphics and contact photos will be available. The instant messaging will allow group chats, an avatar picture, emoticons, chat logging and it will also offer the send / receive files feature.

"When you think about our Web services, all of those will very much have a strong and stronger mobile component for them moving forward," Phil Holden, a Microsoft director for mobile services said, according to InformationWeek. He also added: "It's really about extending the PC access to the mobile phone in ways that are very similar."

The new phones shipped will come equiped with the services and users who already own the phone will be able to download it. Unfortunately, people won’t be able to enjoy Windows Live services without their carrier’s permission.

Microsoft is now in preparations to expand the offer to other devices. After last year’s success with the Hotmail and Messenger feature on the Nokia Series 60 devices, the company wants the same options on the Nokia Series 40 devices.