RIM inks wireless modem deals

Research In Motion said Wednesday that it has signed two deals with device manufacturers that will use its radio modems for wireless networks. The Waterloo, Ontario-based company said notebook maker Panasonic and handheld manufacturer Melard Technologies will use RIM's radio modems to enable their products to send and receive data over next-generation wireless networks known as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service). Panasonic will use RIM's radio modems in its line of durable Toughbook notebooks, which target government and field-service markets such as utilities, telecommunications, insurance, transportation and law enforcement. Melard will use RIM's radio modems in its rugged handhelds, which are also aimed at specialized markets. RIM is best known for its two-way messaging BlackBerry device and service, which allows subscribers to send and receive e-mail messages and calendar updates from a handheld. The company's service also lets subscribers move changes made on the devices onto their primary computers. --Richard Shim, Special to ZDNet News