Palm adds Direct Push to e-mail technology

Palm Inc. finally made good on its vow to offer push e-mail service similar to Research In Motion Ltd.’s BlackBerry service.
The company announced an upgrade to its VersaMail service for Palm Treo 680 and 700 smartphones that will include Microsoft Corp.’s Direct Push technology. The software automatically updates e-mail, calendar and contact information, “waking” the device to deliver each new message.
The upgrade will be available Monday as a free download for VersaMail users. Palm OS-based Treos had previously been limited to Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, which synchs mobile devices with computers.
“This combination delivers the benefits of business-class e-mail without the cost of additional infrastructure required by other middleware-based solutions, ensuring a fast return on investment as well as a great end-user experience,” said Joe Fabris, Palm’s director of wireless solutions.