Software to make rival gear work like BlackBerry

Research In Motion Ltd. is developing a software application that can make Palm Treos and other Windows-based mobile devices made by rivals work like a BlackBerry.

The software, due in the fall, is designed to extend BlackBerry's dominance by offering an option to individuals who may not want to switch devices to get the service, and to companies that would like to give employees a wider selection of handhelds without being forced to support multiple mobile e-mail platforms.