Redmond (WA) – Microsoft and RIM have announced a search partnership that will allow Blackberry users to use Microsoft’s Live search as their favorite search engine.  The search engine will leverage the Blackberry’s GPS to provide context sensitive results – like in showing the closest pizza restaurants or nearest ATM machines.  

Microsoft competes with RIM in the mobile phone markets with its Windows Mobile operating system running on several brands of smart phones.  So it’s interesting in seeing this partnership – perhaps it’s a sign of “If you can’t beat them, join them”  Both Windows Mobile and RIM phones are neck and neck in current sales with each selling approximately 11% to 12% market share sales.  However, RIM has a huge install base and holds approximately 40% of the total market.

Microsoft Live Search, with multiple language support, should be available later this year.