Microsoft and Research In Motion (RIM) announced an agreement to provide Microsoft Windows Live services on BlackBerry smartphones.

As a result of this collaboration, BlackBerry smartphone customers will have mobile access to Windows Live Messenger and an enhanced level of integration between Windows Live Hotmail and the BlackBerry platform.

The integration of Windows Live services into the BlackBerry platform will allow customers who use Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger on their BlackBerry smartphone to benefit from the BlackBerry platform architecture with the ability to communicate in real time using push technology. Customers will also be able to access their Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger account from their BlackBerry smartphone by simply entering their Windows Live e-mail address and password once.

Windows Live Hotmail for BlackBerry will allow customers to use BlackBerry “push” technology for automatic message delivery and message synchronization so customers’ online account is up to date with actions taken on their BlackBerry smartphone. User will also be able to Use a dedicated inbox for Windows Live Hotmail messages, which are automatically delivered to the smartphone and they can choose to receive their Windows Live Hotmail messages, along with messages from other e-mail accounts, within a single inbox on their BlackBerry smartphone.

Besides these, other Windows Live features are available to BlackBerry users, such as send instant messages and join group chats, set status and see the presence of friends and colleagues within Windows Live Messenger or their contact cards or showcase their Display Picture (Avatar).