Pocket Informant has been one of my favorite applications on the Windows Mobile platform over the years, but the competition continues to stay fierce in that space, so WebIS is looking to expand their footprint into RIM's Blackberry world. If they are successful, it could really help WebIS leverage this large market of untapped customers. WebIS has been showing screen shots of an Alpha version of Pocket Informant for the Blackberry, and are saying that it will be available this winter. They are also reaching out to Blackberry communities to gather input for the product.

The Alpha shots look very similar to the Windows Mobile version of Pocket Informant. For WebIS to be successful, the will need to really understand the Blackberry usability differences to Windows Mobile. When I was using a Blackberry, I found that it was totally different in day to day use, and its tight integration with the desktop PIM data (via push) made it a bit different to use than my trusty old Pocket PC. WebIS will need to fully understand these differences in order to exploit any weaknesses in the Blackberry, with their "better mousetrap". Historically, Windows Mobile users are much more apt to buy third party applications than Blackberry users.

There are some additional screen shots from the Alpha version on the next page of the story.

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Mike - Been Converged?