RIM (Research in Motion) has reached separate deals with both AOL and Yahoo to include their instant messaging programs on Blackberry devices.

Both instant messaging services will be pre-installed on Blackberrys starting this summer.

RIM, the Canadian company, will allow existing Blackberry owners to download the programs onto their devices.

RIM stock was up about $4.00 to about $65.00 after news of this new partnership was announced earlier this week.

A blackberry is a device, similar to a cell phone, that allows users to check and send email using the handheld device. This new partnership will allow users to access their messages from AOL IM and Yahoo Messenger, as well as ICQ, which was purchased by AOL in 1998.

Microsoft has not yet allowed its IM program, MSN, to be installed on Blackberry devices, but with these announcements, it is expected they will try to reach an agreement.

Both deals are believed to be for multiple years, according to company spokespeople.






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