PalmSource, Inc., provider of the Palm OS operating system that improvises and develops next-generation phones and mobile devices, and MontaVista Software, the leading Linux provider in the telecommunications market have formally announced joining hands for the development of next generation of mobile phones based on Linux technology. The two companies will set up a joint team to speed up the research drive for this purpose alone.

As per the agreement, PalmSource has joined MontaVista’s Mobilinux Open Framework partner program; and MontaVista has signed up for PalmSource’s Palm Powered Mobile World (PPMW) program, both partners will be collectively leveraging their expertise to release more advanced Linux-based phones. Peder Ulander, Vice President, Marketing, MontaVista Software commented on this collaboration, “PalmSource, with Palm OS, has developed a leading mobile application framework. We look forward to working closely with PalmSource to deliver best of breed products that combine the best of the Mobilinux and PalmSource operating systems, making it easier for handset manufacturers to deliver compelling, Linux-based mobile handsets.” Albert Chu, Vice President, business development for PalmSource spoke in the similar confident vein on this joint effort, “MontaVista is the leading Linux provider for mobile devices with world class partners and customers. Partnering with MontaVista will enable faster time to market for our mutual customers who want to deliver compelling, cost effective Linux-based mobile phone solutions.”

The collaboration between the two premier handset technology firms is likely to start yielding results from early next year.