More info on PalmOne evaluating other operating systems.

After the rumors about Treo with windows mobile OS, palmOne spokesperson Jim Christensen told PalmInfocenter that

"It's a well-known fact that palmOne has attracted a large and loyal customer base delivering products that employ PalmOS, and that we are committed to a multiyear contract with PalmSource that includes a $40 million minimum annual commitment. We have often said that the PalmOS today has the best combination of power, ease of use, user interface and flexibility to innovate on top of the OS.

Of course, the company is open to evaluating products using additional operating systems if doing so would grow the marketplace or otherwise meet customer needs that currently are not addressed. This is nothing new. In fact, it was part of the rationale for the spin-off -- so that both companies could create their own futures."

Futuremore, CNET points out that PalmOne pays PalmSource a per-unit royalty, with a $40 million a year minimum, under a contract lasting until 2006. But the deal is not exclusive , so the company can sell products using other software as well.

Read the CNET article here

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