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Palm Inc. is partnering with SpeechWorks International, the developer of speech-recognition software, to allow users of Palm's AnyDay web-based calendar service to retrieve information using spoken commands from any phone.

In addition, the leading handheld devices manufacturer has unveiled a new support network for its fast-growing community of developers, which has doubled in size in less than six months and now stands in excess of 100,000 programmers and designers.

Palm's interest in SpeechWorks underscores the importance being placed on multi-platform access to the Internet from anywhere at any time. Industry leader AOL has already made a series of investments in speech-related Internet access providers, including SpeechWorks .

Palm expects that the 3 million AnyDay registered users will be able to access the new phone service by the first quarter of 2001. Anyday.com was acquired by Palm in July.

Meanwhile, Palm's new support program is expected to be called the Palm OS Developer Services Network. Anyone interested in finding out more can access the Palm OS web site.

The Palm OS Developer Services Network will allow developers to distribute and share their development resources as well as access important business programs, the leading handheld devices company said in a release. The network builds on the resources and services Palm offers through its Solution Provider program for Palm OS software development.

In creating the Developer Services Network, Palm is leveraging relations with three outside organizations:

• HotDispatch provides the Palm OS Developer Exchange by HotDispatch, a peer-to-peer online marketplace that allows Palm OS developers to buy and sell development expertise, providing a forum for resolving obstacles to development and driving further innovation. Users of the exchange can post questions and indicate the amount of money they will offer for answers. Other users post their answers and receive payment for them.
• DevelopersNation.net will provide an extensive range of information and services to the Palm OS developer community. Through the site, developers will easily be able to access an extensive technical knowledge base for Palm OS software applications. Developers will also be able to access an array of business building services, including access to marketing and promotional programs, chat rooms and bulletin boards, job and project postings, and corporate development opportunities.
• The Software Development Forum gives software professionals easy access to information, education and feedback on their products and business strategies. As a non-profit organization, SDForum facilitates meetings with venture capitalists, angel investors, legal counsel and business-development coaches, as well as networking with other IT professionals and entrepreneurs. For more information on the services, please visit www.sdforum.org

"Our development community has been a driving factor in the phenomenal growth of the Palm OS platform," says Alan Kessler, chief operating officer of Platform and Products, Palm Inc. "Now that we've attracted 100,000 members in just 4 years, we need to expand our support services to fuel even greater innovation and speed applications to market."