Blackberry Gets Google Talk and Google Local

An interesting development for Search Engine Optimisation Specialists was reported by Reuters on 13th Jan as Google and Research in Motion(RIM.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) - maker of the Blackberry mobile device - have announced an agreement that will put Google Local Search, Maps and Google Talk software onto new Blackberry devices. Google has now released a free software download, Local for Mobile, that enables Blackberry users to access its local business search, satellite mapping and route plotting services. A similar download enabling text messaging through Google Talk will be made available in the early spring. Both pieces of software will be standard features built into new RIM Blackberry devices.

Google is the world's leading Internet search company but a latecomer in instant messaging, where it lags Time Warner's, AOL, Microsoft, Skype and Yahoo (YHOO.O: Quote, Profile, Research).

What does this mean for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Specialists? That the more this software is developed and used by the public, the greater the need for local business to optimise their websites. People will be performing a greater number of searches through their mobile devices and therefore the organic search engine marketing strategies that SEO specialists employ will be of particular importance and relevance to all local businesses.