Microsoft and RIM announced a partnership which will see several Bing services becoming the default option on BlackBerry devices, with Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, joining Mike Lazaridis, co-CEO of RIM, on stage at BlackBerry World to announce the alliance (pictured). In a blog post, Microsoft said that BlackBerry devices will use Bing as the preferred search provider in the browser, with Bing the default search and map application for new devices presented to operators “both in the United States and internationally.” Bing apps will also gain “regular, featured placement and promotion in the BlackBerry App World carousel.” In addition, Bing will be the default search and map provider for the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet.

It was widely reported that Ballmer said that Microsoft will be “investing uniquely” in the partnership, sparking some speculation that the IT giant may have made a financial commitment to the BlackBerry OS – similar to its deal with Nokia, where it is investing in joint product development. Indeed, the alliance marks the second high-profile mobile deal Microsoft has achieved so far this year, following the much wider partnership with Nokia, announced in February 2011. Both Nokia and RIM are under significant pressure in the smartphone space, due primarily to the sharp growth of devices powered by Google’s Android operating system. The current deal will enable RIM to offer an improved search and mapping experience, two areas where Android (and Google) have established strengths, while providing Microsoft with an additional channel to consumers.