Palm splits software and hardware

NEWS Palm has completed its move to split its software and hardware divisions - a decision which is aimed at making its OS more attractive to third-party device manufacturers. The company urgently needs to take steps to preserve the presence of its operating system as Microsoft ramps up its efforts to dominate the market. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Palm OS-based devices account for 81 per cent of units sold in the US, compared to Microsoft's 14 per cent. Palm OS president and CEO David Nagel said the division will also focus on improving wireless networking, especially in the arena of security.