PalmSource, Inc., provider of the operating system for handheld and smartphone devices, and Palm OS subsidiary of Palm, Inc., has begun shipping the final version of Palm OS 5 Simplified Chinese Edition to Palm OS licensees.

Palm OS 5 Simplified Chinese Edition is the first fully localized operating system based on the leading ARM-compliant Palm OS 5 platform.

The launch of Palm OS 5 Simplified Chinese Edition opens up market opportunities for licensees and developers to broaden their reach into China, the largest handheld market in the Asia-Pacific region outside Japan and the largest single mobile phone market in the world.

Palm OS 5 Simplified Chinese Edition is a result of extensive development and incorporates enhanced multimedia and wireless features that extend the power, flexibility, and ease of use that has made the Palm OS platform a leader in the handheld and smartphone space. Palm Powered handheld devices have held the number one market share position as measured in units sold in each of the past six annual reports prepared by IDC.

"Palm OS 5 Simplified Chinese Edition marks a major milestone in executing our business strategy in China," said David Nagel, chief executive officer and president of PalmSource, Inc. "Unlike proprietary systems, the goal of PalmSource's open platform model is to drive rapid innovation and allow Palm OS licensees and developers to bring to market differentiated mobile products that deliver unique user experiences. PalmSource is committed to advancing the Palm Economy in China through licensee partnership, professional training and developer programs."