PalmSource 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 ARM-compliant Palm OS 5 platform.

The company stated that 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. PalmSource claims Palm OS 5 Simplified Chinese Edition will enable PalmSource's existing hardware partners, Lenovo and GSL, and future Palm OS licensees to more easily deliver Palm mobile devices in China. "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."

Separately, PalmSource announced a developer contest to encourage the creation of applications based on Palm OS Simplified Chinese Edition. Winners will be announced in December 2003 at PalmSource's second China Developer Conference in Beijing.