The T-Mobile Sidekick, a popular consumer-orientated smartphone, took a significant step towards the enterprise this week.

That's because the carrier has just made a new application, Sidekick Sync, available in the on-device Download Catalog for the Sidekick LX '09. So, in a first for the Sidekick, users will be able to synchronize their smartphone with a Microsoft Exchange server.

Developed by Remoba, Sidekick Sync supports real time push email, attachment viewing, full sync capabilities, full read and respond functionality and configurable sync schedules. In addition to email, the application will sync with contacts from a corporate directory, along with full sync capabilities with an Exchange calendar and meeting/event reminders.

Unlike with a Windows Mobile smartphone, for example, Sidekick Sync isn't free: it costs $4.99 per month.

Although it looks similar to its predecessors, Sidekick LX '09 is the thinnest Sidekick yet. Additional features include a QWERTY keyboard, WVGA+ display and support for T-Mobile's 3G network.

There's also turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates, among other location-based services, through the smartphone's integrated GPS function, as well as a3.2 megapixel camera, microSD slot and support for Stereo Bluetooth.

See here for full specs and details on the Sidekick LX 2009.