Microsoft released its most recent desktop operating system (OS), Windows Vista, months ago. And yet Palm's synchronization application for the Palm OS, the Palm Desktop, still does not fully support the PC platform.

On The Official Palm Blog, Palm product manager David Sloan provides an update as to the status of full Palm Desktop support for Windows Vista. Sloan says:

I wanted to let everyone know that we are working on a beta release of the new Windows Vista-compatible Palm Desktop and HotSync Manager software - time frame for the release is this summer. I will make sure to let everyone know when the software is available.

It isn't clear as to whether Palm will make the final version or the beta release available at that time. We'll keep you posted as we learn more.

Back in December, Palm spokesman Jimmy Johnson explained to PDAStreet, "We do plan to support Vista and are testing now for compatibility. Once we have done all our testing, we’ll provide detailed product information and instructions for users on compatibility requirements."

Today, while the Palm Desktop installs on a Vista PC and synchronizes PIM (Calendar, Contacts, Tasks and Memos) data just fine, other aspects of the synchronization software don't perform as well.

Here are some of the areas Palm says the Palm Desktop currently runs into trouble when running on Windows Vista:

Third-party desktop applications, including those found on your Palm Software Installation CD (such as carrier-branded Dial-up Networking (DUN) desktop software and other applications), may not be compatible with Windows Vista.

Palm Quick Install (the desktop application that allows you to move files like .prc and .pdb to your Palm device) and Palm LifeDrive mobile manager software are not currently Vista compatible.

Help files (.hlp files) found in some versions of Palm Desktop software may not be supported in Windows Vista.

LifeDrive Manager (for LifeDrive) and File Transfer (for Tungsten T5), the desktop applications that simplify file synchronization between your handheld and PC, are currently not compatible with Windows Vista.