Four handset makers back operators' services push

* LG, RIM, Samsung, Sharp to support JIL middleware

* JIL is services R&D venture of 4 major operators

By Tarmo Virki, European technology correspondent

HELSINKI, Oct 21 (Reuters) - Four major cellphone vendors including Blackberry-maker Research in Motion (RIM.TO) will support operator-backed technology that allows software applications to work on different operating systems.

The operators' Joint Innovation Lab (JIL) said on Wednesday phones from LG Electronics (066570.KS), RIM, Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) and Sharp (6753.T) will be able to run its middleware from early 2010.

Middleware enables mobile applications like games or news widgets to work on any operating system. Multiple operating systems are one of the key obstacles for the development of the mobile software market.

The move will give cellphone makers better access to more than one billion clients of the JIL members -- China Mobile (0941.HK), Softbank (9984.T), Verizon Wireless and Vodafone (VOD.L) -- across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

The focus in the cellphone market is shifting increasingly into software and services following the runaway success of Apple's (AAPL.O) online software store.