While companies around the world are increasingly blocking employees from accessing social networking site Facebook at work, RIM, maker of BlackBerry smartphones, has gone the opposite way – introducing a BlackBerry software application for “optimised mobile access” to Facebook.

BlackBerry, which has traditionally been the workaholic’s smartphone of choice, is now apparently taking a twist away from “productivity” with this new software. RIM says the new application goes beyond browser-based access, allowing Facebook users to wirelessly send and view messages, photos, pokes and Wall posts – automatically pushing notifications to the user’s BlackBerry.

The application also allows users to take a photo, upload it to the site with captions and tags; invite friends; manage events; manage photo albums; and manage their status while on the go via on-screen icons.

“Facebook is one of the fastest growing web destinations among BlackBerry smartphone users and it has become an important element in the evolving fabric of personal communications,” said President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion, Mike Lazaridis.

“Even at this nascent stage of the market, 19 percent of adult consumers who access social networks on their PCs also regularly access these same sites on their mobile phones,” said Sr. Analyst, Consumer Research at Yankee Group Jill Aldort.

“As people look for new ways to stay connected and network with peers and colleagues, true mobile access to these types of utilities can only become more popular.”

The release of Facebook software follows RIM’s launch of the Curve handset which is designed to appeal to consumers as well as corporates.

Facebook for BlackBerry Smartphones will be available as a free download from www.facebook.com via a PC or BlackBerry smartphone.