With the first batch of BlackBerry models running the new OS 7 right around the corner, one can’t help but wonder how long it will be until BlackBerry has another new version of the BlackBerry OS that will be based on QNX. According to a number of sources, buyers will only have to wait till Q1 of 2012 for the first QNX OS powered BlackBerry to arrive.

This first QNX-powered BlackBerry is said to be codenamed “Colt.” It has been rumored that QNX does not play well with BES, so a new or modified version BES will be required; and with RIM’s strong hold in the corporate word, this will be very necessary.

It is possible that Colt may ship or could ship without BES support and could or might require the use of Microsoft Active Sync instead, while they work on a new version of BES. This would only be a temporary solution until the new version of a compatible BES is ready.