Access this morning announced its Access Linux Platform, or ALP, it’s next-generation mobile OS that will replace Palm OS. They’ve ditched Palm OS 6, saying it won’t ever be used, and sound like they’re even going to ditch the Palm OS name. It’s also not clear if the new user interface will retain the familiar Palm look and feel. Given all this, it’s pretty easy to see why Palm decided on Windows Mobile for the new Treo — it sounds like the Palm OS is basically dead on its feet, with the release of ALP to licensees coming before the end of the year, and the first devices using it expected to be released in 2007. Consider that the Palm OS hasn’t gotten any significant upgrades in quite some time, and its age begins to show.

ALP is a fusion of PalmSource’s Linux efforts (which started after it purchased China MobileSoft some time ago) and Access’ strengths in mobile applications. It’s an aggressive and ambitious plan, and although the Palm fanboys will undoubtedly be disappointed, it’s the best move the company could have possibly made. The Palm OS had not only stalled, but lagged significantly behind the offerings from rivals Symbian and Microsoft, with little improvement in sight. The continued invisibility of Palm OS 6, or Cobalt, after such a long time (2 years maybe?) wasn’t a good sign, and hinted at significant problems.

ALP makes extensive use of open-source components, and the company says it will actively support the open-source community and make plenty of its work available, which could be the boost Linux badly needs if it’s ever to become a serious competitor in the mobile space. Access also says ALP will be suitable for both PDA-style devices as well as more typically designed smartphones, perhaps helping shake the impression that the Palm OS was only ever really an option for PDA phones. To attract the mass market, Palm OS had to adapt to more phone-centric form factors, and to that end, Access was showing off an early demo on a Haier handset.

Access’ plans sound impressive, and its track record with mobile applications would make you think that they’ll be able to craft some pretty useful accompaniments to the OS, not the least of which its Netfront browser. The real question mark is the timetable, and with PalmSource’s track record with Cobalt, you’d be pretty easily forgiven for being skeptical.