Verizon Wireless is preparing to roll out an over-the-air software update for the touch-screen BlackBerry Storm that should fix multiple bugs and will add a few features.

The update will be known as 4.7.0.113, and it will be the first major update since December. The Storm was highly anticipated when it was released last November because it promised to marry the robust messaging functionality of a BlackBerry with the large display and multimedia functionality of an iPhone. The device sold well at launch, but it shipped with multiple software glitches, which led to mixed reviews.

The latest software update is expected to fix numerous bugs, including glitches that would cause the device to freeze when using voice dialing, as well as a bug that caused the display to show small, multicolored dots across the entire screen. The firmware also will bring some improvements and new functionality, including letting users have a full QWERTY keyboard in portrait mode, and boosted speeds when composing messages.

Verizon didn't say when the update would be pushed out, but it should be within the next few weeks. Adventurous users can find, download, and install the full 4.7.0.113 software build from various BlackBerry forums, but there's no guarantee it will operate properly.

Storm fans may be a little jealous that its firmware is not as robust as the iPhone 3.0 software, but it took Apple about a year to provide a major update for its mobile platform. It's unclear if Research In Motion will employ a similar strategy of releasing major software updates, or if it will place a stronger emphasis on new hardware.

Mobile applications can boost a workforce's productivity, but they can bring up multiple questions about security. InformationWeek analyzed how to get a handle on locking down data when it's on the move, and the report can be downloaded here (registration required).