Is the desktop software for the Blackberry comparable to Palms?

Question

My boss is making the transition from the Palm Treo 700 to the Blackberry Curve. Loved the Palm desktop software beause I could view or add appointments to his schedule while he was out of the office. From what I see with the Blackberry the actual phone has to attached to the computer via the cable to access the desktop stuff. Is this correct or I am doing something wrong? Will be totally bummed if I can not access is calendar without the actual phone. Someone please give me some good news and let me know what I am doing wrong!