BlackBerry downsizes Enterprise Server for SMEs

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 16 February 2010 17:47

Business IT - Networking

Research in Motion has introduced a free, cut-down version of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server software to give small enterprises BlackBerry functionality that approaches that available to large enterprise customers.

BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express works with Microsoft Exchange 2010, 2007 and 2003 and Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2008 and 2003 to provide users with push-based, wireless access to email, calendar, contacts, notes and tasks, as well as other business applications and enterprise systems behind the firewall.

It runs on the same physical or virtual server as the Microsoft mail server or on its own server, and is also certified for use with VMware ESX.

At present, small businesses that want to use BlackBerries and cannot justify the investment in the full BlackBerry Enterprise Server have to make do with the BlackBerry Internet Service. This requires no onsite hardware or software. It is run from RIM's servers and activated by configuring access to the user's email accounts etc via a web interface.

According to Mike Lazaridis, president and Co-CEO of Research In Motion. "BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express significantly raises the bar by providing a cost-effective solution that allows companies of all sizes to support enterprise-grade mobile connectivity for all employees without compromising security or manageability."

Research in Motion says it offers more than 35 IT controls and policies, including the ability to remotely wipe a smartphone and enforce and reset passwords. "A Web-based interface that allows remote administration and makes it easy to install the software, connect BlackBerry smartphones and apply usage policies...Importantly, the new server software utilises the same robust security architecture found in BlackBerry Enterprise Server."

However it adds that "BlackBerry Enterprise Server continues to be the recommended solution for deployments that require additional security policies, monitoring features or high availability...[and] is required for certain other enterprise solutions such as BlackBerry Mobile Voice System (for bringing desk phone functionality to BlackBerry smartphones), BlackBerry Clients for Microsoft Office Communications Server and IBM Lotus Sametime (for enterprise instant messaging), IBM Lotus Connections (for enterprise social networking), IBM Lotus Quickr (for document sharing and collaboration), and Chalk Pushcast Software (for corporate podcasting).

BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express is expected to be available as a free download in March, from www.blackberry.com/besexpress.