RIM turns BlackBerry into a mobile IP PBX extension

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 08 May 2007 02:44

Business IT - Technology

Research In Motion (RIM) has released software that enables BlackBerry handhelds to remotely access IP PBX functions direct from the menu interface of the BlackBerry phone application and makes it easy for a BlackBerry smartphone to be used a as a secure mobile extension of a IP desk phone.

The product, BlackBerry Mobile Voice System (MVS), uses software from RIM and its subsidiary, Ascendent Systems. It comprises: the BlackBerry MVS Client (a component of BlackBerry Device Software); BlackBerry MVS Connectors (a component of BlackBerry Enterprise Server software); the Ascendent Voice Mobility Suite (a software suite that, according to Ascendent integrates with any PBX or network.

According to RIM, "With a new intuitive menu interface, BlackBerry smartphone users can place, receive and manage enterprise calls from their handset with ease. The user's corporate identity (caller ID) is extended to the handset and allows users to give out one 'Reach Me Anywhere' phone number that simultaneously rings their desk phone and BlackBerry smartphone. Mobile users are also able to access desk phone functions such as transfer, park, and extension dialing directly from the BlackBerry phone menu."

RIM says that BlackBerry MVS also uses the standard security features, IT policies and system management functions of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server, extending the administrative tools and services of the BlackBerry platform to the Ascendent Voice Mobility Suite.

These features include the ability to automatically authenticate mobile users to the PBX to help ensure that only authorised users and devices are accessing the corporate telephony system, and the ability to log or record any calls placed from a BlackBerry smartphone for compliance with any corporate and regulatory requirements.

BlackBerry MVS is being show at the Wireless Enterprise Symposium 2007 in Orlando, Florida this week and is expected to be available from RIM and Ascendent Systems later this month.