BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5 docs online

David M Williams
Thursday, 09 April 2009 10:22

Business IT - Technology

Research In Motion (RIM) have been keeping tight-lipped on just precisely when the highly-awaited BES 5 will be available, but it must be imminent with RIM today loading administration and migration manuals onto their web site, as well as an interactive demo.

The BlackBerry Enterprise Server – or BES – is the crucial back-end software that makes corporate BlackBerrys function.

Home and small business BlackBerry users don’t need a BES to operate their BlackBerry devices but to get the most control, the best features, enterprises definitely want the BES.

This lets IT admins set policies to ensure protection, to wipe lost units, to push out new software and much more.
I’ve previously highlighted some exciting new features coming in BES 5.0 but the big question was “when?”

The clock has definitely ticked over with RIM having just today uploaded a raft of BES 5.0 product documentation to their support web site.

These docs include HTML and PDF copies of release notes, planning guide, upgrade guides, monitoring and administration manuals and much more.

I’ve not known RIM to release last-minute errata so I’m feeling confident that if the documentation is good to go then the software has been signed off and is ready to roll.

Manuals and documentation exists for Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Domino (but not Novell GroupWise at this time.)

Additionally, a funky interactive online video steps you through the new web-based administrative console.

Unfortunately, the wait isn’t quite over yet. It’s one thing for RIM to finish their work; it’s another for the telco carriers to get their act into gear. Your mobile provider has their own internal certification process to go through now before they deem it ok for release to their own customers.