Research In Motion Ltd. introduced a wireless e-mail solution, called BlackBerry, designed to allow
Microsoft Exchange users mobile access to their desktop e-mail.
BlackBerry is an end-to-end solution that
combines the Inter@ctive 950 pager from RIM with e-mail/organizer software, a PC docking cradle, desktop software,
single mailbox integration with Microsoft Exchange and flat-rate airtime from BellSouth Wireless Data in the United
States or Cantel AT&T in Canada.
The handset used for the BlackBerry solution is physically the same device as
the RIM 950, but is loaded with an extra megabyte of RAM and different software to fit with the overall solution. It
features a 32-bit Intel Corp. 386 processor and two megabytes of flash memory.
Existing Interactive Paging users
cannot use their RIM devices with the solution. Those who buy the BlackBerry solution will be able to conduct
interactive paging, however.
RIM called BlackBerry an “Always On, Always Connected” push solution,
in which no dial-in is needed to check for e-mail. Instead, the user sets up a series of filters at the desktop that instruct
the system to either forward all messages but those designated as unwanted or to send only those specifically
categorized as necessary. Essentially it’s an “everything but …” or “nothing but …”
system.
Once passed through the filters, the messages then will be forwarded to the RIM device. The solution also
features full security along the entire transmission path, RIM said.
“The frequent and discontinuous nature of
e-mail usage is driving the need for a wearable, power-efficient device that can be constantly connected to the wireless
network, while remaining unobtrusive to the user from both a physical and workflow perspective,” said Jim
Balsillie, chairman and co-chief executive officer of RIM. “Intel’s embedded microprocessor and flash memory
technology provided a powerful and reliable foundation to meet these challenging design objectives.”
With
the docking cradle included, users can synchronize data received on the pager with the desktop via the included
Intellisync software from Puma Technology.
Users can rent or buy the pager. The purchase option includes the RIM
device, cradle, desktop and synchronization software and activation for about $400. The rental option includes the same
for $20 a month, plus a one-time activation fee of $50.
Monthly service is based on a flat rate of $40 with an
introductory $20 rebate for the first year of service. The service is expected to be available in
February.
Additionally, RIM said the solution has Enterprise Server optional add-on software that provides
centralized administration and support for laptop users. That server still is in testing and will not be available until the
end of the first quarter.
