The latest version of Research In Motion Ltd.'s BlackBerry
Enterprise Server, introduced at Cebit on Friday, supports
enterprise instant messaging and supports the development of
applications that mobilize corporate applications, RIM said.
Enterprises that upgrade to the BlackBerry Enterprise Server
v4.1 can allow mobile Blackberry users to exchange instant messages
with users of Microsoft Windows Messenger, Live Communications
Server 2005 and IBM Lotus Sametime systems, the RIM said.
Another new feature allows administrators to wirelessly push
data to a new BlackBerry handset for users who have lost their old
one, without them having to return to base. Previously, the user
would have used a wired connection to a desktop to download their
data to a new device, said Charmaine Eggberry, vice president of
RIM's European enterprise business unit.
The new server also supports BlackBerry MDS Studio, a
development tool for creating applications. BlackBerry customers
are increasingly extending applications other than e-mail, such as
CRM (customer relationship management) applications, to their
BlackBerry devices, Eggberry said.
The new server combined with BlackBerry MDS Studio is aimed at
helping developers create the applications, she said. Currently, 60
percent of the existing 60,000 BlackBerry Enterprise Server users
already enable access to corporate applications other than e-mail,
she said.
RIM also showed a Bluetooth-enabled smart card reader that can
be used to further secure BlackBerry handsets. Customers place the
reader near their BlackBerry. Once the BlackBerry identifies the
reader, it will display a dual-sign on screen. The user must input
a BlackBerry password as well as a password tied to the smart card.
If the card is removed from the reader, the BlackBerry shuts
down.
The extra security measure is expected to appeal to government
and some large enterprise customers, said Khalid Kefel, commercial
relations director for RIM.
RIM also announced that it is working with the Fraunhofer
Institute, a research institute in Germany, to create a benchmark
for securing mobile e-mail, Eggberry said.
Separately, RIM also said on Friday that it acquired Ascendent
Systems Inc. for an undisclosed sum. Ascendent, previously a
BlackBerry alliance member, offers software that allows businesses
to extend some PBX functions such as call transfer, conference
calling and four or five digit dialing to mobile devices. The
software also offers end users a single voicemail service and a
single number that can reach them on their desk or mobile
phones.
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