RIM Announces BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express…

BES-express RIM just put out their press release for BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express. After reading the whole release all I could think was “what a letdown!” In short RIM is just offering a free scaled down version of BlackBerry Enterprise server for small businesses and midsized companies who do not want to invest in a full blown BlackBerry Enterprise server. I really hope RIM has a consumer solution up their sleeve since this is just a cost effective watered down BES 5.0 corporate solution.

To summarize this new BES Express works with Exchange 2010, 2007, and 2003 running on Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 or 2008. It can also be installed on the same server as Exchange, on its own server, and it is also VMware ESX certified. It will provide most of the features in BES such as:

  • Wirelessly synchronize their email, calendar, contacts, notes and tasks
  • Manage email folders and search email on the mail server remotely
  • Book meetings and appointments, check availability and forward calendar attachments
  • Set an out-of-office reply
  • Edit Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files using Documents To Go
  • Access files stored on the company network
  • Use mobile applications to access business systems behind the firewall
  • Over 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

It will not include support for:

  • BlackBerry Mobile Voice System
  • BlackBerry Clients for Microsoft Office Communications Server and IBM Lotus Sametime
  • IBM Lotus Connections
  • IBM Lotus Quickr
  • Chalk Pushcast Software

In short this is just a more cost effective BES for SMB. Honestly I really hope this is only half of RIM’s announcement since they are in dire need of a solution for consumers…

You can read more about BES Express at www.blackberry.com/besexpress

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