Well you know how RIM likes to make promises? They have finally delivered on one they made months ago by partnering together with Verizon to release the small business oriented BlackBerry Professional Software. This software is more of a watered down BES for 30 or less users.
You can read the glorious press release below:
BlackBerry Professional Software Offers Verizon Wireless Customers a Cost-Effective Enterprise-Grade Mobile Solution BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY and WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Jan. 31, 2008) – Verizon Wireless, the company with the nation’s most reliable wireless voice and data network, and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM), a global leader in wireless innovation, today announced the availability of BlackBerry(R) Professional Software, a wireless e-mail and data solution specifically designed for small- and medium-sized businesses. Based on the core functionality of BlackBerry(R) Enterprise Server, BlackBerry Professional Software gives smaller organizations enterprise-grade security, control and performance for a fraction of the cost.
“Our small business customers now have a mobility solution that allows user-friendly wireless access to e-mail, calendar, Internet, and intranet applications with advanced security,” said Rob Miller, vice president – marketing for Verizon Wireless. “BlackBerry Professional Software from Verizon Wireless addresses the needs of small businesses for an in-house solution that is affordable, simple to install and easy to manage.”
Providing access for up to 30 wireless users, BlackBerry Professional Software can be installed onto a company’s in-house Microsoft(R) Exchange or IBM(R) Lotus(R) Domino(R) messaging and collaboration server, eliminating the need for additional hardware and operating system licenses. The solution tightly integrates with the messaging server to provide synchronized and secure wireless access to e-mail, calendar, contacts, notes, tasks, and other applications.
BlackBerry Professional Software provides smaller companies with the protection that is trusted and accredited by organizations around the world. BlackBerry Professional Software also provides support for Java- and Internet-based applications. As a result, customers can develop custom Java- or Internet-based applications for mobile employees and use any of the thousands of third party applications developed for the BlackBerry platform.
BlackBerry Professional Software is available from Verizon Wireless for up to five users for $549.99, or $849.00 for up to 10 users. Both options can be expanded to support up to 30 wireless users with the purchase of additional standard Client Access Licenses (CALs) and can easily be upgraded to the BlackBerry Enterprise Server as the organization grows. The software is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian. Existing Verizon Wireless customers using BlackBerry Enterprise Server – Small Business Edition can upgrade to BlackBerry Professional Software at no charge by going to www.blackberry.com/go/professionaldownload and downloading the software. Customers who opt for the BlackBerry Professional Software will want to choose from Verizon Wireless Nationwide Email Calling Plans starting at $79.99 monthly access for 450 voice minutes and an unlimited data allowance for e-mail and Web browsing.
Verizon Wireless offers a host of business applications and solutions for a variety of industries – from distribution, construction, manufacturing, and healthcare to retail, professional services, government, and public safety. To learn more about Verizon Wireless’ offerings for business customers, customers can go to www.verizonwireless.com or contact their Verizon Wireless Sales Representative at 1-800-VZW-4BIZ.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 65.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE:VOD) and (LSE:VOD). For more information, go to: www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
About Research In Motion (RIM)
Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM’s portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry(R) wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld(TM) product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (NASDAQ:RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.
Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words such as “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the initiation or outcome of litigation, acts or potential acts of terrorism, international conflicts, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM’s products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights, and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM’s periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities. RIM has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. RIM assumes no liability and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee in relation to third party products or services.
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