BlackBerry unveils new server to access work email

BlackBerry unveils new server to access work emailToronto, Feb 17 - BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) Tuesday unveiled new server that will allow its smart phone users to wirelessly access their work or corporate email "without compromising security."

A RIM statement here said the free BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express software will meet many demands of two segments of its market.

First, the software will offer economical advantages to small and mid-sized businesses seeking enterprise-grade security and manageability of (its higher end) BlackBerry Enterprise Server without requiring all of its advanced features.

Second, the free software will enable IT departments to connect employees' personal BlackBerry smart phones to their work email and allow many other functions.

"BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express works with Microsoft Exchange 2010, 2007 and 2003 and Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2008 and 2003 to provide users with secure, push-based, wireless access to email, calendar, contacts, notes and tasks, as well as other business applications and enterprise systems behind the firewall. Importantly, the new server software utilizes the same robust security architecture found in BlackBerry Enterprise Server,'' the RIM statement said.

"Today we are announcing an exciting new offering that further expands the market opportunity for the BlackBerry platform,'' said RIM c-CEO Mike Lazaridis in the statement.

"In a marketplace where smart phones are becoming ubiquitous, BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express significantly raises the bar by providing a cost-effective solution that allows companies of all sizes to support enterprise-grade mobile connectivity for all employees without compromising security or manageability,'' the RIM co-CEO said.

Once the new server connects their smart phones to Microsoft Exchange or Microsoft Windows Small Business Server, BlackBerry users can wirelessly synchronize their email, calendar, contacts, notes and tasks.

Further, they can access files on the company network, manage email folders and search email on the mail server remotely, and set an out-of-office reply.

BlackBerry users can now also edit Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files using Documents To Go. They will also be able to use mobile applications to access business systems behind the firewall. (IANS)