Wireless I.Q. Weblog

RIM replaces BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express with BlackBerry Professional Software Express

May 30, 2008 on 10:58 am | In Uncategorized | No Comments

Edit: Wireless I.Q. is pleased to announce that we are offering the BlackBerry Enterprise Server, BlackBerry Professional Software, Client Access Licenses and Technical Support Contracts.  Let us help you choose the right solution for your needs.

You can email me at ben@wirelessiqllc.com for more information, including current promotions.

Ever since Microsoft released Exchange 2003 with ActiveSync, BlackBerry has tried to position a free wireless sync alternative to the BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES).  Originally, BlackBerry offered BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express.  This allowed small businesses to have a cost effective option to implement RIM’s wireless solution.  The BES Express and one client access license (CAL) was offered at no charge.  Each additional CAL would have to be purchased for more BlackBerry users and the BES Express limited the amount of total BlackBerry users to 15.

RIM has now replaced BES Express with BlackBerry Professional Software Express.  BPS Express is similar to BES, but does not have all of its counterpart’s capabilities.  One big difference is that BPS Express can have up to 30 total users without having to purchase the server, making it a good choice for small and medium sized businesses.

Read on for more information…

BlackBerry Professional Software Express has many similar capabilities to BES.  It allows for wireless synchronization between Outlook and BlackBerry supported devices.  So if you add a contact or calendar entry into Outlook, the server automatically puts it in the BlackBerry and vice versa.  It will also sync tasks and memo pad entries wirelessly with outlook.  There is no need to use that USB cable to sync your content.  A big advantage is the synchronization of sent email items from the BlackBerry.  If you are currently pushing email via POP settings, your sent items from your device never show up in Outlook and sent items in Outlook never show up on your BlackBerry.  BPS Express would allow this capability.

A great security feature of BPS Express is the ability to remotely lock or wipe a device.  If a BlackBerry is ever lost or stolen, you can easily lock the device until it is found or wipe the contents completely, allowing your proprietary information to be safeguarded.

There are a few downfalls to the BPS Express beside having a limit of 30 total users.  This software does not allow for enterprise Instant Messaging (IM) applications like the BES does.  Also, you cannot push applications directly to the device over the air (OTA).  All applications would have to be loaded through BlackBerry Desktop Manager using a USB cable connected to your computer.  Most of the time, these types of applications are beneficial for large companies managing many email accounts.  You should be able to get by just fine with 30 or less users.

Some businesses may still find it more cost effective to utilize a hosted Microsoft Exchange service.  Our hosted Exchange service allows for BlackBerry Enterprise Server to be used, without having to worry about installing or maintaining any hardware or software.  Please contact me for more information on this service.

Click here to read more information about the BlackBerry Professional Software Express and to check the minimum requirements needed to install it.

You may also contact us with any questions or comments regarding this post.

Ben Marcel
ben@wirelessiqllc.com
www.wirelessiqllc.com