|
Research in Motion has announced the launch of a software package that allows hosting service providers to offer BlackBerry wireless e-mail as a per user/per month service to small and midsize businesses (SMBs). The software, Hosted BlackBerry Enterprise Server, is targeted at hosting providers that already offer e-mail services to SMBs, based on Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino or Novell GroupWise applications. Through the new RIM software and handheld devices, these providers can now extend e-mail service wirelessly over cellular links to BlackBerry devices to the same customers. Yet another RIM product, BlackBerry Mobile Data System software, will also let these providers host an array of other mobile applications that can also be accessed by BlackBerry devices. RIM's software will enable hosting providers to sign up new customers that want wireless e-mail but do not wish to have, or cannot afford to invest in the IT infrastructure needed to support it. An RIM release said, "With Hosted BlackBerry Enterprise Server, these companies can access the same functionality and features as larger enterprise companies through a fully managed, secure hosted solution." After the settlement of a long-running patent dispute, RIM has recently reported surging subscriber growth. It has said that it has added 680,000 subscribers and also shipped 1.2 million devices in its first fiscal quarter this year. RIM now claims 5.5 million subscribers worldwide.
|
