Small firms get free BlackBerry taster
RIM, the maker of BlackBerry handhelds, is giving new small business users the chance to sample its full enterprise server functionality for free.
Blackberry Enterprise Server v4.1 Express, launched on Wednesday, can be downloaded from the company’s Web site and includes one client access licence (CAL). It is, however, only available to those who purchase at least one new device, and requires that device’s PIN for registration.
James Hart, RIM’s marketing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, told ZDNet UK the release was aimed at the single user.
"In the past they would have gone for the BlackBerry Internet Server, which uses third party email services," he said.
"A lot of people find that is sufficient at a prosumer level, but we felt there was a gap in the market. People wanted the reliability of an enterprise server."
RIM already offers a single-user CAL, which this new release undercuts. It's possible to purchase up to 14 further CALs for the Express edition. RIM, though, expects that once an small business has trialled the "full robust server experience" it will opt to upgrade to a higher-end product such as the BES Small Business Edition, which includes up to 15 CALs.
"If you want to add users [to Blackberry Enterprise Server v4.1 Express] you have to purchase additional client licences, up to 15," said Hart. "If you go beyond 15 then you have to upgrade with an electronic key. It would be better to go for the full version."
Hart denied that BES Express was a counter-attack against Windows Mobile 5.0 devices, which also have push-email capabilities.
"This is something that we know the market requires," he said. "All new users say they want the BlackBerry server experience without the initial outlay. We offer a whole range of additional benefits -- 60 days' free technical support and the most secure mobile solution in the UK."
BlackBerry devices were recently accredited by UK government technical security adviser CESG, meaning they can be used for handling restricted information.