What is it?
Blackberry Enterprise Server (BES) is the middleware for the
Blackberry wireless platform. It connects to messaging and
collaboration software on enterprise networks to synchronise e-mail
and data between desktop and mobile software.
There are dedicated versions for the leading collaboration
suites, which provide access to Lotus and Exchange calendaring,
contacts and e-mail as well as .net and
Lotus Domino web services applications. BES, in conjunction
with the Blackberry Mobile Data System, also provides wireless
access to customer relationship management and other
applications.
Employers looking for Lotus Domino, Microsoft Exchange and
Novell's Groupwise skills are increasingly likely to ask for BES
experience.
Blackberry use is growing rapidly, with more than nine million
subscribers. This is predicted to reach 14 million next year, and
more than 24 million by 2009. Blackberry manufacturer Research in
Motion (RIM) has also announced that it is to begin licensing
applications to run on Windows Mobile devices, with potential
expansion to other platforms, including Symbian.
A rare overnight outage in North America early this year
revealed the extent to which some businesses and users are
dependent on their Blackberries Gartner said the incident could
"change perceptions", and "recast mobile messaging as highly
critical to organisations and individuals, particularly those that
rely on constant connectivity."
Some businesses have their own BES installations, and others use
third-party hosted services.
BES either plugs into proprietary technologies such as Exchange,
Visual Studio and Java ME, or makes use of open standards and
protocols. This enables businesses to build on existing
investments.
Where did it originate?
Canada-based RIM launched the Blackberry in 1999, initially as a
way of accessing e-mail via mobile phone networks. RIM says that
the Blackberry is now mainly used for internet access, customer
data access and personal information management.
What's it for?
BES includes its own development, deployment and administration
tools, and encryption and firewall-based security. The BES Resource
Kit is a collection of free downloadable tools for administrators,
including utilities for managing users, analysing traffic, and
updating policies.
What makes it special?
Push technology means that all new messages, calendar changes
and customer contact details are relayed straight to the
Blackberry, so the user always has access to the latest messages
and data.
How difficult is it to master?
Administrators can take three one-day courses (costing £529
each), taking them from "level one" to advanced skills, covering
the management interface, troubleshooting and day-to-day
management.
For developers with existing Java or Microsoft skills, the way
in is through the Blackberry Java Development Environment and
Blackberry Plug-in for Microsoft Visual Studio.
What's coming up?
The Blackberry 8820, the first Blackberry handset with built in
Wi-Fi connectivity can hop between cellular networks and voice over
IP on wireless networks.