Blackberry Professional Software and Exchange

[Kenazo]

One of our partners (accounting firm) wants a BlackBerry. We're currently running Exchange 2003 and make use of email, calendars, tasks, contacts etc... Pretty much every feature in exchange.

On of our other partners already has a Windows based smartphone that uses Exchange's activesync features to access all of those same features on their phone.

So can BlackBerry do something similar? It looks like BlackBerry's "Professional Software" would be the price point for us, but can it tie in to exchange's calendars, tasks and contacts? From what I understand, the "Enterprise Software" would, but we won't want to spend $3000+ for one user!

I personally think he should rather go for a Palm Treo 700w, since that would tie in very easily with our existing software. But his brother who "knows about computers" told him BlackBerry was the way to go.

By the way, he's wanting a BlackBerry Pearl 8130.

Any input?

 

[DivideBYZero]

BlackBerry Enterprise Server is free for SME's with under 10 users. This will allow full over the air sync with Exchange.

 

[Kenazo]

So they would have access to all of the same functionality available in Outlook? (email, tasks, calendar, contacts, etc?)

Do you have any info on this free license? I didn't see anything about it on BB's site.

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: Kenazo
So they would have access to all of the same functionality available in Outlook? (email, tasks, calendar, contacts, etc?)

Yes, but be aware public folders are tricky though (as they are with WinMo devices).

Do you have any info on this free license? I didn't see anything about it on BB's site.

Text. Free BES software + 1 free license. Additional licenses are about $100 apiece, up to 15 users, then you have to pony up for the paid version of BES.

Personally, I would avoid the Pearl and go with a full qwerty device, I don't care what anyone says, predictive text sucks.

 

[Kenazo]

When I click through "technical requirements" I get the message that

Thank you for your interest in the BlackBerry® solution. BlackBerry® Enterprise Server Express ? Small Business Edition is no longer available, however we are happy to introduce a new offering specifically designed for small and medium sized businesses.

Learn about BlackBerry® Professional Software Express!
OR, If your organization uses Novell® GroupWise®, learn about BlackBerry Enterprise Server Quick Start Edition.

http://na.blackberry.com/eng/s...ss.jsp#tab_tab_techreq

So, looks like that option isn't available any more?

What about this: http://na.blackberry.com/eng/s...ofessional_express.jsp

I presume it's the same sort of licensing arrangement (free for 1 user), but it is the "Professional Software". Does that allow access to our exchange features, as previously discussed?

 

[loup garou]

Same deal, different name. Looks like they also bumped Express up to 30 users, nice.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: loup garou

Originally posted by: Kenazo
So they would have access to all of the same functionality available in Outlook? (email, tasks, calendar, contacts, etc?)

Yes, but be aware public folders are tricky though (as they are with WinMo devices).

Do you have any info on this free license? I didn't see anything about it on BB's site.

Text. Free BES software + 1 free license. Additional licenses are about $100 apiece, up to 15 users, then you have to pony up for the paid version of BES.

Personally, I would avoid the Pearl and go with a full qwerty device, I don't care what anyone says, predictive text sucks.

Kenazo, the Pearl 2 (81xx) is a fantastic device. I have had every BB from the 7290 up and have most versions of each iteration at home and have used them on a corporate BES infrastructure. At the end of the day one mans meat is another mans poison. There is no bad device, just that which suits. I.E., let your man buy a Suretype device if he wants. The 4.3 OS on the P2 also has spell check, which is very nice.

Again, saying that the 83xx is also just as good but you get full QWERTY. My advice would be AVOID the 8800. It's a brick and has less fun features for when you're not in the mind to work.

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