What is a Hosted BlackBerry Service?

A BlackBerry is a handheld device that is primarily designed for email communication, although it does have other functions. Created by Reasearch In Motion (RIM), the BlackBerry connects to wireless networks and allows users to email and browse the net. Recent models also have phone capabilities.

BlackBerry = Palm / Pocket PC/ Treo ?:

No. Pocket PCs and other PDAs of the like are basically downsized computers that also include email capabilities, whereas the BlackBerry is designed specifically for email. Unlike them, it cannot store documents like word processing or spreadsheet files, except for email attachments. It can only do so for email. Another big difference between the BlackBerry and the other PDAs is that it runs an operating system different from theirs for example a Windows Mobile device, yes you guessed it, runs a cut down version of the Microsoft Windows Operating System. 

The BlackBerry handheld device has now evolved in such a way that the difference between it and other PDAs is depleting, with features that were not found in earlier versions. The demarcation line has finally become so blurred between it and the other PDAs that it is all seemingly boiling down to a mere matter of brand.

Here is what you can do with a hosted BlackBerry service:

BlackBerry's Basic Functions

• Email - This is the primary reason d'etre of the BlackBerry. For email, you need to subscribe to data plans whose price can be unlimited or traffic-based.
• Phone - Like with mobile phones, a service is required, which can be call-based or unlimited. Now that VoIP has come to the BlackBerry, phone calls are becoming more interesting and cheap.
• Browsing - A BlackBerry has an integrated browser for Web surf. Here again, data service is required.
• Camera and Video Recording - Some models come with a 2.0 megapixel camera.
• Social Networking and Instant Messaging - The camera and video recording allows capturing and sending photos and other multimedia files to social contacts online through networks like Facebook; along and reading and posting messages.
• GPS G- lobal Positioning System allows you to use your device for geographical tracking and locations, based on satellites.
• Organizer Tools - The BlackBerry carries handy tools like a calendar, calculator, address book, memo pad etc.

What do I need to be able to receive email?

before you can receive email on your BlackBerry device you need to subscribe to an email service. There are two services that can be used by BlackBerry handheld users, these are BES, which stands for BlackBerry Enteprise Server and BIS which stands for BlackBerry Internet Service.

Hosted BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES)

BES is mainly used by medium to large sized companies and is a server based product which communicates with an Exchange Server. Using BES your BlackBerry is always up to date with your office copy of Outlook because your latest email, contacts, calendar and tasks are pushed to your BlackBerry device which syncronises your BlackBerry device with your mailbox back at the office, this syncronisation happens over the air. It is fair to say that a BES solution can be expensive and can also put additional strain on your Exchange environment if not planned and implemented properly and this is why most small companies do not implement this technology but outsource this to us. Incontech can provide your business with a hosted BlackBerry solution as soon as you sign up for our hosted Exchange 2007 services. Let us manage the complexities of an Exchange and BES solution and start making the most of your BlackBerry device.

BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS)

BIS on the other hand is a much more basic service which will deliver email to your phone but does not provide you with the advanced features that BES does such as calendar, contacts or tasks syncronisation. BIS just provides you with the ability to receive email from up to 10 POP or IMAP based email acconts. For example you may have a POP email account with BT and have an email address similar to the following:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , you can configure BIS to send any email that is sent to this account to your BlackBerry handheld device. Likewise you can configure your Hosted Exchange 2007 account to work in conjunction with BIS you just wont get calendar, tasks and contacts syncronisation until you link your device to your office computer via a cabled connection. Incontech do not actually provide the BIS service, this is supplied by your mobile communications operatore i.e. Orange or T-Mobile etc.