RIM launches BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0

RIM launched BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0 which supports advanced IT administration features and smartphone controls that help improve the productivity of mobile workers and more effectively meet the demands of large-scale, mission critical enterprise deployments.

It enables a secure, centrally managed link between BlackBerry smartphones and enterprise systems, applications, corporate phone environments (with BlackBerry Mobile Voice System) and wireless networks.

It integrates with IBM Lotus Domino, Microsoft Exchange, and Novell GroupWise, and is designed to provide secure access to email, organizer data, instant messaging, voice (via BlackBerry MVS), browser and other enterprise applications. It also provides advanced security features and administrative tools that simplify the management and use of the BlackBerry solution within the enterprise.

IT management and administration features

• BlackBerry Administration Service, a new administration component with a web-based user interface that provides centralized management, monitoring and control of smartphone deployments and the complete BlackBerry system environment. IT staff can easily access the BlackBerry Administration Service from an Internet Explorer web browser.
• Role-based access controls allow IT administrators to delegate tasks to IT staff, either individuals or groups, and control access to IT functionality. Screen consoles display only the functions that are available to the individual IT administrator.
• Over-The-Air application deployment and device software updates can be better managed and controlled with job scheduling and throttling.
• IT administrative task scheduling supports the deployment of device, application and server updates at times that can help minimize impact on smartphone users and business operations.
• Mobile application management and deployment enhancements support the efficient management and control of applications across smartphone deployments.

Support for new smartphone features

• Remote access to Windows network file shares to allow smartphone users to securely retrieve, view, edit and email documents from behind the firewall.
• Flag emails for follow-up in the same way that flags are used in Microsoft Outlook.
• Create, move, browse, rename and delete email folders directly from the smartphone, and view and attach files from those folders to emails sent from the smartphone.
• View attachments in a meeting request or calendar entry, and forward calendar appointments with attachments.
• Easily manage personal and public distribution lists.
• Use of Calendar Meeting Delegation for IBM Lotus Domino, which allows attendees to delegate invitations to others from their BlackBerry smartphones.

BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0 has obtained Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level 4 (EAL 4+) certification. The Common Criteria is an international standard for validating that IT products meet specific security requirements. Certifications are recognized by 26 countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.