As the leading cellular network in SA, Vodacom has further entrenched itself with the launch of the latest device options to access the BlackBerry communication solution.
New device options for BlackBerry services on the Vodacom network include the Sony Ericsson P910i, the Motorola MPx220 and Siemens SK65. Through Research In Motion`s (RIM`s) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) licensing programme, Vodacom customers can choose the proven BlackBerry architecture while having greater device choice.
Vodacom was first to launch BlackBerry to the South African market in February 2005, revolutionising mobile communication for many individual and business customers.
Since March 2005, a range of business customers, including multinationals and smaller businesses, have implemented the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution from Vodacom, to mobilise their workforce. The seamless integration of the BlackBerry solution with corporate e-mail platforms including Microsoft Exchange and IBM Lotus Domino, are very popular with business customers who need to stay connected while out of the office.
Users choosing one of the BlackBerry Connect enabled devices will find the handset manufacturer`s user interface and applications, such as the Windows Mobile operating system (Motorola MPx220) or the Symbian operating system (Sony Ericsson P910i), easy and familiar to use.
The Siemens SK65 with BlackBerry Built-In, will allow users to experience the popular BlackBerry user interface and applications.
BlackBerry Connect and BlackBerry Built-In both offer the core benefits of the proven BlackBerry communication solution, including `push` technology, advanced security features, centralised IT management and policy control of all devices deployed by the enterprise.
A comparison of key features between the BlackBerry Connect and BlackBerry Built-In are summarised in the table below:
BlackBerry Connect v2.0
(SonyEricsson P910i and Motorola MPx220)
BlackBerry Built-In v3.8
(Siemens SK 65)
Overview:
Uses the existing user interface and applications on the non-RIM device to connect to the BlackBerry services
Uses the BlackBerry user interface and applications on the non-RIM device to connect to the BlackBerry services
User experience
* Users enjoy the existing user interface and applications such as Windows Mobile or Symbian operating system experience.
* Users enjoy the popular BlackBerry user interface and applications which may include e-mail, calendar, contacts, browser, memo pad and tasks.
How does it work?
* Only the transport stack is integrated into the non-RIM devices.
* Allows non-RIM devices to connect to the BlackBerry Enterprise Server for access to corporate e-mail and/or to the BlackBerry Internet Service for access to Internet e-mail.
* A BlackBerry client is pre-loaded onto the device, therefore the transport stack as well as BlackBerry user interface and applications are available.
* Allows non-RIM devices to connect to the BlackBerry Enterprise Server for access to corporate e-mail and secure data access to back-end business applications and/or to the BlackBerry Internet Service for access to Internet e-mail.
Features
Supported features include**:
* The handset manufacturer`s user interface
* "Push"-based wireless e-mail access
* Triple DES encryption
* Wireless e-mail and calendar synchronisation for corporate users
* Remote address lookup
* Attachment viewing
* IT policy enforcement and commands for corporate users
Supported features include**:
* The popular BlackBerry user interface
* "Push"-based wireless e-mail access
* Triple DES encryption
* Wireless e-mail and calendar synchronisation for corporate users
* Remote address lookup
* Attachment viewing
* Additional IT policy enforcements and commands for corporate users
* Secure data access to back-end business applications
** = It may require BlackBerry Enterprise Server. Features listed in this table may differ between the BlackBerry Enterprise Server and BlackBerry Internet Service as well as between different cellphones which may offer BlackBerry Connect or BlackBerry Built-In.
Vodacom intends to extend the range of BlackBerry Connect and BlackBerry Built-In device options available within a few months from this initial launch to include devices from other handset manufacturers.
Commenting on the news, Pieter Uys, Vodacom Chief Operating Officer, said: "BlackBerry is proving to be a very popular service for Vodacom customers and we are excited to offer our customers the latest device choices. Vodacom is proud to be offering the popular BlackBerry service on so many additional devices, and will continue to lead the telecommunications industry, providing wireless communications solutions for enterprise and individual users."
Uys added: "Vodacom - through its alliance with Vodafone - is able to lead the industry in bringing first-class wireless communications technologies to SA. With BlackBerry Connect and BlackBerry Built-In, business professionals now have secure access to e-mail on a variety of devices."
Vodacom customers now have the choice of accessing their BlackBerry services on a wider range of handsets with BlackBerry Connect and BlackBerry Built-In. With BlackBerry from Vodacom, you are always in contact - whenever you need it, and wherever you go.
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