Research in Motion (RIM) has released version 4.0 of its enterprise-oriented server push email software.

Blackberry Enterprise Server 4.0 focus on improving IT departments' ability to manage and monitor mobile device assets, primarily through centralised application installation and data-push controls.

RIM also touted BES 4's improved application development tools through a new Java Development Environment that supports J2ME along with new web browser and telephony APIs.

Server-to-device traffic can now be protected using AES encryption, as can data and passwords on the device itself. Device lock and wipe commands can be issued wirelessly. Handhelds can also be synchronised with a desktop PC wirelessly.

End users will see faster web browsing, the company claimed, now that BES supports web page queuing, to grab requested sites even if the client temporarily loses network coverage. The server software will now forward JPEG, GIF, BMP, TIFF and PNG files to mobile devices. It will also track changes made to email attachments.

RIM has added simultaneous searching across the Blackberry's PIM applications, and added a number of extra fields and categories to the address book, memo pad and task apps. Incoming appointment suggestions can now be accepted provisionally for later confirmation. Users now get a speed dial function.

BES 4 runs alongside IBM's Lotus Domino and Microsoft Exchange and costs $3999 for a 20-user licence, or $2999 for a single-user licence, on a one-off basis. Extra users cost from $99 a seat. Existing users are advised to contact RIM for upgrade pricing. ®

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