RIM re-targets SMEs with free server software
PrintCost of entry lowered
Posted in Small Biz, 3rd May 2006 14:11 GMT
Free whitepaper – PowerEdge M610 technical guidebook
Research in Motion (RIM) is offering a free copy of its BlackBerry server software in the hope of persuading more small businesses to buy into its push email service, long perceived as a big-business offering.
The SME version is - functionally, at least - identical to the BlackBerry Enterprise Server standard offering, version 4.1. Dubbed BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express, the software can be downloaded and used to provide email services - assuming the user has a suitable data deal with a mobile phone carrier - to a single user. Companies can buy licences to provide email for up to 14 more users.
Anyone wanting to support more than 15 users needs to upgrade to BlackBerry Enterprise Server 4.1, for which they'll need to purchase an electronic key to convert the download from Express to the full version.
RIM said the Express software will run alongside Microsoft Exhange, Lotus Domino, and Novell Groupwise. To download the software, users need to own at least one Blackberry device - you need its PIN to authorise the download.
RIM already offers a SME-oriented version of its server software, BlackBerry Enterprise Server Small Business Edition, but as it wants $1,099 for it from US customers, the Express release does mark something of a saving. Extra user licences cost $99, in addition to the cost of the devices they will use and the BlackBerry service subscription.
As RIM makes most of its money from hardware sales, it can undoubtedly afford to subsidise its server software this way, particularly if it encourages smaller companies to take advantage of its offer. ®
You can download the software here.
What Exchange can't do - and Dell can
Automating the Acquisition Process with Enterprise Level CRM
10 Strategies for Choosing a Midmarket ERP Solution
Enabling the Agile Data Center
10 Steps to a Successful CRM Implementation
Dirty, dirty PCs: The X-rated picture guide
Top 500 supers - rise of the Linux quad-cores
Early adopters bloodied by Ubuntu's Karmic Koala
Sign up, sign up for The Register IT security newsletter