Experts on Blackberry Enterprise Server (BES)

Blackberry Enterprise Server can be used with three different types of collaboration software. The first of these different software packages would be the Microsoft Exchange server. However, the Blackberry Enterprise Server software will also work with Novell GroupWise and Lotus Domino. Though the Blackberry Enterprise Server can be used with these different types of collaboration software, it is designed to work on a server running Microsoft Windows.

The earlier versions of Blackberry Enterprise Server had different installation packages for each of the different collaboration software, for example, version 2.2 for Lotus Domino and version 3.6 for Microsoft Exchange. Though versions after 4.0 use an integrated code base, each email platform still has separate distributions to run the email part of the Blackberry Enterprise Server. The code will still be installed and managed by a dedicated Information Technology person. This person is normally called the Blackberry Enterprise Server Administrator.

One of the latest versions of Blackberry Enterprise Server is version 4.1.4, also called Blackberry Enterprise Server for Applications. With this version of Blackberry Enterprise Server, the device owner does not have to have an email account to access the wireless gateway provided by the server. This allows the device owner more freedom in how they use their Blackberry.

The Blackberry Enterprise Server includes its own messaging software called Blackberry Instant Messenger. This messaging software is included on Blackberry Enterprise Server version 4.1 and newer. Like any other messaging software, this software allows you to instantly communicate with anyone else that is using a Blackberry device. Since this instant message program runs through the Blackberry Enterprise Server, you can only send messages to others who are also running the Blackberry Enterprise Server. This is especially helpful when you are working with someone who works at the same company. Since you know you are both using the Blackberry Enterprise Server, you do not need to worry about whether they also have the Blackberry Instant Messenger.

In addition to using Blackberry Instant Messenger, the newest Blackberry devices allow you to use any other web based instant messaging software. The ability to use instant messaging software allows you to stay in touch with your contacts no matter where you are on the road. Though these other instant messaging services are not supported through Blackberry Enterprise Server, they are available through the Blackberry device itself. If you are trying to communicate with a client or someone else who is not using the Blackberry Enterprise Server, it is very helpful to be able to use other instant messaging software.

There are many advantages of running Blackberry Enterprise Server rather than simply using the Internet access that comes with your Blackberry device. With the Blackberry Enterprise Server, you can push your company’s wireless Information Technology policies through to each Blackberry device. Additionally, when you have issues with your Blackberry wireless device, the Blackberry Enterprise Server keeps log files on events that occur during operation. These log files are called the Blackberry Enterprise Server Event log. These log files are similar to the log files that are saved when you are running Microsoft Windows Server. Another component of the Blackberry Enterprise Server is the Blackberry Attachment Service. This service converts attachments to a format that can be opened on the Blackberry wireless device.

When you use Blackberry Enterprise Server, not only can you synchronize your email between the Blackberry device and your computer, but also you can synchronize any calendar appointments. This synchronization will help you avoid missing any appointments, meetings, or meeting requests sent through your collaboration software. You can also synchronize your contacts between your Blackberry device and your desktop computer, so you have the same information available no matter where you are. With the synchronization utility, you do not need to remember to transfer your meetings and contacts to your Blackberry wireless device to prepare yourself for traveling to a client location.

In addition to the Blackberry Attachment Service, Blackberry Messaging Agent and Blackberry Policy Service, there are many other optional components to the Blackberry Enterprise Server. The Blackberry Controller monitors the Blackberry services, including starting stopped or failed services up to ten times in a row. All communication between the Blackberry components passes through the Blackberry Dispatcher. The Blackberry MDS Connection Service pushes requests from Intranet applications, where the Blackberry MDS Communication Service, also known as the Apache Tomcat Service, sends both Internet and Intranet web browsing commands to and receives the commands from the Blackberry Dispatcher Service. The Blackberry Router routes both incoming and outgoing data to the wireless device. This component provides the link between the Blackberry Enterprise Server and the Server Routing Protocol. The Blackberry Synchronization Service works with the Blackberry Messaging Agent to provide backup and synchronization services for contacts, tasks, and notes.

In addition to enforcing your company’s wireless Information Technology policies, the Blackberry Policy Service sets the commands for locking and remotely wiping the device. The Blackberry Messaging Agent creates the initial security encryption key. However, the Blackberry Policy Service will generate new encryption keys to keep the wireless interface secure. Though there may not be many instances of the Blackberry Enterprise Service being hacked or broken into, the encryption key will help keep your data secure.

The Blackberry Enterprise Server Event log provides many different log files to track any issues that have occurred with the Blackberry Enterprise Server and the various components that you have installed on the server. The list of log files generated by the Blackberry Enterprise Server will vary according to which version of the Blackberry Enterprise Server you have installed. Since the list of log files depends on both these issues, the list of log files available to you may be different from server to server.

For data services, there are log files for the Mobile Data Services (MDAT), the MDS Services (MDSS), and MDS Discovery Services (MDSS-DISCOVERY). Connectors and controller log files include the Blackberry Controller (CTRL), Management Connector (CMNG), Exchange PIM Connector (CEXC), and Backup Connector (CBCK). If there are problems with the Blackberry Enterprise Server, there is a BES Alert log (ALRT). Problems with the Blackberry SyncServer will be saved in the SYNC log file. The remaining log files include the Blackberry Instant Messenger (BBIM), Blackberry User Administration Service (BBUA), Blackberry Mailbox Agent (MAGT), a Phone call log, and a log file for issues with the Router services.

The Blackberry Enterprise Server Resource Kit, also called the BRK, is a free download from Research in Motion. The BRK includes a number of resources and tools to make the Blackberry Enterprise Server administration more manageable. To determine which version of the BRK to download, you will need to know what version of the Blackberry Enterprise Server you are currently running.

Included in the Blackberry Enterprise Server Resource Kit are tools that check the log files and usage patterns of the individual users. Administrators are able to perform phone and user administration. They can track messages that have not yet been delivered to the Blackberry users. They can check for users that may be out of the coverage area, by checking when each individual user has connected to the Blackberry Enterprise server by sending and receiving email. The Blackberry Enterprise Server administrators and monitor the logs for certain events, allowing the administrator to set a task that should be performed when this event occurs. There is also a tool to allow administrators to monitor the event logs in real time. This can enable a Blackberry Enterprise Server administrator to know when events occur that need immediate attention.

When you go to the Blackberry Enterprise Server website, you can use any of the support options they offer. There are support boards where you can search for information on how to fix an issue. You can find directions on how to install the Blackberry Enterprise Server to work with the particular collaboration software that you are going to be using. The Blackberry Enterprise Server website has manuals and how-to instructions for all aspects of the Blackberry Enterprise Server. If you cannot find the answer to your installation problem, you may be able to find the answer in the developer knowledge base. The knowledge base articles are searchable, to make it easier for you to find the support answer that you need.

If you cannot find the answer to your problem on the Blackberry Enterprise Server website, you can pay the people at Research In Motion to provide technical support. You can pay for the technical support on an as-needed basis, so you do not need to worry that you are paying for support that you will not need. When you download the Blackberry Enterprise Server software, you get one free support incident. Then, you will need to pay for technical support.

In early 2007, the company that developed the Blackberry wireless device, Research in Motion, started offering a free version of the Blackberry Enterprise Server, called Blackberry Enterprise Server Express. This smaller program is a free download from the Blackberry website. It supports one Blackberry for free, but you can upgrade the program to support an additional 14 Blackberry wireless devices. If you find you need a different version of the Blackberry Enterprise Server, you can upgrade to the full version of the Blackberry Enterprise Server from the Blackberry Enterprise Server Express.

Due to the popularity of the Blackberry Enterprise Server Express, Research in Motion no longer offers the free version of the Blackberry Enterprise Server. However, on the Blackberry website, the Blackberry Enterprise Server Express is called the Blackberry Server Small Business Edition. The small business edition of Blackberry Enterprise Server initially supports 5 client access licenses, or 5 Blackberry wireless devices. You can purchase an additional 10 licenses for a total of 15 licenses. However, if you need more than 15 licenses, it is suggested that you upgrade to the Blackberry Enterprise Server. The small business edition supports Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Domino, and Novell GroupWise.

If you do not wish to purchase the Blackberry Enterprise Server for your business, or if you outsource all your current hosting and email, you can purchase hosting for your Blackberry Enterprise Server through the Blackberry website. This will allow you to use the Blackberry Enterprise Server without having to purchase the software or the server hardware. Additionally, you will not need to have someone on your staff that knows how to administer the Blackberry Enterprise Server. Instead, you can search for a company that hosts the Blackberry Enterprise Server that can resell the service to you for your small business.

Small businesses benefit from the Blackberry Enterprise Server as much as the bigger businesses do. They simply do not have the overhead to run the server on their own without a large outlay of resources and manpower. With the ability to outsource the Blackberry Enterprise Server through another company, they are put on even footing with the larger businesses and are able to compete accordingly. If your company already runs the Blackberry Enterprise Server and is a hosting and wireless solutions company, you can contact Research in Motion to offer to resell your Blackberry Enterprise Solution hosting to small businesses.