Folks,

We're moving a number of users from network BIS to BESexpress/BBerryPro - and starting to set the devices up.

However, we're using VMWare, so USB isn't connecting. No problem, a quick google finds mention of the Remote Manager being the solution. Just install it on the administrator's own desktop, USB locally, and job's a good 'un.

But.

Where the heck is the remote manager hiding? I can't find hide nor hair of a download source for it. It's BES 4.1, so remote manager 4.1 I need.

Am I missing something blindingly obvious here?
<scratches head>

Cheers,
Adrian.

Why do you need USB support? I've never heard of Remote Manager.

Run the same BES install you used on the server on your desktop and take the option at the relevant moment to install the Manager.

If you are running Lotus Notes v8 as a client then you will need to do a brief registry change to allow the install to continue. Basically the install checks for the key for Notes\7.0 and if it doesn't find it the option to install the Manager isn't there.

USB support's needed to assign the device to the user... isn't it?

As for where did I hear of the remote manager - KB11958 at RIM's support site.

just set their ea password and activate, the blackberry can run completely independent of a computer

Thanks, David - but there's no obvious Remote Manager install option. Could it be different for BESlite/BBerry Pro than full-fat BES?

<goes and prods>
Ah. No, it's a full install, just against a remote database... Seems to be working. Thanks a lot for that!

You're welcome, have to say I have never used it for that, i use it for monitoring.

All my activations are done OTA, issue the password, tell the user what it is and have them complete the relevant screen on the BB and then go for lunch while it finishes.

OK... but how do you tell it what device to send the OTA message to? If I click on "Assign device", it says "No device connected"...

You don't have to assign the device - by generating the activation password you've put the user into a status where the device will get assigned when they activate.

The activation password is sent via email (if auto generated) or you can set it and tell them verbally.

You're over thinking it ;)

I like the fact by using it the EA OTA email looks like it was sent form me and not get asked questions about the email account like

who is besadmin? should i trust that email? How did you send it?

You don't touch the device, the user puts their email address and the password you have just issued into their BB, Options - Advanced - Enterprise Activation, and the BES/RIM/BB does the rest. At that point your BES assigns the device to the account.

Hmmm. I've tried that, and it ain't working... Hiho, back in there on Monday.

Define "it ain't working", LOL

At this point i would be tempted to check with the carrier that the account is correctly provisioned.

It sits there, claiming to be activating, then eventually fails after about 30min+.

They've been working fine against the carrier's BIS up until now, so I don't think that's the issue.

Important words there, BIS provisioning is different from BES provisioning. BES is usually dearer. Check you have the Enterprise plan.

<looks very surprised>
I will do. Ta.

O2 in the UK, if anybody knows for sure - we're checking with them, but...

Our UK based people are O2 but i am not the one who deals with them so can't pass comment on their pricing. I am just the poor unlucky BES Admin who has to make it work.

Yeah we are on Voda in the UK and they used to mess it up a lot. Have to agree with the guys about OTA EA, I wouldn't do it any other way unless you have a serious OTA issue and really need to use DM.

Oh and yeah BES pricing does tend to be the dearer one thus easier to spot, but I find it best to get them to read you a list of the options and you should be able to sopt the BES one.

And O2 have come back to us. It's not an account issue, and they don't - apparently - make any differentiation on BES/BIS provisioning. It's that these particular SIM cards don't support BES, so are being swapped out.

Apparently. He says, from the receiving end of a quick game of Chinese Whispers.

<bangs head on desk>