Environment is

400 users on BES 4.1.3.19 for Domino using MSDE.
220 users on BES 2.2.3.11 for Domino using the old-way .nsf databases.

I want to consolidate to single BES, so I built a new BES 4.1.6.39 for Domino using SQL on a separate box. (Obviously with number of users can't do MSDE on a single box).

My plan was to migrate users in waves, and want it to be seamless.

In tesing, I have discovered that when using the "import users from legacy bes" function from the 4.1.3 BES, although user can send/receive mail okay, it breaks their attachment service and ability to delete off mailbox and handheld. If I try to do an EA at that point to fix those items, I get errors regarding policy and prompted to wipe handheld first. I really don't want users wiping handhelds.

(Freshly added users to new BES work fine, and I haven't even tried the 2.2 BES)

I've explored the "knife edge" option, but would have the added consideration of migrating MSDE to SQL.

Why is the "import" function there, if it doesn't actually work?

I would certainly migrate the MSDE to SQL and then knife-edge the 400 users, that will be the easiest way to achieve the first step. As for the old system, i have no idea and you may be best served in calling RIM T-Support for that one.

I would do the same. As for 2.2, support might have no clue and you might have to re actvate them all on the new BES. Lucky its the smaller bunch.

Thanks for the feedback, I agree that's going to be the best solution.

As for the 220 on the old BES, that's all the International based users, so they aren't used to doing EA anyway so it will actually be beneficial to have them EA. They will be happier not to have to use Desktop Manager to sync!

Send out an email and ask if anyone want a kewl upgrade on their BB so they dont want to use DM anymore. If most bite then send out email telling the rest that they have to.

Make it look like an upgrade to them and they will want to.
Thats how I got most here to upgrade the OS on thier BB.