I know that devices managed under a BES plan can be wiped remotely by an admin. Why hasn't anyone developed a similar utility or stand alone application that "regular" BIS users can employ to wipe their own BlackBerries, such as when a phone gets lost or stolen? (I already know about the password-lockout feature, but that's not what I'm asking about.)

I know there are risks associated with such an app, but I'm curious. I would think there'd be a ready market for something like this.
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JohnC - Kechi, KS

nothing that I am aware of. Just run BPS Express out of your house and you can do this. Its free for 1 user and you can remote wipe.

Ya until Unite comes out.... I can't wait.

But you have to have the other parts of the puzzle right like exchange and so forth.

yeah, it installs on the same server however (BES recommends an additional server)

Features
BlackBerry® Professional Software delivers the reliability, features and security performance your employees need. And itxxx8217;s easy to set up and manage, so you can stay focused on running your business.

Simple Installation
Pre-install Assistant xxx8212; performs technical assessment of environment and informs user of issues before installation
Installs on existing server xxx8212; could be the same machine as your email server*
Defaults to recommended configuration
Ease of Management
Simplified BlackBerry Manager interface
Home screen is one-stop location for most management tasks
Wizard and quick links are provided for common functions (e.g. add/delete a user)
Simplified IT policy templates
Technical support options designed for your business
BlackBerry® Technical Support Services
BlackBerry Incident-based support (one free incident is included)
Advanced Security Features
End-to-end Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) or Triple Data Encryption Standard (Triple DES) encryption
Industry-recognized security certifications
Local encryption of all data
Learn more about the security features offered by the BlackBerry® Enterprise Solution.

IT Policies
IT policies and commands that enable IT administrators to:
Impose device lock-down
Wipe data from lost or stolen devices
Define and wirelessly enforce security settings such as Bluetooth® lockout and controlling access to voice calling

Sure, BES express is free... but there's a lot more to implementing a home BES that just downloading some software from RIM.

You need an Exchange server, or Domino Server set up in your house... which there are no free versions of.
You also need a BES data plan on your account, which many consumer-class users aren't going to automatically have.

You need your own domain name and DNS setup properly to host your own mailboxes on your internal network, etc...

It's a rather involved and complex project.

Telling someone to "Just run BPS Express out of your house" is really irresponsible without explaining the other factors and costs associated with a project like this.

You are correct that it isnt easy to set up. However currently the BPS or the BES are the only solutions for this. The BPS actually isnt nearly as difficult to install as a full blown BES. The pre-requisites you have listed are accurate, however if anyone goes to look for the BPS/BES solution those are listed on the webpage and in the installation instructions.

No demand, no perceived need, the feature is already part of BES (those who really need BES features tend to go with BES) -- any number of reasons.