[sj2007]

So what's the purpose of a BES is what I have to build a doc, a case for at my work.

Currently i have about 40-60 users all using an imap sync to our mail server.

I have to convince upper management and come up with a good strategy.

Where to start and what are some things I should mention ?

What benefit to the existing user will there be ?

-faster messaging ?
-calendars synching ?

[knottyrope]

BlackBerry - BlackBerry Enterprise Server for Microsoft Exchange

BlackBerry - BlackBerry Enterprise Server for Microsoft Exchange

Is this a start?

[sj2007]

definitely..

[jsconyers]

Wireless synchronization of PIM (Calendar, contacts, notes, tasks). Security! IT policies, force passwords, disable camera if they're forbidden in your firm, etc. There are lots of pros for going to the BES solution. The con would be cost.

[sj2007]

i get resistance because wireless calendaring is not a big feature..

the users and mgmt give me the talk about "its simply another server that IT will control, and I now have to hand over control of my blackberry that I bought ? "

[Frank Castle]

Well you my friend have a battle around personal liable or company liable on your hands. What is the direction your company wants to proceed with? I guess if you don't have major security concerns and have to worry about NPI data BES might be overkill.

Outside of the major security / management aspect BES does provide a number of nice features for the end user:

Remote email lookup
Wireless reconcile / purge deleted items
Attachment support
Global address lookup
VPN access to internal websites via MDS
View calendar free/busy

Also from the management end you get full asset reporting and if the company foots the bill you can do user modeling to profile their usage (low, med, heavy) so you can prove out your ROI.

[sj2007]

just a recent thought ?

will the users be able to create out of office notifications on their BB device ?

if so, that is a huge selling point

[mahoward]

Wow. I am spoiled because in our firm the attorneys demand BB's and are willing to pay whatever it takes. Having to "sell" the idea of BB's to people is just.... well I feel for you.

Maybe if you are in a business where the difference between a 20 second push to device from receipt of an email on the server to a 15 minute "poll" via IMAP doesn't matter, but we certainly aren't!

[knottyrope]

Originally Posted by sj2007

i get resistance
the users and mgmt give me the talk about "its simply another server that IT will control, and I now have to hand over control of my blackberry that I bought ? "

Yep another server, BES licenses, Cooling, Server license, Policies, who is in control of what, personal vs bussiness, can read my txt's and tracking my calls, etc.

Or they could get iPhones. Works well with exchange here for they few that want em.

[Frank Castle]

Yes I forgot being able to turn OOO on/off as well edit is included with BES.