BlackBerry – Wireless customers vs BES Owners

One of the great attractions of today’s BlackBerry mobile “smart phone” is how simple it is for anyone to purchase and start using.  Originally it was specifically designed for business and large enterprise use, first introduced in 1999 (code named “Leapfrog”).  Today, BlackBerry smartphones are available for purchase by anyone at thousands of retail outlets.  Every major wireless vendor (i.e. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless etc) can sell and activate service for BlackBerry devices.

In my prior post ”What Makes The BlackBerry So Different” I discussed what the BES (BlackBerry Enterprise Server)is.  We know every BlackBerry device requires association via a PIN with special BES software to perform all potential functions.  So is there any difference between what an individual (like a teen, parent or solo entrepreneur) gets when they purchase compared with a companythat has it’s own BES?  The answer is YES!  Many customers have little or no idea what those differences are, or if they are getting all that they paid for from their device. 

Buying and using a BlackBerry is actually a 3-party, NOT a 2-party relationship. 

1.  YELLOW(E-mail Sources) represents the email servers from which your emails originate or pass through when coming from other people.  These may include many types of servers; Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Notes, Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail etc.
2.  RED (RIM / BES) – represents the required BES (BlackBerry Enterprise Server) software, a critical component for making the overall system work.  The owner / operator of this server controls which features are available and the cost.
3. GREEN(Customer / Wireless Carrier) – where most people get the wireless voice/data connection and access to the BES needed for BlackBerry service.

CLICK on picture to view full size diagram

The diagram demonstrates how every email, no matter what server it comes from passes through the BES to reach a BlackBerry device.  The BES provides the advanced type of features such as the PUSH email feature and message encryption.

All Wireless Carriers selling BlackBerry handheld devices have an “alliance” relationship with RIM.  The wireless company will then act as “agent” for the customer, representing them to RIM.  This is needed in order to get access to BES and establish each customer’s individual settings (i.e. the email address to be used with the BlackBerry).  Certain companies may chose to purchase and operate a BES independently.  In this case the number of features provided to the company’s employee (BlackBerry user) may be significantly broader than the features provided to a standard wireless service customer.

The is understandable as RIM does not have control over individual wireless customers in the same manner that a company has control over it’s employees.  However it also limits the individual wireless customers to ONLY e-mail services.  Many BES services such as contact (address book) and calendar synchronization are NOT available to those customers. 

Using www.GAFYD.net(Google Apps For Your Domain on Net) helps overcome these limitations. BlackBerry users not wishing to take on the material cost and effort associated with owning their own BES to gain advanced features now have an option.  A tremendous advantage to solo entrepreneurs, small business owners and independent professionals who  rely totally on their BlackBerry for mobile communication.