This second installment in CIO.com's three-part series examining the relationship between BlackBerry smartphones and Apple Mac computers lists a handful of device management features available to Mac users via Missing Sync, a BlackBerry Desktop Manager for PC alternative. Research In Motion’s (RIM) BlackBerry Desktop Manager software, which lets PC users perform data backup and restore processes, update handheld operating systems (OS), configure BlackBerry corporate settings and more, runs only on Windows PCs. That means BlackBerry users with Apple Mac computers don’t have access to the full line of device management features available to PC users–unless they’re running Parallels or another similar program that enables Apple computers to run Windows alongside other operating systems. Related Articles RIM Promises New Mac Tools in 2009 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe RIM BlackBerry Desktop Manager v. PocketMac: Macs and BlackBerrys, Part I BlackBerry Bible: Everything You Need to Know About Your RIM Smartphone RIM Co-CEO Talks Up “BlackBerry Lifestyle” at CTIA Mac users aren’t completely out of luck, however; there are a couple of third-party device management options for Apple computers: PocketMac and Missing Sync. Last week, we compared the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software with PocketMac, a free desktop management solution for BlackBerry users with Apple computers. Today, we’re lining up BlackBerry Desktop Manager and Missing Sync, a $39.99 piece of Mac software from Mark/Space ($49.99 for CD ROM version), to see how the two measure up.Missing Sync for BlackBerryThe following list details the features available to Mac users in the Missing Sync software, along with the functionality afforded to PC users via BlackBerry Desktop Manager. System requirements for both BlackBerry Desktop Manager and Missing Sync are also listed beneath the chart.BlackBerry Desktop Manager v. Missing Sync BlackBerry Desktop Manager Missing Sync Address book/calendar sync Yes Yes Notes/tasks sync Yes Yes Backup and restore Yes No Load Third-Party Apps Yes No Update Handheld Software Yes No Configure BES E-Mail Settings Yes No Tethered Modem Yes No Automated Device Switch Yes No Bookmark Synch No No Media Mgmt. for the Handheld Yes Limited Media Sync Yes Limited Missing Sync System Requirements: PowerPC G4, PowerPC G5, or Intel processor Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.8 or later Mac OS X Leopard 10.5 or later Internet connection for product registrationRIM BlackBerry Desktop Manager v4.5 System Requirements: An Internet/email-enabled computer One available USB or serial port The Microsoft Windows OS in one of these versions, with a USB port: Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista including x64 bit support With a serial port: Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows VistaAdditional information on the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software can be found on RIM’s website. And more details on Missing Sync, including a list of all supported BlackBerry devices, is located on the Mark Space site. FREE CIO BlackBerry NewsletterGet better use out of your BlackBerry and keep up-to-date on the latest developments. Sign-up » Related content feature 4 reasons why gen AI projects fail Data issues are still among the chief reasons why AI projects fall short of expectations, but the advent of generative AI has added a few new twists. By Maria Korolov Oct 04, 2023 9 mins Data Science Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence feature What a quarter century of digital transformation at PayPal looks like Currently processing a volume of payments worth over $1.3 trillion, PayPal has repeatedly staked its claim as a digital success story over the last 25 years. But insiders agree this growth needs to be constantly supported by reliable technological ar By Nuria Cordon Oct 04, 2023 7 mins Payment Systems Digital Transformation Innovation news analysis Skilled IT pay defined by volatility, security, and AI Foote Partners’ Q3 report on IT skills pay trends show AI and security skills were in high demand, and the value of cash-pay premiums was more volatile but their average value across a broad range of IT skills and certifications was slightly do By Peter Sayer Oct 04, 2023 6 mins Certifications Technology Industry IT Skills brandpost Future-Proofing Your Business with Hyperautomation By Veronica Lew Oct 03, 2023 7 mins Robotic Process Automation Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe