The latest edition of RIM's BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES), version 5.0, is now available, and it packs a variety of valuable new features for admins and end users alike. Research In Motion (RIM) launched the latest edition of its BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES), version 5.0, the company’s core piece of BlackBerry infrastructure for secure, mobile corporate messaging, at its annual Wireless Enterprise Symposium (WES) event in Orlando on Monday. The new BES–formerly codenamed “Argon” in reference to the element, which is particularly stable–was officially announced back in February, but the software is now available to RIM’s many corporate customers.Image courtesy of IntoMobile.comAlan Panezic, RIM’s VP of software product management, calls BES 5.0 “the highest quality release of BES ever.”RIM’s main focus with BES 5.0 is understandably on the administrator, but BlackBerry users will also see a number of enhancements in BES 5.0. Some of the most notable changes are as follows: -BlackBerry Administration Service (BAS): a new administration tool with a web-based user interface that provides centralized management, monitoring and control of smartphone deployments and the complete BlackBerry system environment. IT staff can easily access the BlackBerry Administration Service from an Internet Explorer web browser -Role-based access controls allow IT administrators to delegate tasks to IT staff, either individuals or groups, and control access to IT functionality. Screen consoles display only the functions that are available to the individual IT administrator. -Over-The-Air (OTA) application deployment and device software updates can be better managed and controlled with job scheduling and throttling. -IT administrative task scheduling supports the deployment of device, application and server updates at times that can help minimize impact on smartphone users and business operations. -Mobile application management and deployment enhancements support the efficient management and control of applications across smartphone deployments RIM has been using BES 5.0 internally for more than a year with more than 10,000 employees connected to the new version. And the new software has also been in use for some time at organizations including IBM, Linklaters, Metro Group, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Reed Smith LLP, and Tayside Fire and Rescue, according to RIM.For more on BES 5.0, read “BES 5.0: Five Features CIOs Need to Know About,” and “BES 5.0: Five Features Users Need to Know About.”FREE CIO BlackBerry Newsletter Get better use out of your BlackBerry and keep up-to-date on the latest developments. Sign-up » Related content feature 4 remedies to avoid cloud app migration headaches The compelling benefits of using proprietary cloud-native services come at a price: vendor lock-in. Here are ways CIOs can effectively plan without getting stuck. By Robert Mitchell Nov 29, 2023 9 mins CIO Managed Service Providers Managed IT Services case study Steps Gerresheimer takes to transform its IT CIO Zafer Nalbant explains what the medical packaging manufacturer does to modernize its IT through AI, automation, and hybrid cloud. By Jens Dose Nov 29, 2023 6 mins CIO SAP ServiceNow feature Per Scholas redefines IT hiring by diversifying the IT talent pipeline What started as a technology reclamation nonprofit has since transformed into a robust, tuition-free training program that seeks to redefine how companies fill tech skills gaps with rising talent. By Sarah K. White Nov 29, 2023 11 mins Diversity and Inclusion Hiring news Saudi Arabia will host the World Expo 2030 in Riyadh By Andrea Benito Nov 28, 2023 4 mins 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