RIM Announces MDaemon Messaging Server, BlackBerry Edition for SMBs

BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion (RIM) and its subsidiary Alt-N Technologies this morning announced a brand new version of Alt-N’s MDaemon Messaging Server for use with BlackBerry smartphones.

MDaemon Messaging Server is a popular Windows-based messaging server for small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), and this new version brings many of RIM’s trusted synchronization, security, IT policy management and control features to MDaemon users.

The new software lets businesses instantly “push” e-mail to users’ BlackBerry smartphones; wirelessly synchronize corporate calendars, contacts, mail folders and more between the MDaemon server and RIM handhelds; flag e-mail messages; send and respond to meeting invites via BlackBerry; look up other connected-users’ availability based on calendar entries; edit attachments with a BlackBerry; search mail history; and more. And admins have access to a variety of security-oriented IT policy controls, for remotely locking/wiping stolen devices, etc., meant specifically for SMBs.

And MDaemon instant messaging functionality is also integrated into the software, for easy and secure enterprise collaboration.

From RIM:

MDaemon Messaging Server, BlackBerry Edition is easily installed in as little as 30 minutes by running a single installation wizard to set up both the server and BlackBerry smartphones. Its compatible with servers running Windows 7, Windows 2008, Windows Vista or Windows 2003, or on a desktop computer running Windows XP. It works with any BlackBerry personal or business service plan that includes email access.

So while MDaemon Messaging Server may not offer full BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) functionality, it’s a great option for small businesses who can’t afford or don’t want to pay for full BES, which can be quite expensive, or the enterprise that already uses an MDaemon Messaging Server and wants to deploy BlackBerrys. And since no enterprise BlackBerry data plan is required to employ MDaemon Messaging Server, BlackBerry Edition, users with consumer BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) devices can connect to the server without paying extra for an enterprise add-on.

MDaemon Messaging Server, BlackBerry Edition is similar to RIM’s free, BES Express software offering, in that it’s a slimmed down version of the full BES meant for smaller customers, but it’s also targeting the many existing MDaemon users.

A 30-day free trial is currently available, and 50-user licenses, along with six months of support, go for about US$1,100.

Additional information on the new MDaemon Messaging Server, BlackBerry Edition can be found on Alt-N’s website.

AS

Al Sacco covers Mobile and Wireless for CIO.com. Follow Al on Twitter @ASacco. Follow everything from CIO.com on Twitter @CIOonline and on Facebook. Email Al at asacco@cio.com