Waterloo, Ontario-based Research In Motion (RIM) has released professional software specifically designed for the needs of the SMB space.

 

The professional software, based on the core functionality of the BlackBerry (News - Alert) Enterprise Server software that RIM sells to governments and large organizations, is tailored to meet the needs of smaller organizations with up to 30 wireless users.

 

The software, according to RIM, enables SMBs to enhance communications and collaboration with an enterprise-grade mobility solution allowing safe access to email, organizer, Internet, and intranet applications.

 

More than anything else, analysts believe, RIM’s latest software helps smaller companies deploy and manage mobile technology solutions cost-effectively and thereby remain competitive and responsive to customers.

 

Unlike the full-featured BlackBerry Enterprise Server software, however, the new product is designed to be easily installed on a company’s existing e-mail server by a non-technical person.

 

The software saves customers the cost of additional hardware and operating system licenses, provides tight integration with Microsoft Exchange or IBM (News - Alert) Lotus Domino, allowing a full complement of synchronized wireless services.

 

Besides e-mail, the software enables BlackBerry handset users to access their calendar, contacts, notes, and task functions on their company’s server through secure wireless Internet communications.

 

“Productivity and flexibility are obviously important for small and medium-sized businesses, and we know that the majority of these businesses are interested in a wireless solution, but many have been waiting for a server product that can afford greater IT simplicity while still allowing a superior quality of experience for users,” said Mike Lazaridis, president and co-CEO at Research In Motion.

 

BlackBerry Professional Software is priced at $499 for 5 users and $849 USD for 10 users.