Blackberrys no longer in season for SME's

ramsac offers clients cost-effective alternative for mobile working

ramsac, a leading IT solutions consultancy, is offering advice on the latest cost-effective mobility solution for SMEs in light of the introduction of Microsoft’s free Service Pack 2 for Exchange Server 2003 and the pending release of Windows Mobile 5.0 Messaging and Security Feature Pack. The new cost reductions and operational efficiencies offered will provide businesses with a viable alternative to the BlackBerry.

By installing the free SP2 and Windows feature pack onto an Exchange Server 2003 infrastructure, SMEs will be able to utilise the mobile capabilities via their Smartphone, PDA or Pocket PC to use it in the same way as a BlackBerry. This technology will significantly increase the capabilities of Microsoft Outlook on mobile devices; users will be able to receive new e-mails directly from the Exchange Server as well as maintaining individual calendars, contacts and task notifications. SMEs are also able to increase the size limit on their mailboxes from the original 16gb limit to 75gb, an essential requirement for the increasing storage needs of SMEs, without the cost implications of add-ons.

Managing Director at ramsac, Robert May, comments, “It is possible that users who have already opted for BlackBerry will continue to use this technology for the time being. But assuming that their Exchange is up to date we believe that new mobile users will simply use the Microsoft alternative, which will make their lives much simpler. In time all customers who use Microsoft based technology will inevitably end up migrating to what is in effect, the all in one mobility solution giving you everything a BlackBerry gives you and more.”

The major advantage of using existing Microsoft technology over the BlackBerry is cost savings. To operate remotely using a BlackBerry, SMEs will have had to invest in the software and in an additional BES Server. Further more, a BlackBerry device that connects to an Exchange Server legally requires an Exchange Client Access License (CAL) which increases the overall cost of the application.

May continues, “As with any technology there are disadvantages as well as advantages, the most significant impact for the SME is that they need to be running Exchange Server 2003. In addition, to activate remote devices they must be Windows based technologies – but then BlackBerry require RIM compatible devices.”

Security issues are always a concern with technology that can be used remotely, however, the new security features installed with SP2 have allowed for both local and remote wipe options based on a specific number of incorrect logins or if the device is lost or stolen. With this and full data encryption SMEs can be assured that their information is safe.

May concludes, “SMEs are becoming more aware of the potential threat to their business via an un-secure IT infrastructure, with SP2 mail handling comes directly from their own Exchange server as apposed to being routed to BlackBerry in Canada and then onto their mobile device.”

To download the free SP2 please click on the link below:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=57E27A97-2DB6-4654-9DB6EC7D5B4DD867&displaylang=en