News
Issue #2002 - 46 (December 2002)
(Updated Dec. 10, 2002)

TECHNOLOGY

RIM Introduces First BlackBerry Wireless Handheld For CDMA2000 1X Networks

Java-Based BlackBerry 6750 Features Wireless Email, Phone, SMS, Web And Organizer Applications

Waterloo, ON - Research In Motion (RIM) introduced recently a data and voice-enabled BlackBerry handheld (model 6750™) that will operate on CDMA2000 1xRTT wireless networks. The new BlackBerry 6750 features wireless email, dual band phone, SMS, browser and organizer applications in a single handheld device. It supports Java™ 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) applications.

"The BlackBerry 6750 is a sleek and powerful handheld that leverages the performance of next generation 1xRTT wireless networks and the extensibility of the BlackBerry platform," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. "BlackBerry has already been adopted by thousands of businesses and government organization as an open, secure and powerful platform that integrates tightly with back-end systems and offers a compelling return on investment. We believe today's announcement significantly strengthens the BlackBerry story for customers through added support for the CDMA 1X standard and collaboration with leading carriers."

BlackBerry continues to distinguish itself as the leading wireless platform for corporate customers. Specifically designed to meet the needs of both end users and IT departments, BlackBerry provides both  always-on email and several vertical business solutions. The BlackBerry 6750 leverages Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) and CDMA2000 1X wireless networks to provide a suite of compelling business applications at much faster speed than what was possible with older networks. 

INTRODUCING BLACKBERRY 6750 WIRELESS HANDHELD
Handheld Design: The BlackBerry 6750 offers always-on data operation with an integrated phone. With a palm-sized form, the BlackBerry 6750 is sleek (approximately 4.75 x 3.00 x 0.70 inches) and lightweight (approximately 5.00 oz) with an embedded RIM wireless modem and internal high performance antenna. The handheld features an easy-to-use "thumb-typing" keyboard (based on RIM's popular keyboard design), navigation trackwheel, rechargeable and removable lithium battery, large screen, intuitive interface, integrated speaker/microphone and headset jack. Both the screen and keyboard are backlit for easy reading and typing during day or night.

Email: RIM's advanced approach to wireless email is popular and proven with enterprise customers. BlackBerry 6750 users can enjoy a secure, wireless extension to their existing enterprise mailbox. There is no need to worry about retrieving or "pulling" email since BlackBerry's "push" architecture enables email to be automatically delivered. Users can read, compose, forward, reply, file or delete messages at their convenience and synchronize their inbox and folders between their BlackBerry handheld and PC. 

Phone: The built-in, high-quality phone supports CDMA voice services with optional features such as call waiting, call answer, conference calling and call forwarding. It includes an integrated speaker/microphone designed for comfort and clarity when held to the ear and a headset that attaches for convenient, hands-free conversation allowing users to read, type or retrieve information while they talk. A call management button also enables users to quickly access the phone application and turn on/off the mute feature.

SMS: Short Messaging Service (SMS) enables short text messages to be quickly exchanged between BlackBerry 6750 handhelds and other SMS-enabled devices (including cell phones) without adding email messages to an inbox. The specially designed keyboard on the BlackBerry handheld is ideal for typing SMS messages quickly.

Browser: An increasing variety of wireless Internet services are available that allow fast access to select information on the web including news, travel, business and entertainment updates. BlackBerry 6750 users can use the BlackBerry browser to access their carrier's content services and gateways. The BlackBerry browser is dual-purpose for organizations that deploy BlackBerry Enterprise Server v3.5, allowing it to also access corporate data securely via the new Mobile Data Service feature of BlackBerry Enterprise Server. The BlackBerry browser supports standard WML, HTML and XML based content and HTTP/HTTPS connectivity to BlackBerry Enterprise Server. 

Organizer: A full-featured connected organizer is included with calendar, address book, memo pad and task list applications for maximum productivity. With RIM's wireless calendar synchronization† features, the user's online calendar and handheld calendar can be wirelessly synchronized without need for a cradle. This enables the user to initiate, accept or decline meeting requests using their BlackBerry handheld and their online calendar will also be updated for the benefit of colleagues and assistants trying to schedule new appointments.

Application Integration: The BlackBerry 6750 features exceptional software integration, making it very easy to use. A single integrated address book and inbox serve all email, voice and SMS applications. And you can even click on an email address, telephone number or URL inside a message to automatically invoke an email message, call the telephone number or connect to the URL.

Java: Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) is a powerful industry development standard that is optimized for wireless devices and provides a programming environment for custom and commercial application development and deployment. In addition to Java handhelds, RIM offers a BlackBerry Development Environment for J2ME. Support for J2ME opens the BlackBerry platform to a large and growing developer community that currently includes more than three million Java developers. 

BlackBerry Enterprise Server: Thousands of companies and government organizations around the world have deployed BlackBerry Enterprise Server software behind their firewall. BlackBerry Enterprise Server supports both Microsoft® Exchange and IBM Lotus® Domino™ environments with single mailbox integration and provides IT departments with centralized administration, end-to-end security (using Triple DES encryption), multi-network support and a powerful development platform.

BlackBerry Web Client*: In addition to the enterprise email integration option enabled by BlackBerry Enterprise Server, RIM has introduced a new web-based application called BlackBerry Web Client. It supports ISP email accounts through the POP3 protocol and allows users to access multiple existing email accounts from a single BlackBerry handheld (including a default web mail account provided with each handheld). BlackBerry Web Client appeals to customers that do not currently use Microsoft Exchange or IBM Lotus Domino and also those users that wish to access a personal email account in addition to their enterprise email account. BlackBerry 6750 customers can use the BlackBerry Web Client application to select their ISP accounts, access their web mail account, configure settings, define email filters and set auto signatures. Note: IT departments running BlackBerry Enterprise Server retain the ability to centrally control and implement policies on handhelds that prevent access to personal ISP accounts.

CDMA2000 1X: The BlackBerry 6750 is a dual band handheld that operates on 800/1900 MHz CDMA2000 1X (Code Division Multiple Access) wireless networks. The CDMA2000 1X standard enables the evolution from low-speed, circuit switched networks to high-speed packet data networks.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Handheld/airtime pricing and roaming services are determined by network carriers and will vary based on specific service plans. The BlackBerry 6750 is currently in customer trials in the U.S. and Canada and is expected to be available through Verizon Wireless in the U.S. and Bell Mobility in Canada in the first quarter of 2003. 

For more information: http://www.blackberry.com

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: RIM continues to move its unique handheld to newer wireless networks. Now, it has both GSM/GPRS and 1xRTT network versions. Blackberry's support of POP3 protocol also opens up the handheld device for email systems beyond Microsoft Exchange and IBM Lotus. While RIM continues to enjoy the goodwill from its user community, the competition is fast catching up. RIM is still ahead of the pack but Palm, HP and others are working hard to close the gap. RIM will have to change its business model to open up and license its technology (hardware and software) which it has started doing slowly.

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of Securities Exchange act of 1934 in USA. Similar provisions exist in other countries. There is no assurance that the stipulated plans of vendors will be implemented. MobileInfo does not warrant the authenticity of the information. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.