BlackBerry WLAN Solution Enhances Productivity for On-Campus Mobile Workers through Wireless Data Access and Wireless VoIP

Orlando, FL - Organizations looking to enable greater mobile productivity for the estimated 50 million on-campus mobile workers in the U.S.* can now do so through their existing WLAN (wireless LAN) deployments using the BlackBerry® WLAN solution. Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) is showcasing the BlackBerry WLAN solution, including the 802.11-enabled BlackBerry 7270™ handheld, at VoiceCon this week.

The BlackBerry 7270 wireless handheld connects through BlackBerry Enterprise Server™ to provide support for secure, push-based email, instant messaging (IM), organizer, Internet and intranet applications and to make and receive wireless VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) calls through enterprise telephone systems (ie. IP-PBXs) via the industry-standard SIP (session initiation protocol).

“Extending desktop productivity to mobile professionals is one of the central value propositions that made BlackBerry successful in the enterprise and similar productivity benefits can be provided to on-campus workers who spend significant time away from a desk. The BlackBerry WLAN solution lets organizations drive productivity benefits to a growing number of on-campus mobile workers by leveraging their existing investments in WLAN and IP-PBX infrastructure,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. “BlackBerry WLAN addresses a new market segment within areas such as healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, education, retail and distribution where campus-wide access to voice and data is beneficial.”

In addition to providing secure, push-based integration with Microsoft® Exchange, IBM Lotus® Domino™ and Novell® GroupWise® and support for VoIP telephony through SIP, BlackBerry Enterprise Server is a robust wireless application platform that has been embraced by Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and developers. Hundreds of line-of-business applications have already been developed for BlackBerry. Examples of applications for the BlackBerry WLAN solution that can enhance productivity and customer service include:


Healthcare: Timely and convenient access to patient and drug information can reduce the risk of misdiagnosis or the improper prescription of medications that may conflict with each other.

Manufacturing: Inventory systems can automatically update new levels and push information to various stakeholders in the production process. Wireless VoIP can improve workflow for individuals and workgroups.

Hospitality: Guest information can be accessed at a glance by service and facilities staff; up-to-date information and alerts can be pushed to security personnel; wireless VoIP can enable faster collaboration and problem resolution.


Contact Center: Time-sensitive information can be pushed to mobile supervisors in place of reader boards that are often out of view, allowing faster action on alerts.

Mobile IT Staff: Phone calls can be handled on the go and helpdesk tickets can be received, updated and closed on the handheld device without running back to a desk.

Retail: Managers can access schedules and reports and front line staff can quickly access information for customers.

The BlackBerry 7270 handheld conforms to the 802.11b WLAN standard and provides VoIP capabilities through the SIP standard. In order to enable seamless integration with WLAN and IP-PBX systems, RIM has worked with industry standard protocols and leading WLAN and IP-PBX vendors to allow product interoperability and certification. The BlackBerry 7270 also supports most WLAN authentication and encryption standards and includes client software for many leading enterprise VPN gateways. Device provisioning of the BlackBerry 7270 is provided through the BlackBerry Enterprise Server in the same manner as cellular based BlackBerry devices, with added IT policy controls for setting specific smart dialing, VoIP, VPN and WLAN rules.

* Estimate based on IDC research report - entitled “Worldwide Mobile Worker Population 2005-2009 Forecast and Analysis” - Oct. 2005, IDC #34124.

About Research In Motion (RIM)

Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM’s portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

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Contact Information

Marisa Conway

Brodeur Worldwide (for RIM)

Research In Motion

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