Telefónica and RIM Preview New Communications and Connectivity Software for Small Groups

Madrid, Spain and Waterloo, ON - Telefónica and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced plans to introduce BlackBerry® Unite!™ -- a free PC-based software offering that will allow small groups, such as a family or small office, to stay connected and enhance communications and coordination. In addition to wireless email and web browsing, BlackBerry® Unite!™ software will provide groups of up to five users with mobile access to shared calendars, pictures, music, documents and other desktop content through BlackBerry® smartphones*.

“Every BlackBerry smartphone user can attest to the power of mobility in their personal and professional life,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. “Wireless connectivity enhances individual flexibility and productivity, and it can also help groups of people interact more effectively and smoothly. BlackBerry Unite! leverages the proven power and security of the BlackBerry platform in a simplified package that is optimized for small groups of people and easy to install in a home or small office.”

“At Telefónica we strive to embrace technology convergence and deliver solutions that enhance our customers’ lives and business performance,” said Luis Ezcurra, Director of the Mobile Business Unit at Telefónica España. “BlackBerry Unite! complements both our broadband and mobile service offerings, and addresses a significant need within the family and small business market segments. We’re very pleased to be working with RIM to preview this exciting new software to our customers.”

BlackBerry® Unite!™ software will allow a small group of up to 5 users to:

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Stay connected with wireless email and web browsing – enables easy wireless access to up to five supported email accounts (per user) using sophisticated wireless encryption security, allows shared contact lists and supports high-performance mobile web browsing.
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Coordinate schedules using shared calendars – provides a wireless shared calendar with the capability to check each others’ availability, set up or modify appointments and send reminders.
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Remotely access content – users can remotely download pictures, music, documents and other content on their desktop PC directly from their BlackBerry smartphone**.
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Share photos and files - users can share photos and files with other group members directly from their BlackBerry smartphone.
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Remotely secure the smartphones – includes simple controls to enforce password protection or wirelessly erase a lost or stolen handset.
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Control smartphone use - includes customizable wireless settings to control certain uses for each individual, such as the ability to restrict long distance calls or certain online content.
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Protect smartphone content – contacts, pictures and other data from the BlackBerry smartphone can be backed up automatically over the air (via a cellular or Wi-Fi® network) to the desktop PC.
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Set up quickly and easily – the BlackBerry Unite! software will be provided as a free download and, with the help of an easy-to-follow setup wizard, can be installed in minutes on a desktop PC.

Telefónica and RIM plan to make the BlackBerry Unite! software available as a free download beginning in November. Further product information will be provided in conjunction with availability. Telefónica customers interested in trying the free software when it becomes available can sign up now at www.blackberry.com/es/blackberryunite.


* requires customer to subscribe to a qualifying wireless data service plan.
** requires a microSD card.