One of the thoughts behind BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express was reducing the costs companies that have employees that have their own BlackBerry devices that they want to hook up to the corporate email system. Even though employees may buy their own BlackBerry device and pay for the monthly service fee, IT shops were faced with the cost of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server and client access licenses.

BES Express is free and there are no client access licenses required. BESX even allows BlackBerry users to connect via BlackBerry Inernet Service (BIS) as compared to BlackBerry Enterprise Service (BES), unless, of course, you are a Verizon Wireless subscriber.

On March 1, 2010, RIM will launch BES Express (BESX), an entry-level version of BES.As with all Corporate email solutions, customers will need a corporate email data plan or feature added to a voice plan to allow access to BESX.

Note: Customers on the Email and Web for BlackBerry $29.99 data feature MAY NOT utilize BESX.

Overview:
BESX replaces BlackBerry Professional Software (BPS) in RIM’s product lineup and allows businesses using Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT)® Exchange or Microsoft Small Business Server to support up to 75 BlackBerry subscribers without having to purchase Client Access Licenses (CAL) or a dedicated server. Additional users can be supported if BESX is installed on a dedicated server.

With the launch of BESX, RIM will discontinue the sale of BPS. Verizon Wireless will sell through our remaining BPS inventory and RIM will continue to support this solution for the foreseeable future.

Customer Information/Eligibility:

• BESX will be available directly from the RIM website. Customers should be directed there for additional product information.
• BESX will not be available directly from Verizon Wireless.
• As with all Corporate email solutions, customers will need a corporate email data plan or feature added to a voice plan to allow access to BESX

Reference: Information about current pricing options is available in the Verizon Wireless Small Business Guide or on vzw.com.

See the BES Express page in InfoManager for more information.

[Via Intomobile]