May 4, 2006 6:10 PM,

RIM targets small business; Nokia releases BlackBerry alternative

By Kevin Fitchard

Research in Motion has launched a small-business version of its server software, making it available as a free download to any customer purchasing a new BlackBerry device. The new software signals RIM’s intent to scale down its popular enterprise push e-mail service to target a broader business audience, but the wireless e-mail provider is facing increased competition in the terminal space, as Nokia on Wednesday began shipping its self-styled “BlackBerry killer.”

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Called Enterprise Server Express, the network-side software is free as well as the first user license, but a business can add up to 14 additional clients to the network with the purchase of an additional licenses. The new server software extends most of the same enterprise functionality to a small business: push e-mail, synchronization of address book and calendar, and Internet and intranet access. In fact, the Server Express is really just a locked version of the full-blown Enterprise Server. If a business wishes to expand beyond the 15 users allowed by Express, RIM will sell the company a full license and a key that unlocks the full capabilities of the platform.

RIM President and co-CEO Mike Lazaridis said that the new product is definitely targeting new customers that RIM hadn’t focused on before, basically allowing a business of one to go live with BlackBerry for no additional cost beyond data network access fees with one of RIM’s carrier partners. “We’re now making it easier than ever for new customers to derive the full benefits of the BlackBerry solution,” Lazaridis said in a statement.

Nokia’s new E61 device, however, is aimed at the exact same place as RIM’s new service. Though the E61 BlackBerry Connect, the new E-line of phones is targeting business and enterprise customers using synchronization and push e-mail technology from the recently acquired IntelliSync. In addition, the E61 is supporting the services of numerous of RIM’s competitors, including Seven, Good Technology and Visto.