Business email moves on

Mobile operator Vodafone last week launched a customised version of the BlackBerry wireless email service. The firm said it will offer the service, which includes BlackBerry mobile email client devices, to consumers and corporates.

The BlackBerry from Vodafone service, available now, uses the latest Blackberry 7230 handheld from Research In Motion (RIM), which sports a colour screen and supports voice functions as well as wireless email and web access. The service allows push delivery of email from corporate mail servers to mobile staff.

Vodafone has offered a BlackBerry service over its General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network since last summer, but is now selling the devices and service under its own brand. As part of this customisation, the BlackBerry 7230 client device now incorporates a new menu delivering the same ease of use as the Vodafone Live service on consumer handsets, according to Vodafone.

"We have worked closely with RIM on this customised BlackBerry solution to ensure that our customers have a consistent Vodafone experience across a range of devices and service offerings," said Peter Bamford, chief marketing officer at Vodafone.

Vodafone said it will offer its new BlackBerry service in two versions: BlackBerry Enterprise for large companies, and BlackBerry for small firms and individuals. The BlackBerry Enterprise solution requires firms to install a server on their LAN that links to their Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Notes groupware server. Individuals and smaller companies have their email hosted by Vodafone.

The BlackBerry push architecture allows email to be delivered direct to the handheld, so staff receive emails automatically wherever they are.

They can also read attached files, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat formats, according to Vodafone.

The BlackBerry 7230 client costs £199, and access charges start at £36 a month for up to 3MB of messages each month. Vodafone also has a roaming tariff, allowing staff to keep in contact while out of the country.