RIM Introduces Java-Based BlackBerry Handheld With Integrated Phone for
GSM/GPRS Networks in North America
BlackBerry 5810 Integrates Email, Phone, SMS, Browser and Organizer; AT&T
Wireless and VoiceStream Accepting Orders; RIM Expands Relationship With
IBM Global Services
Note to Editors: (Photos are available at www.rim.net/go/BlackBerry5810. TV
footage for broadcast is available on Telstar 6 (C), transponder 15,
downlink frequency 4,000 (V) on March 4, 2002, 13:00 to 13:15 EST.)
Comdex - Chicago, IL - Research In Motion Limited (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSE:
RIM) today introduced the first wireless handheld ready to support GSM/GPRS
networks in North America. The new Java-based handheld, named the
BlackBerry 5810=81, allows corporate customers to manage their important
information and communications from a single integrated device. The
BlackBerry 5810 integrates the award-winning features of the secure
BlackBerry=81 wireless email solution with the convenience of a built-in
phone. This breakthrough in wireless convergence delivers email, phone,
SMS, browser, and organizer features in a single, sleek handheld that is
=ECAlways On, Always Connected=AE=EE. The BlackBerry 5810 also incorporates =
Java
2 Micro Edition (J2ME) as its core operating system, providing a secure and
open platform for customers, carriers, and developers.
RIM is demonstrating the BlackBerry 5810 this week at Comdex Chicago (booth
#1603) where RIM's Chairman and Co-CEO, Jim Balsillie, will deliver a
keynote address on the opening day.
In the United States, both AT&T Wireless and VoiceStream, a T-Mobile
subsidiary, are now accepting orders for the BlackBerry 5810. In Canada,
RIM and Rogers AT&T Wireless recently announced an agreement for the
BlackBerry 5810 (product launch timing will be announced at a later date).
In Europe, RIM began selling the BlackBerry 5820 (a similar handheld that
operates on different frequencies for European GSM/GPRS networks) through
BT Cellnet in the UK last year; and also announced working relationships
with other leading European carriers including Digifone, Telecom Italia
Group, Telfort Mobiel, T-Mobile and Viag Interkom.
"This is a particularly exciting time in RIM's history and the evolution of
BlackBerry. We have already deployed BlackBerry in thousands of companies
and built a complete, secure corporate solution for wireless email," said
Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. "Now, together
with our partners, we're building on that solid foundation in a number of
ways. We're converging email, phone, SMS, browser and organizer
technologies into a single wireless handheld. RIM and our carrier partners
are primed for success internationally. We've successfully implemented Java
on our BlackBerry 5800 series. Our systems integration and ISV alliance
partners are embracing and extending BlackBerry. Our handhelds, server
software and infrastructure are proven and continue to lead the industry.
Quite simply, the end-to-end BlackBerry solution is stronger than ever."
"RIM is a pioneer in the wireless data industry and one of the original
contributing members of the JCP Micro Edition Executive Committee," said
Rich Green, vice president and general manager, Java and XML software at
Sun Microsystems. "RIM's decision to implement Java is opening BlackBerry
to a community of more than three million application developers worldwide.
BlackBerry 5810 users will enjoy access to a substantially broader variety
of applications that can be easily developed, deployed and managed within
the enterprise."
"Mobilizing corporate applications and enterprise email on handheld devices
requires tight integration between wireless networks and back-end systems
as well as end-to-end secure solutions," said Kevin Burden, Smart Handheld
Solutions Analyst at IDC. "The concept of mobile, wirelessly accessible
corporate data beyond email is still new to many enterprises. This creates
an opportunity for solution providers like RIM which has enterprise systems
experience and continues to expand the business applicability of its
BlackBerry products with J2ME and voice support."
In related news, RIM and IBM Global Services will extend their relationship
to include RIM's GSM/GPRS products, making IBM the first IT services
provider to offer business consulting and systems integration services for
BlackBerry 5810 handhelds. "BlackBerry continues to be an important
wireless solution for enterprise data applications and the addition of
phone features and GPRS support will make the BlackBerry value proposition
even stronger," said Dean Douglas, general manager, wireless e-business,
IBM Global Services. "We're very pleased to expand our relationship with
RIM to include end-to-end support and services for the BlackBerry 5800
series to companies internationally."
End-To-End BlackBerry Solution
BlackBerry continues to distinguish itself as the most completely
integrated wireless solution for corporate customers. It is comprised of
hardware, software and wireless services that are designed to meet the
needs of both end users and IT departments. The BlackBerry 5810
incorporates powerful hardware and software features in an easy-to-use
handheld. BlackBerry software enables easy configuration and management as
well as back-end integration with corporate systems and end-to-end
security. Advanced GSM/GPRS networks provide voice services and allow
always-on connectivity for accessing data easily and quickly.
Handheld Design: The BlackBerry 5810 offers =ECAlways On, Always Connected=
=EE
operation with integrated voice and data features. Based on RIM's existing
palm-sized form factor, the BlackBerry 5810 is sleek (4.6=EE x 3.1=EE x 0.7=
=EE)
and lightweight (4.7 oz) with an embedded RIM wireless modem and internal
high performance antenna allowing users to carry and use the handheld
comfortably. It features RIM's popular =ECthumb-typing=EE keyboard, navigati=
on
trackwheel, large screen, intuitive interface and a headset jack for
optional phone services. Both the screen and keyboard are backlit for easy
reading and typing day and night.
Wireless Email: RIM=EDs patented approach to wireless email is the industry=
=EDs
most advanced and popular enterprise solution. BlackBerry 5810 users will
enjoy a secure, wireless extension to their existing enterprise mailbox.
There is no need to worry about retrieving email since the BlackBerry =ECpus=
h
architecture=EE enables email to be automatically delivered. Users can read,
compose, forward, reply, file or delete messages at their convenience and
synchronize their inbox and folders between their BlackBerry 5810 and PC. A
variety of third-party applications even allow the user to view, print and
fax email attachments using their handheld.
Integrated Phone: The built-in, high-quality phone supports GSM voice
services and other optional features such as call waiting, call answer,
conference calling and call forwarding.* It includes an earpiece and
microphone that easily attaches for convenient, hands-free conversation
allowing users to read, type or retrieve information while they talk.
SMS: Short Messaging Service (SMS) enables short text messages to be
quickly exchanged between BlackBerry 5810 handhelds and other SMS-enabled
devices (including cell phones) without adding email messages to an inbox.
The specially designed keyboard on the BlackBerry handheld is ideal for
typing SMS messages quickly.
Browser*: An increasing variety of optional wireless Internet services are
available that allow fast access to select information on the web including
news, travel, business and entertainment updates. BlackBerry 5810 users can
use the BlackBerry browser to access their carrier=EDs WAP portal and other
WML sites.
Organizer: A full-featured connected organizer is included with calendar,
address book, memo pad and task list applications for maximum productivity.
With RIM=EDs unique wireless calendar synchronization=DC features, the user=
=EDs
online calendar and handheld calendar can be automatically and wirelessly
synchronized without need for a cradle. This means that the user can
initiate, accept or decline meeting requests using their BlackBerry
handheld and their online calendar will also be updated for the benefit of
colleagues and assistants trying to schedule new appointments.
Application Integration: The BlackBerry 5810 features exceptional hardware
and software integration making it very easy to use. A single integrated
address book and inbox serve all email, voice and SMS applications. And you
can even click on an email address, telephone number or URL inside a
message to automatically invoke an email message, call the telephone number
or connect to the URL.
J2ME: Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) is a powerful development platform that
is optimized for wireless devices and provides an industry standard
programming environment for custom and commercial development. RIM plans to
launch its Java Development Environment for developers at JavaOne later
this month.
BlackBerry Enterprise Server: BlackBerry remains the industry-leading
wireless enterprise solution with thousands of companies that have deployed
BlackBerry Enterprise Server behind their corporate firewall. The
BlackBerry Enterprise Server software supports both Microsoft=AE Exchange an=
d
Lotus=AE Domino=81 and provides IT departments with single mailbox integrati=
on,
centralized administration, end-to-end encryption (Triple DES), performance
monitoring, configurable handheld security and certain asset tracking
tools. BlackBerry Enterprise Server supports multiple wireless network
standards (currently including Mobitex, DataTAC and GSM/GPRS), which means
that current BlackBerry Enterprise Server customers in North America will
be able to support the BlackBerry 5810 without any change to their back-end
infrastructure.
BlackBerry Web Client: In addition to the enterprise email integration
option enabled by BlackBerry Enterprise Server, RIM will introduce a new
web-based application called BlackBerry Web Client (expected to be
available to carriers in Spring 2002). It will support POP3, IMAP and ISP
email protocols and allow users to access multiple existing email accounts
from a single BlackBerry handheld (including ISP accounts and a default web
mail account provided with each handheld). BlackBerry Web Client will
appeal to customers that do not currently use Microsoft Exchange or Lotus
Domino and also those users that wish to access a personal email account in
addition to their enterprise email account. BlackBerry 5810 customers can
use the BlackBerry Web Client application to select their ISP accounts,
access their web mail account, configure settings, define email filters and
set auto signatures. Note: IT departments running BlackBerry Enterprise
Server will retain the ability to centrally control and implement policies
on handhelds that prevent access to personal ISP accounts.
GSM/GPRS: General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is a global wireless standard
that uses existing GSM (Global System for Mobile telecommunications) radio
base stations and converts wireless data into standard Internet packets,
enabling interoperability between the Internet and the GSM/GPRS network.
GPRS efficiently enables BlackBerry handhelds to be always online without
having to pay by the minute.
Pricing and Availability
AT&T Wireless and VoiceStream are now accepting orders for the BlackBerry
5810 in the United States and are expected to begin shipping within 30 days.
Hardware and airtime pricing are determined by the carriers and will vary
based on specific service plans.
Customers can place orders today by contacting AT&T Wireless at
1-877-400-1080 or VoiceStream at 1-866-VSTRB2B.
About Research In Motion
Research In Motion Limited is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer
of innovative wireless solutions for the mobile communications market.
Through development and integration of hardware, software and services, RIM
provides solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information
including email, messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM
technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and
manufacturers around the world to enhance their products and services with
wireless connectivity. RIM=EDs portfolio of award-winning products includes
the RIM Wireless Handheld=81 product line, the BlackBerry=81 wireless soluti=
on,
embedded radio-modems and software development tools. Founded in 1984 and
based in Waterloo, Ontario RIM operates offices in Canada, the United
States and Europe. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM)
and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE: RIM). For more information, visit
www.rim.net. Investors may contact investor_relations@rim.net. Customers
may contact info@rim.net.
