(Image Source: Geek.com)
BY ADAM FALK
ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN
Research in Motion is blending BlackBerry into a new mobile smoothie. CNBC has more.
“The Blackberry maker is introducing new security software for smart phones designed to work on a range of devices, including Blackberry competitors like iPhone and Android.”
The device management service, called Blackberry Mobile Fusion, responds to the “bring-your-own-device” culture many corporate IT departments are adopting. And CNET says...
“With BlackBerry Mobile Fusion, RIM is attempting to preserve its hold over the business customer even as more of them leave the BlackBerry fold for other flashier devices.”
So is this a sign RIM is giving up their prized fruit? GigaOm notes the company will still fight for BlackBerry dominance...
“BlackBerry Fusion probably won’t help RIM sell more BlackBerry devices but it may keep RIM and its servers relevant inside IT departments.”
The New York Times says companies currently operating BlackBerry’s Enterprise Server software must also purchase software for iPhones and Android to keep data secure.
But BlackBerry Mobile Fusion will provide security for all three types of devices in one piece of software. Along with other features, this means...
“...corporations will be able to remotely shut down phones operating through the system, monitor activity on individual handsets and switch applications on and off.”
But even in the device management space, RIM has challengers. ZDNet reports on the company’s biggest challenge moving forward.
“There are multiple mobile device management software providers and the BlackBerry Enterprise Server doesn’t have the lock-in it once did. Simply put, RIM is entering a very crowded market.”
GigaOm reports RIM is now accepting customers into a closed beta for the service set to begin in January.
Look for a general release of BlackBerry Mobile Fusion in March.
