RIM Makes BESx Official

As per our exclusive news, RIM announced Blackberry Enterprise Server Express today at MWC 2010.

If you don’t already know, BESX allows SMBs with a Microsoft Exchange or Windows Small Business Server to take advantage of the following BES features without having to splurge on the pricey software:

• Wirelessly synchronize their email, calendar, contacts, notes and tasks
• Manage email folders and search email on the mail server remotely
• Book meetings and appointments, check availability and forward calendar attachments
• Set an out-of-office reply
• Edit Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files using Documents To Go®
• Access files stored on the company network

For IT administrators, BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express also offers the following:

• Runs on the same physical or virtual server as the Microsoft mail server or on its own server. BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express is also certified for use with VMware ESX
• Over 35 IT controls and policies, including the ability to remotely wipe a smartphone and enforce and reset passwords
• A Web-based interface that allows remote administration and makes it easy to install the software, connect BlackBerry smartphones and apply usage policies

BESX is compatible with Microsoft Exchange 2003, 2007 and 2010 as well as Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 and 2008, which makes deployment to SMB’s extremely easy.

In terms of security, RIM says BESx has “the same robust security architecture found in BlackBerry Enterprise Server” whilst allowing IT admins to oversee over 35 IT policies and controls, including password controls and remote wiping. The BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express software itself will be free, but we’ve been told RIM will charge $5 per user per month. Also, BESx does not need users to be on a BES data plan which translates to even more savings.

One huge downside we’ve heard? BESx will not support enterprise activations (OTA deployment). Software will be available next month if all goes well.