Blackberry handhelds are integrated into an organization's e-mail system through a software package called “Blackberry Enterprise Server “(BES). Versions of BES are available for Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Domino and Novell GroupWise. While individual users may be able to use a wireless provider's e-mail services without having to install BES themselves, organizations with multiple users usually run BES on their own network. Some third-party companies provide hosted BES solutions.

Every Blackberry has a unique id called Blackberry PIN which is used to

identify the device to the BES. BES can act as a sort of e-mail relay for corporate accounts so that users always have access to their e-mail. The software monitors the user's local "inbox", and when a new message comes in, it picks up the message and passes it to Rim’s Network Operations Center (NOC).

The messages are then relayed to the user's wireless provider, which in turn delivers them to the user's Blackberry device. This is called "push e-mail," because all new e-mails, contacts and calendar entries are "pushed" out to the Blackberry device automatically, as opposed to the user synchronizing the data by hand.

Device storage also enables the mobile user to access all data offline in areas without wireless service. As soon as the user connects again, the BES sends the latest data. An included feature in the newer models of the Blackberry is the ability for it to track your current location through Trilateration.

What is Blackberry Technology?

The recent Blackberry 9000 series has been designed and work on the Intel Xscale

624MHz CPU. The earlier version of Blackberry cell phones worked with an 80MHz processor and were hence comparatively slower in downloading 3G web pages.

Blackberry uses an IPD file for its data storage. A single IPD is used for the database handling which makes the performance even faster.

The technology encompasses simple features like calendar, reminders and games, along with the basic applications of making and receiving calls and messages. Besides the basic features it also allows you to send emails and browse web pages.

The manufacturers have also tied up with various vendors like

Microsoft, IBM and Novell to integrate Outlook, Notes and Groupwise

into these phones. Almost all the phones manufactured with the Blackberry technology have Bluetooth integrated in them. Some models also have inbuilt cellular 'walkie talkie' feature.

How it works

As we all know, there is always software behind the hardware. This holds true for the blackberry as well. Blackberry Server Software comes in two forms

1. BlackBerry Professional Software (BPS)

2. BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES)

The way that the BlackBerry server works applies to both the BlackBerry Professional

Software (BPS) and the BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES)

The basic steps in receiving an email on a blackberry device are as follows :

1. The email message is sent.

2. Message arrives at your email server (usually the exchange server) and is sent as normal to your PC/ Laptop (as in fig 3.1).

3. The BlackBerry server (the mail is delivered using a "push" concept to the Blackberry Enterprise Server) compresses, encrypts and forwards the message automatically to your BlackBerry handset.

4. Message arrives at the BlackBerry via the Internet and the mobile carrier's network.

5. The Blackberry handheld device receives decrypts and decompresses the email, and alerts the user.