RIM backs Novell with GroupWise BlackBerry support

Research In Motion (RIM) has demonstrated a version of its BlackBerry Enterprise Server developed to support Novell's GroupWise collaboration suite.

Adding GroupWise support to BlackBerry Enterprise Server, which enables push-based, wireless access to email and other corporate data, is designed to allow GroupWise users to roll out the BlackBerry architecture and security model without having to learn or support any additional infrastructure.

Enterprise Server for Groupwise also supports Advanced Encryption Standard, and features local data encryption to protect data stored on the handheld, according to RIM.

Jim Balsillie, chairman and co-chief executive at RIM, said in a statement: "For GroupWise customers, especially in government, legal and healthcare sectors where Novell has such a strong presence, BlackBerry will provide IT departments with a secure, reliable and easy to manage wireless platform and end users with increased mobility and productivity."

Alan Nugent, chief technical officer at Novell, added in a statement: "We continue to work closely with RIM to tightly integrate the BlackBerry wireless platform with Novell GroupWise to deliver a compelling wireless solution for our global customers."

BlackBerry Enterprise Server for Novell GroupWise is expected to be commercially available later this year. Further details regarding product specifications and general availability will be posted on the BlackBerry website here.