RIM unveils BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express

BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express will be offered free of charge

Research in Motion has unveiled new software that synchronises BlackBerry devices with Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Windows Small Business Server.

The company said that BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express will be offered free of charge, and is pitched at companies looking for a cost-effective and scalable way to keep on top of email.

"Today we are announcing an exciting new offering that further expands the market opportunity for the BlackBerry platform," said Mike Lazaridis, president and co-chief executive at Research In Motion.

"In a marketplace where smartphones are becoming ubiquitous, BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express significantly raises the bar by providing a cost-effective solution that allows companies of all sizes to support enterprise-grade mobile connectivity for all employees without compromising security or manageability."

The software will work with Microsoft Exchange 2010, 2007 and 2003, and Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2008 and 2003, the firm said.

Features include the ability to synchronise email, calendar, contacts, notes and tasks, access and edit files, manage email folders and access business applications held behind enterprise firewalls.

Security and administration features include the ability to remotely wipe a smartphone should it get lost, or update a handset through remote administration.

BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express is expected in March.