RIM updates BlackBerry range for enterprises

RIM has unveiled hardware and software updates for its BlackBerry smartphone and tablet platforms.

Headlining the release is two additions to the BlackBerry Bold handset line. The Bold 9900 and 9300 sport a 1.2GHz processor and 2.8in touch-screen display with support for 720p video resolution. Both are due later this summer.

The handsets will also be the first to support the BlackBerry 7 operating system, which offers improved browser and search performance and the integration of BlackBerry Balance.

The Balance system allows users to separate personal content from business data, securing corporate information from applications such as social networking and games. The platform is RIM's effort to solve lingering security questions among enterprises.

"BlackBerry Balance is a win-win for employers and employees," said RIM senior vice president of software and services Jim Tobin.

"It's a secure and cost-effective way for companies to keep employees connected and productive, while also allowing the flexibility for employees to carry a single phone."

Additional management features will be offered to administrators via the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution (BES) which allows control of BlackBerry Enterprise Server and Server Express deployments, as well as management of iOS and Android devices.

Gartner analyst Phillip Redman argued that RIM is trying to provide a strong platform for enterprise mobile device management on various platforms.

"The nice thing about doing this on the BlackBerry will be the consistent interface and integrated BES," Redman wrote in a Gartner blog post. "Porting this capability to other operating systems will be important as RIM moves deeper into mobile device management."

RIM is also adding a Facebook client and a Wi-Fi video chat platform to the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet.

PlayBook Video Chat will be offered as a software update or a download on the BlackBerry App World service.