Exchange 2007 and Blackberry 2

[alfa2008]

Hi,

One of our users wants to use Blackberry phone, and have it configured to use with our Exchange 2007 Server. Since I've never used BB before, I'll have to ask basic questions.

In their website, there is Blackberry Enterprise Server version 5.0, apparently supporting 64 bit platforms.
Is this software we need to buy, and can we install it in same server used for Exchange 2007, or we need extra hardware for it (I couldn't find this information).

We don't expect more than 5-10 people to use BB devices.

Thank you for any help

 

[58sniper]

They have/had the express version, which IIRC, supports up to 15 users. It's cheaper than the full version.

But it would be a cold day in hell before I'd recommend installing it on an Exchange server. Spool up a virtual machine if needed.

Pat Richard MVP
Plan for performance, and capacity takes care of itself. Plan for capacity, and suffer poor performance.

http://www.ucblogs.net/blogs/exchange/

 

[pogi05]

Hi

I'm sort of in the same boat as well; I have 5-10 users with Blackberry phones and BIS.

We've recently gotten Exchange 2007 (via SBS2008) and I'm stuck trying to think of the best way to get the e-mail on their phones.

They aren't fancy enough to need synchronization, which I assume the Blackberry professional software provides, so I know that you can also use OWA with the Blackberry Internet Service (which is what I wanted to try soon)


*let me know how you configure yours!

Thanks,

Chris

 

[alfa2008]

Well, I think my implementation will take some time, because of decision making. Users are using ActiveSync just fine, and I don't know what do they really need BB now.

 

[mofusjtf]

Blackberry has a version called Blackberry Professional Software Express. It's free for the first Blackberry and $99 for a CAL for each additional Blackberry up to 30. But the rumor is Blackberry is going to discontinue this free version and convert it to a pay version. So get it fast! I have it running in a number of places. It works great.

Like Pat said, run it in a VM if you must but do NOT run it on an Exchange 07 server. Or an AD server. If you have SBS there is a step by step guide on how to install it on that but ideally you'd run it on its own server.

Or you can purchase

http://www.astrasync.com

for each Blackberry. This allows your Blackberry to use Activesync to communicate with the Exchange server.

 

[alfa2008]

mofusjtf,

Thank you for your information.
In this moment, I have only one user (in top management) asking for BB, and rushing to have it. So we can use Blackberry Professional Software Express, and if more needed we buy only CALs.
Also idea of AstraSync is great for me, even better maybe. But, I want to ask wether it is installed on BB Mobile Device or Exchange server. Has anybody used it to share experience with us.

 

[58sniper]

It's an agent installed on the device.

Pat Richard MVP
Plan for performance, and capacity takes care of itself. Plan for capacity, and suffer poor performance.

http://www.ucblogs.net/blogs/exchange/

 

[mofusjtf]

Yep, the first BB is free. You simplely register for the software using the BB's PIN. And for each additional BB you add simple purchase CALs.

As Pat said, astrasync runs on the BB not the exchange server.

 

[Zelandakh]

BIS and OWA is awful. Yes, it delvers emails but it doesn't do any sync of calendar items, contacts, tasks...

Basically it is a glorified POP3 delivery service and negates the benefits of having a BB and Exchange.

 

[alfa2008]

As for Astrasync, I did install on one of client's BB, and it worked fine syncing emails, and calendar (that's what I tested). Since all is needed is license for BB mobile, and our users are interested for mail, and calendar synchronization, we're thinking to go with this option.

 

[58sniper]

BIS and OWA is awful. Yes, it delvers emails but it doesn't do any sync of calendar items, contacts, tasks...Basically it is a glorified POP3 delivery service and negates the benefits of having a BB and Exchange.

And wait till their AD password has to be changed. Their head explodes when the device stops working.

Pat Richard MVP
Plan for performance, and capacity takes care of itself. Plan for capacity, and suffer poor performance.

http://www.ucblogs.net/blogs/exchange/

 

[Zelandakh]

Agree, passwords changes are a nightmare...

 

[pogi05]

I had everyone's blackberry this monday kick back that it needed to be updated, even though they hadn't changed it. (Using BIS and OWA, Exchange 2007)

Didn't know why it needed "update" but haven't had problems since then...

 

[etherbadger]

I haven't been able to get my blackberry users working with exchange 2007 with BIS or the limited BES. (EAS phones work fine, godaddy cert, etc..) The astrasync program may be the answer to my problems, thanks for suggesting that, mofusjtf.