With the release date of the new BlackBerry 10 handsets - the X10 and Z10 - fast approaching, Research In Motion has released a new version of its mobile device management software: BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10.
Available for download today, the software manages devices running BlackBerry 10 and even competing devices using iOS or Android operating systems.
The new BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 "supports our existing line of devices, BlackBerry PlayBook tablets, and soon to be released BlackBerry 10 smartphones," Pete Devenyi, senior vice president of enterprise software at RIM, explained to ZDNet.
The release of BES 10 brings device and application management capabilities to BlackBerry 10 smartphones, and also marks the end of RIM's mobile device management product and brand, Mobile Fusion, which has been absorbed into BES 10.
"We're retiring the BlackBerry Mobile Fusion name, recognizing that BlackBerry Enterprise Server has been synonymous with mobile device management (MDM) and high security for years. It's a brand that is recognized across the corporate and government community," Devenyi added.
The new BES 10 software will also allow users to manage non-BlackBerry 10 devices, as long as BES 10 is installed on a separate logical server. Ocne the software is set up, you can manage old and new devices, as well as PlayBooks, iOS handsets, and Android devices from one central console, Devenyi said.
RIM will host a major, multi-city event on Jan. 30 to unveil its new operating system and launch its new BlackBerry 10 handsets, the Z10 and X10. The company is expected to announce carrier partnerships and pricing at the launch, with all four major U.S. carriers pledging to support the new platform after the release date, according to The Verge. BGR spoke to anonymous sources who claims pricing for the new smartphones will be lower than the typical $199 on-contract price applied to the majority of high-end handsets.
While RIM has still yet to confirm an official release date for the X10 and Z10, an image has surfaced online suggesting a Feb. 28 release for the new smartphones, according to Digital Trends. A screenshot from Best Buy Canada's stock control system shows a BlackBerry 10 device listed with a release date of Feb. 28 and shows a retail price of $799. Although, which model the report is referring to is unclear. If accurate, the pricing would be $50 less than an unlocked 64GB Apple iPhone 5, and at least $250 more than the average cost for a 16GB Samsung Galaxy S3.
BlackBerry 10 phones are reportedly already receiving stellar reviews ahead of their official release.
"Research in Motion has won key government security certification for its BlackBerry 10 operating system months ahead of its launch, allowing the smartphone to be used in secure government workplaces," reported Zack Whittaker of CNET.
When the BlackBerry 10 is eventually debuted on Jan. 30 the phone will reportedly be available in two models, the X10 and Z10, according to BGR. While the Z10 opts for an all-touch-screen design, the X10 model employs more traditional design using the old school QWERTY style keyboard. The phone will reportedly be available in both black and white, and rumors indicate the phone will feature a 4.2-inch screen with 1280x768 resolution.
"In building BlackBerry 10, we set out to create a truly unique mobile computing experience that constantly adapts to your needs. Our team has been working tirelessly to bring our customers innovative features combined with a best in class browser, a rich application ecosystem, and cutting-edge multimedia capabilities. All of this will be integrated into a user experience - the BlackBerry Flow - that is unlike any smartphone on the market today," said Thorsten Heins, President and CEO of RIM.
Rather not wait until Jan. 30 to get your hands on RIM's new smartphone? You can pre-order the BlackBerry 10 now from Canadian carrier, Rogers.
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