Glossary

Glossary of terms related to Microsoft Exchange and Mobile Messaging

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Blackberry

Manufactured by Research in Motion, the Blackberry is a popular brand of mobile communications device. Blackberry was the first wireless device that synchronized with a company's mail system so that users did not require a different email address when traveling. Blackberries were also the first mobile messaging systems that used Push technology to deliver messages to mobile devices as soon as the message was sent. Blackberry Push services are provided by the Blackberry Enterprise Server which also provides email, calendar and address book synchronization. Early Blackberry devices only had messaging features, with no phone. Phone features were added in the early 2000's. Originally intended only for business use, Blackberry phones have only started to include popular consumer features such as cameras and multimedia capabilities in the last couple of years.

Blackberry Calendar

Offered as a standard feature with all Blackberry models, the calendar is capable of synchronization with a user's Exchange account, so appointments added on the mobile device are updated on their desktop client, and appointments entered using their desktop client appear in the Blackberry Calendar. The system also enables users to check coworkers shared calendars and send meeting requests from their mobile device. Users who do not have a BES account can use the Blackberry Desktop Manager to synchronize their calendar with their computer calendar using a USB cable or Bluetooth.

Blackberry Enterprise Server

The Blackberry Enterprise Server, or BES as its abbreviated, is a component of the Blackberry Enterprise Solution. It is a software that acts as a centralized link between wireless devices, enterprise applications and wireless networks. Blackberry Users wishing to connect to an Exchange Server must have access to a Blackberry Enterprise Server to provide this connectivity, as well as a Blackberry Data Plan form their mobile carrier.

Blackberry Internet Service

Abbreviated as BIS and provided by RIM, this is the standard data service for Blackberry devices provided by wireless carriers. When a user or company adds a a Blackberry device to their wireless plan, the phone must be signed up with the carrier's plan that includes Blackberry Internet Service. For Exchange users, they must also add the Blackberry Enterprise Server to their plan in addition to BIS.

Blackberry Models

Blackberry models can fit into two categories: Corporate models and consumter models. Originally created for corporate users, Blackberry has only recently started to add consumer features such as cameras, video, and media capabilities with models such as the Bold for AT&T and the Storm for Verizon. Previous consumer models such as the Curve and Pearl were meant to allows consumers to use the refined Blackberry Os without the cost of support for the BES and Exchange connectivity.

Blackberry OS

Short for Blackberry Operating System, this is the operating software made by Research In Motion for their Blackberry line of handheld wireless products. This software is comparable with Windows Mobile, Symbian, Android and the version of Mac OS that Apple has installed on the iPhone. The Blackberry OS stands out in it auto-completing text features, and intuitive integration of menus, which makes using Blackberries fast and easy. New versions allow for synchronization with Microsoft Exchange, GroupWise and Lotus Notes.

Bluetooth

Named creatively after a god from Norse mythology, this a wireless protocol for short-range communications and transmission of data between fixed or mobile devices. Bluetooth uses a radio technology called "Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum" to ensure connectivity and prevent interference. It chops up the data being sent and transmits chunks of it on up to 79 different frequencies. Blue tooth technology is frequently used to allow mobile devices to synchronize with desktop computers, and for mobile phone accssories. Some cars have built-in Bluetooth capabilities that lets a driver use their phone's voice services hand-free.