What Is a BES (BlackBerry Enterprise Server)
The Blackberry Enterprise Server is basically like the mothership for corporate Blackberries. Back in 1999, when Research In Motion first introduced the Blackberry to the corporate world, the BES was in charge of encrypting data and automatically relaying information to the mobile device. When the Blackberry was first introduced to the business world, its main purpose was to transmit emails back and forth. A company would get a BES unique to them and assign every Blackberry they gave to employees to the BES. The BES would take care of encrypting the data and making sure that the company was able to easily send and receive emails on the device. Over time, the company updated the Enterprise Server and users of a Blackberry device that's connected to a server receive more benefits and features than those who use a Blackberry through a regular server.
How the Blackberry Enterprise Server Operates
A server is installed when a company requests one for their company. When it's installed, the server is given its own identification number and that number is never shared with another server. There is a network operation center (NOC) where the BES logs in with its unique identification number each time it's activated. The NOC recognizes the server and begins communicating with any activated Blackberry devices.
In order for the server to communicate with the mobile devices, each Blackberry must be assigned to the server. Once it's registered, the phone automatically signs into the NOC when you turn on the power. Upon initial activation of a Blackberry, the server will send what the company calls service books to the phone. These service books tell the Blackberry what to do and how to communicate with other devices. The server will also begin adding encryption to each Blackberry to ensure that data is secure. The BES is constantly working to keep all information flowing between the server and the Blackberries within the company.
Features of the BES and the Blackberry
Blackberries on a server have features for both users and administrators. Users can synchronize email, download documents, synchronize contacts and address book, setup meetings, browse websites, and synchronize your Blackberry inbox with your computer inbox. As the Blackberry evolves and the company puts out new updated versions, features are growing, especially with business applications specifically designed for each business.
The BES allows administrators to decide how and what their employees can access via their Blackberries. Administrators can block any features they feel would be a distraction to employees such as SMS or MMS messaging, the ability to use the Internet using full HTML web browsing, and utilize forced encryption on external media and memory. The BES also allows administrators to shut off your Blackberry should you lose it, log call data, log any text messages, and download certain applications that can't be removed.
Most businesses that utilize Blackberries enjoy all of the features available through being on a server. Those who only use a carrier don't get to experience the administrative features that businesses find useful.