RIM Set To Manage Android And iOS Devices

RIM BlackBerry PlayBook Teardown

Research In Motion on Tuesday announced its multiplatform BlackBerry Fusion Mobile, a single system for managing Android and Apple iOS based devices, including both smartphones and tablets. Originally discussed by the company back in May, the multiplatform product is a result of RIM's acquisition of Ubitexx, a multiplatform mobile device management vendor based in Germany.

According to RIM's announcement, BlackBerry Fusion Mobile will encompass BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0.3, which specifically provides services for BlackBerry phones. As such, the Fusion Mobile system will provide to all devices under management many, but not all, of the of the management capabilities found in Enterprise Server 5.0.3. Common to all phones are abilities such as asset and configuration management, security and policy definitions, remove lock and wipe, user and group-based administration, and application management.

Some features of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server will not be available to non-BlackBerry devices, included in this list are such things as BlackBerry Balance, which allows users one device for both personal and work use, and over-the-air app and software installation and management.

[ Is RIM losing its grip on enterprise IT departments? Learn more about the competition by reading Android Vs. iOS Vs. Windows Phone 7: Enterprise Shootout. ]

The primary advantage for existing RIM customers is that all RIM, Apple, and Android devices can now be managed from the same console, through an interface that is already familiar to enterprise RIM administrators.

RIM says the product is entering its early beta testing stage, and that the company is taking nominations for participation in a closed beta program that will start in January. The company expects general availability in late March.

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