All about Blackberry Enterprise Server (BES)
What is BES?
BlackBerry Enterprise Server is a wireless email solution designed for businesses with Microsoft® Exchange or Lotus® Domino™ server environments. It includes both desktop software and Enterprise Server software that work together to seamlessly manage the link between the handheld devices and corresponding email accounts.
Benifits:
Wireless Message Status Updates
Status of e-mail messages is kept in constant synchronization with the e-mail server. The status (read, unread, deleted and/or moved) of a message will always be the same whether the user is at his desktop or using his BlackBerry.
Remote Address Lookup
BlackBerry users will be able to lookup contact information that is stored in Outlook in real-time from almost anywhere. Your staff will never be without crucial contact information again.
Integrated Attachment Viewing
This allows users to view Excel, Word, PowerPoint, PDF, WordPerfect and text files on the BlackBerry handheld. These file formats are some of the most common ones exchanged in business today. With BES, your staff will be able to use all of these data formats while they are out in the field.
Wireless Calendar Synchronization
Updates to your company’s Outlook calendar are kept up-to-date in real-time on your fleet of BlackBerry handhelds. This will make your organization adaptable to scheduling changes that arise.
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Redirector or BES?
All BlackBerry devices require some sort of program or service to forward email from the mailbox to the wireless network provider and thus to the device. The act of copying and forwarding email is called "redirection". One example of a redirector is the BlackBerry Desktop Redirector, a program that runs on your personal computer, monitoring your Exchange mailbox and redirecting a copy of each of the new messages it finds. A redirector can also be a large, multiuser server that does the same for many people's mailboxes at once.
Why you should have a BES account
*With the Desktop Redirector; Your desktop computer must be running the Desktop Redirector and be logged into the Exchange server at all times. Simply turning the computer on is not sufficient, as the Desktop Redirector cannot be installed as a service; it must run as a desktop application. Using the BES Redirector frees you from this.
*The BES Redirector; provides features that you can't get through the Desktop Redirector:
+ Global Address List lookups: Non-BES users can only do lookups in the address book kept on the device itself. For GAL lookup instructions, see the Knowledge Base document With a BlackBerry at IU, how do I search for an address in the Exchange GAL?
+ Wireless calendar synchronization: Non-BES users must cradle to synchronize their calendars. For more information, see the Knowledge Base document With a BlackBerry, how do I reconcile my email, calendar, and other data?
+ Attachment rendering: Non-BES users cannot receive attachments.
+ Wireless password reset: Non-BES users cannot reset their passwords remotely.
+ The BES service allows for centralized management of BlackBerry accounts.
What is MDS?
The Mobile Data Service (MDS) feature of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server, enables an Enterprise to provide controlled browsing of Intranet and Internet web content to Blackberry handheld device.
BlackBerry Desktop software installation - BES only
Here are the basic instructions for installing your BlackBerry handheld device for use with the BES. When new features are introduced, these instructions will be modified to include any new steps that will be required to access those features.
1. Make sure the BlackBerry device and been BES activated on the BES server.
2. Install the BlackBerry 3.6 software on the 'client computer' (for Windows clients, Macintosh clients must be installed on a separate Windows computer for at least the first synchronization) choosing all the defaults during the installation except you must choose BlackBerry Enterprise Server instead of Desktop Redirector.
3. Install the BlackBerry Cradle into a serial port on your computer (if you have a BlackBerry 957, also plug in the power cord and hook it into the serial connector that is plugged into the computer). Put the BlackBerry device in the cradle.
4. Run the BlackBerry Desktop Manager Application.
5. Go to Options and select the Hide when Minimized option:
6. Go to Options and select Serial Settings:
7. Hit the Detect Button and the software will find the BlackBerry device in the cradle
8. Move the mouse around to create a new encryption key.
9. Follow the steps for updating the BlackBerry device software.
10. In the Desktop Software go to the Intellisync choice and make sure the first three check boxes are checked:
11. Click the Auto start... button and make sure all three check boxes are checked and click OK:
12. Click the Configure PIM... button:
13. Double click on the Address Book choice and you will be presented with several choice for applications that the BlackBerry can synchronize with. Choose one e.g. MS Outlook 2002 and click OK:
14. Follow the same step for the Calendar (choosing MS Outlook Wireless Sync), Memopad and Tasks and you will end up with a set like the following picture. Click OK and then click Close for the Intellisync window:
15. Double Click on the Redirector Settings. You will get a window that looks like the following picture. Clear out Auto-signature and place whatever text you would like to have displayed at the end of all your email messages (or nothing at all).
16. Click on the Filters tab and uncheck the two default filters. At the bottom of the window, where the option for "When none of the above rules apply:" choose "Forward message to handheld".
17. Take the device out of the cradle and put it back in. This will now add all the calendar, contacts, folders and other Outlook information into the BlackBerry.
18. Once the synchronization is complete, go onto the device and turn on the wireless networking (if off) by finding the antenna icon and clicking on it. You will see a signal strength indicator in the top right hand corner of the device. You should then start receiving messages.
Configuring Blackberry on BES for Privacy
If you go through your Carrier’s Browser (in most cases labeled 'Internet Browser') and not the 'Blackberry Browser', then it will be private.
Go to ‘Options’ / ‘Browser’ and take note of which browser is identified for ‘Default Browser configuration’
Next go to ‘Options’ / ‘Browser Push’ / make sure ‘Enable Push’ is selected / ‘Enable MDS Push’ will most likely be checked, don’t change leave it checked / ‘Enable WAP Push’ should also be checked / important change all instances of ‘Process MDS’ to ‘Prompt’ / now scroll to the very bottom and make sure ‘Allow WAP Push Applications’ is checked.
Note: Changing ‘Process MDS’ to ‘Prompt’ will help alert you when your privacy status is being changed. When you are prompted to use MDS you will be using your company’s internet access if you accept.
Most IM traffic goes through BES, unless you can download the WAP version and configure it to use your Carrier's APN for WAP access (haven’t tested that). If you would like to attempt be sure to go to Next go to ‘Options’ / ‘Browser Push’ / scroll to the very bottom and make sure ‘Allow WAP Push Applications’ is checked.
The BIS/BWC ( yourname@carriername.blackberry.net ) email account email accounts enable through that service cannot be logged on BES. However access can be restricted via the IT Policy. You can go to ‘Options’ / ‘Service Book’ and at the very bottom you will see ‘Web Client’ with a check next to it which confirms you have assess to sending and receiving private and personal email via your Mobile carrier’s Web Client (BIS).
You may also optionally go to ‘Options’ / ‘Message Services’ and change the default to ‘Web Client’. This will not have any effect on BES or Web Client email received. However, when composing a message, your Blackberry will use the default Web Client email as sender. This is useful only if you send far more personal emails from your than corporate emails via your Blackberry. That said if you hit compose to send an email to say a coworker at the very top of the compose page you’ll see ‘Using:’. You must change the ‘Web Client’ selection to ‘Desktop’ every time you are sending to a corporate address and the opposite selection applies if you choose the Message Service to default to ‘Desktop’.
BES IT Policy
It's wise to note that with BES comes with the Security IT Policy feature. This is an OTA policy which can restrict your access from these services totally or selectively and can differ by handheld within the company. Ask a trusted admin about your Company's Blackberry IT Policy. If the policy is being implemented on your handheld you can find it by going to 'Options' / 'Security' and you will see 'IT Policy Name', 'last update etc'.
There are different levels of logging and I've not tested them fully in past contact with BES. Current admins may be able to confirm the level of logging that can be extracted from BES traffic.
Hope this helps. More on this topic to come...
© Copyright Hayden James - Pinstack.com
Last edited by hayden; 12-09-2005 at 10:56 AM.
Use this page to find information, documentation and tools for BlackBerry Enterprise Software v4.1 Service Pack 2.
Product Documentation for v4.1 Service Pack 2Support Knowledge Base Articles for v4.1 Service Pack 2
- BlackBerry Enterprise Server
- for Microsoft Exchange
- for IBM Lotus Domino
- for Novell GroupWise (coming soon)
Looking for documentation for BlackBerry Enterprise Server v4.1?
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Some prerequisites BES on MS Exchange:
* The BES Server should be run on a dedicated server computer with 1 GHZ+ CPU and 256 MB+ of RAM with 10 GB+ of free disk space.
* The BES Server should have a fresh installation of Windows 2003 Server Standard Edition operating system with no untrusted logins.
* The BES Server must have Internet access.
* All BES Clients should be able to connect to the BES Server using the HTTP protocol on the specified port (default port is 52311).
* The BES Server should be able to send UDP messages on the specified port (default port is 52311) to all the BES Clients.
* MSDE or SQL Server 2000/2005 with non-default instances must not be installed (installations with default instances are ok). If no database is detected, the installer will prompt you to install MSDE 2000.
* The BES Server must be accessible from each BES Console using an ODBC connection.
Device Pro
Thanks hydn.
Stack level 2
Haydn, Thank you for this very helpful post. I'm new to BB (8700) as are a few others in my office. We've been using Redirector (successfully) and BIS; although we're thinking about adding BES to Windows Exchange Server (2003). With Redirector, most of us are getting duplicate messages. When Redirector is turned-off, the duplicate messages stop. Does that make some sense? Also, if we shut-off Redirector does that stop our ability to synch our messages, especially in terms of deleting messages on the BB and having them also delete on our desktops? I take it that if we install BES, these sorts of questions go away? Last question: I seem to be able to get my desktop email even though Redirector is turned off...is that right? I'm just trying to figure the pros and cons. We're a small office and just have 4 BB users at present. Thanks again. ~Andrew
Stack level 1
Why does the BES need a dedicated server?
Stack level 1
I quote your original post: Integrated Attachment Viewing
This allows users to view Excel, Word, PowerPoint, PDF, WordPerfect and text files on the BlackBerry handheld. These file formats are some of the most common ones exchanged in business today. With BES, your staff will be able to use all of these data formats while they are out in the field.
I have yet to find out how to view Wordperfect attachments on my BB8700c. We have the newest BES 4.1 and still can't view them.
Keith
Stack level 2
What about SBS2003 and BES?
Haydn, Will BES run on a SBS 2003 server, rather than Server 2003?
quote=hydn]Some prerequisites BES on MS Exchange:
* The BES Server should be run on a dedicated server computer with 1 GHZ+ CPU and 256 MB+ of RAM with 10 GB+ of free disk space.
* The BES Server should have a fresh installation of Windows 2003 Server Standard Edition operating system with no untrusted logins.
* The BES Server must have Internet access.
* All BES Clients should be able to connect to the BES Server using the HTTP protocol on the specified port (default port is 52311).
* The BES Server should be able to send UDP messages on the specified port (default port is 52311) to all the BES Clients.
* MSDE or SQL Server 2000/2005 with non-default instances must not be installed (installations with default instances are ok). If no database is detected, the installer will prompt you to install MSDE 2000.
* The BES Server must be accessible from each BES Console using an ODBC connection.[/quote]
Stack level 3
BES runs perfect on SBS 2003. But it is never recommended to install BES on ANY mail server.
Stack level 1
I have a question which I have been unable to find but it seems like an obvious question. Can a BES be used with more than one wireless provider? We have a new CEO who already has blackberry and contract with another provider but he wants to use our BES without having to use a different provider and cancelling his contract. I would think logically no but want to make sure before I tell him and hang myself out to dry. Thanks.
Steve
Stack level 3
If you are asking whether or not you can have devices from more than one provider on a BES, the answer is Yes. Currently I am running Nextel, Verizon and Cingular devices on the company BES here. You probably want to post a question like this under a new topic next time.Originally Posted by stevensh
Stack level 1
this was all very helpful, thanks you guys. Im slowly learning.
MrRobert, Welcome to PinStack.
Let us know if there is anything we can do to help with your BB.
Rcbjr
You Ask, We Will Answer
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Links to Usefull KB Articles
Stack level 1
thanx hyaden. good info on BES.
Stack level 1
Hi Hayden, here's one for you -- to set up a standalone BES server to just serve emulators on desktops -- that is, no need for internet access to the server, is internet access for the server still necessary? We want to just do emulations and serve Notes databases to emulators as proof-of-concept, all on the internal network.
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