One Exchange Client and Two BlackBerry Handsets

July 31, 2009

For a long time I’ve played by the RIM rules in believing that an Exchange email account can only be linked to one BlackBerry handset through a BES server. The wording is exactly right, but the ‘one handset’ limitation can be overcome with a little planning.

Here’s the environment that I’ve tested this on;

  • Windows Server 2003 R2 with all service packs
  • Exchange Server 2003 SP2 with all service packs
  • BlackBerry Enterprise Server 4.1.6.10

Other items you’ll need;

  • 1 spare Exchange CAL per user
  • 1 spare BES CAL per user
  • Spare BlackBerry handset – I’ve used 8310, 8320 and 9000
  • Spare BES actived SIM

How it works

  1. Create a new user in Active Directory (I used firstname2@domain.com for the email address)
  2. Create a new user on your BES Server and select firstname2@domain.com for that user
  3. Activate the spare BlackBerry with the SIM for firstname2@domain.com
  4. Finally enable email forwarding from the first account to the 2nd account

Exchange Email Forwarding

New email will start flowing to the 2nd BlackBerry as Exchange forwards it from the primary account to the secondary account.  Personal Address Book synchronisation can be achieved through a manual export and import, and the same with calendars.

Pitfalls

  • 2 mobile phone numbers, although one can be put on permanent divert to the other
  • 2 SMS locations – SMS messages cannot be routed from one SIM to another at the network level
  • Calendars – you’ll need to invite two users (firstname and firstame2) to the same meetings so the the entry appears on both handsets
  • 2 BlackBerry Messenger clients – this has caused confusion, with some people deleting the primary contact once the second handset added them
  • Handset rebuild – if you need to rebuild the primary or secondary handset, you MUST DISABLE email forwarding, otherwise the activation process on the handset doesn’t complete

Conclusions

This is by  no means an easy solution.  However if your users demand a 2nd handset for emergency email, it is possible.  Set the expectations right, and this just might save your bacon.

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Posted by Noel

3G iPhone speeds

April 30, 2009

I’ve been amazed at how much I’ve come to rely on Internet access while commuting. Long gone are the days of reading a book on a train – I expect to be able to work or play via the web at all times.

The iPhone has much to answer for. It wasn’t long ago that I took pride in getting my laptop out on the train and watching a DVD either to or from work. But that’s so passé these days – if I can’t do it on my iPhone then it can’t be done.

However, the iPhone and other smartphone handsets wouldn’t be as attractive without the network behind it. The mere fact that I can sit on a train, use a touch-screen device to write a blog post and know that once I click ‘publish’ the network will just take care of it is incredible.

O2, Vodafone, and all carriers advancing their networks should be commended since they bring the connectivity we desire to the handsets we love.

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Posted by Noel

Apple & Microsoft – integration heaven

November 16, 2007

Until recently, my experience with Apple Computers was purely academic. I used them for some courses at university to cover desktop publishing, AppleTalk networking, and graphical user interface design. Beyond that, they’ve remained an enigma. Today I’m a corporate technologist, with in depth knowledge of the Microsoft Windows server operating systems and their associated applications. As such, the general philosophy about Macs has been that they are optimised for the DTP world, and are not much use for modern business.

However, I’m having a difficult time reconciling my Microsoft-centric mindset with the experiences I’ve had with Mac OS X recently.

I’ve been using the iMac for about 6 weeks now, and I have to say I really do like the interface. I like it that the menu bar for the current application is always at the top of the screen. I like it that the Dock has all of my favourite applications, and I’m amazed at the form factor and the clarity of the screen.

But, the two things that have impressed me most are;

  1. the native connectivity to Active Directory
  2. application integration for Mac Mail and Mac Address Book to Microsoft Exchange

While there is a big gap in the Mac iCal integration with Microsoft Exchange Calendar, I’ve used Snerdware’s Groupcal to provide the link.

Ultimately it’s a great solution – the users are fed up with Microsoft Entourage, and are happier working around the native Mac applications. I’m happy because the integration is straight-forward, and it’s taking the extra step to providing the best end user experience.

Needless to say that once Mac:Office 2008 arrives in January, I will be taking a look to see if Entourage is a more attractive proposition. At the moment though, Apple should be proud of their efforts and of the loyalty their users have for their technology.

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Posted by Noel