BlackBerry with international roaming introduced

LAS VEGAS -- Research In Motion Limited has introduced two new data and voice-enabled BlackBerry Wireless Handhelds, each with an integrated speaker-microphone. The new Java-based BlackBerry 6710 and BlackBerry 6720 each deliver e-mail, phone, SMS, browser and organizer applications in a compact, always-on handheld. 

"We continue to evolve our wireless handhelds and the BlackBerry platform to complement the increasing power of new 2.5G wireless networks worldwide," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. "Early feedback from customer trials has been very enthusiastic and we believe that the BlackBerry 6710/6720 is set to become another major success with enterprise customers and further strengthen RIM's family of wireless handhelds."

The BlackBerry 6710 is a world band handheld supporting seamless operation on GSM/GPRS networks in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific (900/1900 MHz frequencies). 

The BlackBerry 6720 is a dual band handheld operating on GSM/GPRS networks (900/1800 MHz frequencies) and allows mobile professionals to travel in Europe and Asia Pacific with one handheld. RIM is demonstrating the world band BlackBerry 6710 this week at CTIA Wireless IT in Las Vegas, where RIM's Chairman and Co-CEO, Jim Balsillie, will deliver a keynote address on the opening day.

The BlackBerry is marketed as the leading wireless platform for corporate customers. Specifically designed to meet the needs of both end users and IT departments, RIM says the BlackBerry incorporates the industry's best hardware, software and services to provide a seamless, end-to-end solution. The BlackBerry 6710 and BlackBerry 6720 are the newest additions to the multifaceted BlackBerry solution and leverage RIM's advanced technologies and infrastructure together with Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) and leading GSM/GPRS wireless networks to provide a compelling and seemingly effortless experience.

Handheld Designs: The BlackBerry 6710/6720 offer always-on data operation with an integrated phone. With a palm-sized form, the BlackBerry 6710 and BlackBerry 6720 are sleek (4.76 x 2.99 x 0.70 inches) and lightweight (4.86 oz) with an embedded RIM wireless modem and internal high performance antenna. The handhelds each feature an easy-to-use "thumb-typing" keyboard (based on RIM's popular keyboard design), navigation trackwheel, rechargeable and removable lithium battery, large screen, intuitive interface, integrated speaker/microphone and headset jack. Both the screen and keyboard are backlit for easy reading and typing during day or night.

World Band: The BlackBerry 6710 is a world band handheld that operates on 900/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS wireless networks in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Mobile professionals can use one handheld to maintain wireless access to their corporate e-mail and phone service while traveling abroad.

Dual Band: The BlackBerry 6720 is a dual band handheld that operates on 900/1800 MHz GSM/GPRS wireless networks in Europe and Asia Pacific. Mobile professionals can use one handheld to access company information and manage communications while roaming.

E-mail: RIM's approach to wireless e-mail is popular and proven with enterprise customers. BlackBerry 6710/6720 users can have a secure, wireless extension to their existing enterprise mailbox. There is no need to worry about retrieving or "pulling" e-mail since BlackBerry's "push" architecture enables e-mail to be automatically delivered. Users can read, compose, forward, reply, file or delete messages at their convenience and synchronize their inbox and folders between their BlackBerry handheld and PC.

Phone: The built-in, high-quality phone supports GSM voice services with optional features such as call waiting, call answer, conference calling and call forwarding. It includes an integrated speaker/microphone designed for comfort and clarity when held to the ear and a headset that attaches for convenient, hands-free conversation allowing users to read, type or retrieve information while they talk. A call management button also enables users to quickly access the phone application and turn on/off the mute feature.

SMS: Short Messaging Service (SMS) enables short text messages to be quickly exchanged between BlackBerry 6710/6720 handhelds and other SMS-enabled devices (including cell phones) without adding e-mail messages to an inbox. The specially designed keyboard on the BlackBerry handheld is ideal for typing SMS messages quickly. 

Browser: An increasing variety of wireless Internet services are available that allow fast access to select information on the Web including news, travel, business and entertainment updates. BlackBerry 6710 and BlackBerry 6720 users can use the BlackBerry browser to access their carrier's content services and gateways. For organizations that deploy BlackBerry Enterprise Server v3.5, the BlackBerry browser will be dual-purpose, allowing it to also access corporate data securely via the new Mobile Data Service feature of BlackBerry Enterprise Server. The BlackBerry browser supports standard WML, HTML and XML based content and HTTP/HTTPS connectivity to BlackBerry Enterprise Server.

Organizer: A full-featured connected organizer is included with calendar, address book, memo pad and task list applications for maximum productivity. With RIM's wireless calendar synchronization features, the user's online calendar and handheld calendar can be wirelessly synchronized without need for a cradle. This enables the user to initiate, accept or decline meeting requests using their BlackBerry handheld and their online calendar will also be updated for the benefit of colleagues and assistants trying to schedule new appointments. 

Application Integration: The BlackBerry 6710/6720 features software integration, designed to for ease of use. A single integrated address book and inbox serve all e-mail, voice and SMS applications. And you can even click on an e-mail address, telephone number or URL inside a message to automatically invoke an e-mail message, call the telephone number or connect to the URL. 

Java: Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) is a powerful development platform that is optimized for wireless devices and provides an industry standard programming environment for custom and commercial application development and deployment. Support for J2ME opens the BlackBerry platform to a large and growing developer community that currently includes more than three million Java developers. RIM introduced its BlackBerry Development Environment for J2ME earlier this year. 

BlackBerry Enterprise Server: Thousands of companies and government organizations around the world have deployed BlackBerry Enterprise Server software behind their firewall. BlackBerry Enterprise Server supports both Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Domino environments with single mailbox integration and provides IT departments with centralized administration, end-to-end security (using Triple DES encryption), multi-network support and a powerful development platform. 

BlackBerry Web Client: In addition to the enterprise e-mail integration option enabled by BlackBerry Enterprise Server, RIM is introducing a new Web-based application called BlackBerry Web Client. It supports ISP e-mail accounts through the POP3 protocol and allows users to access multiple existing e-mail accounts from a single BlackBerry handheld (including a default Web mail account provided with each handheld). BlackBerry Web Client appeals to customers that do not currently use Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Domino and also those users that wish to access a personal e-mail account in addition to their enterprise e-mail account. BlackBerry 6710/6720 customers can use the BlackBerry Web Client application to select their ISP accounts, access their Web mail account, configure settings, define e-mail filters and set auto signatures. 

Handheld airtime pricing and roaming services are determined by network carriers and will vary based on specific service plans. The BlackBerry 6710/6720 availability and timing may vary by country and carrier.