Verizon to Charge BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express Users?

At Mobile World Congress, RIM announced a new BlackBerry corporate product called BES Express, meant to bring core enterprise mobility services usually associated with their premium enterprise server to small and medium businesses for free. There was some worry that this move would grind on carriers, who would lose out on juicy dollars from BES plans, and it seems like that worry was well-founded, as an internal memo from Verizon details that customers will still need a corporate e-mail plan in order to use BESX.

On March 1, 2010, RIM will launch BES Express (BESX), an entry-level version of BES.As with all Corporate email solutions, customers will need a corporate email data plan or feature added to a voice plan to allow access to BESX.

Note: Customers on the Email and Web for BlackBerry $29.99 data feature MAY NOT utilize BESX.

Overview:
BESX replaces BlackBerry Professional Software (BPS) in RIM’s product lineup and allows businesses using Microsoft® Exchange or Microsoft Small Business Server to support up to 75 BlackBerry subscribers without having to purchase Client Access Licenses (CAL) or a dedicated server. Additional users can be supported if BESX is installed on a dedicated server.

With the launch of BESX, RIM will discontinue the sale of BPS. Verizon Wireless will sell through our remaining BPS inventory and RIM will continue to support this solution for the foreseeable future.

Customer Information/Eligibility:

• BESX will be available directly from the RIM website. Customers should be directed there for additional product information.
• BESX will not be available directly from Verizon Wireless.
• As with all Corporate email solutions, customers will need a corporate email data plan or feature added to a voice plan to allow access to BESX

Reference: Information about current pricing options is available in the Verizon Wireless Small Business Guide or on vzw.com.

See the BES Express page in InfoManager for more information.

One of the main selling points of BESX was that it was going to be free, outside of the usual wireless handheld costs associated with a Blackberry Internet Service account. The full-blown BES would entail extra charges for Client Access Licences and BES wireless plans, but the idea was that smaller businesses could save a few bucks by going with BESX and using a BIS plan. Verizon’s steely grip on corporate e-mail plans would essentially nullify any cost savings BESX would otherwise offer SMBs. Back in the day, Verizon used to lock down GPS units on BlackBerrys so they could only work with their premium navigation service, so this kind of behaviour is par for course – certainly doesn’t mean anyone has to like it, though.

[via BBLeaks]