BlackBerry
BlackBerry Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to many questions you may have. If your question is not listed, please contact our customer support team by email at ask@GTA.net or by phone at (671) 644-4GTA.
- What is BlackBerry Internet Service?
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BlackBerry Internet Service (BlackBerry Web Client) is an Internet-based email interface that allows you to add email accounts that you want to work with your handheld.
BIS (Blackberry Internet Service) - Allows the customer to integrate multiple existing email accounts and have their messages pushed right to their device.
- BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) is RIM's offer targeted at the consumer and prosumer. A consumer is defined as a customer that purchases product for personal use, while a prosumer is defined as a mobile professional that purchases product individually (e.g. Real Estate Agent and Lawyers). For these customers Blackberry provides wireless access to leading personal email accounts such as AOL, MSN/HOTMAIL, GMAIL, Yahoo and POP3/ISP Email.
- This solution is the bundle of services - email, phone, SMS, web browsing, organizer and instant messaging.
- Users can self-provision email services from the handheld or the PC. (No IT involvement required for set up.)
- Allows individuals immediate access to information and communication in an "always on" wireless handheld. They can also view attachments in popular formats.
- What email accounts can I integrate my BlackBerry handheld with?
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BlackBerry provides a wireless extension of your existing email mailbox, and integrates with various email accounts using BlackBerry Internet Email Service (BIS) using "push" technology.
Existing Personal Email Accounts**
Using the BlackBerry Internet Service, you can integrate your BlackBerry device with up to 10 supported email accounts including Microsoft Outlook, Yahoo, Gmail, and other popular supported email.
With BlackBerry Internet Service Email v2.0, you have the option to set up a unique BlackBerry email address if you would like a wireless account. Find out more about what's new with BlackBerry Internet Service Email v2.0
Click here for more information - What is push technology?
- BlackBerry "push" technology enables messages to be automatically and effortlessly routed to your BlackBerry device while you are on the go. In the traditional "pull" model, the user periodically connects to the email server to check for new messages.
- How can I synchronize my Blackberry device and my computer?
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Included with each Blackberry device purchased is BlackBerry Desktop Software which installs and runs on your desktop PC. It manages the link between your BlackBerry device and your email account. This integrated suite of applications provides the following:
- Powerful Message Filtering - BlackBerry Desktop Software's advanced filtering engine gives you complete control over your email. Limit the number of messages you receive on your BlackBerry handheld by setting filters that monitor key words and message fields including From:, To:, Cc:, Bcc:, Subject: and message body.
- Synchronization - BlackBerry Desktop Software synchronizes your email and organizer information (contacts, appointments and tasks) between your BlackBerry device and desktop.
- Data Migration Wizard - Available in BlackBerry Desktop Software v4.1, allows you to import contacts, calendar entries, tasks, and memos from Palm®, Treo™ or Windows Mobile™-based devices to BlackBerry devices.
- Load Handheld Applications - BlackBerry Desktop Software enables you to load new applications and upgrades from your PC to the handheld.
- Folder Management Tools - BlackBerry Desktop Software gives you the option to file or delete your email directly from your handheld.
- Information Backup Utilities - BlackBerry Desktop Software allows you to backup any important information from the handheld to your PC or restore previously-saved files back to your handheld.
- Auto Signature - BlackBerry Desktop Software allows you to create an auto signature to be included in the body of your outgoing mail messages sent from your handheld and desktop.
- What are the minimum pc specifications to install the Blackberry Desktop Software?
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The minimum pc requirements are:
- Internet/email enabled computer with an Intel™ 486 or higher processor
- One available USB or serial port
- Windows® Operating System Requirements for USB: Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP
- Windows® Operating System Requirements for Serial: Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows NT® 4.0 Service Pack 6 or later
- What Organizer support is available through Blackberry Desktop Software?
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Available support via Blackberry Desktop Software:
- Microsoft Outlook 97, Outlook 98, Outlook 2000, Outlook 2002 Outlook XP or Outlook 2003
- Lotus Notes 5.0.6 or later, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0
- ACT!® 4.0.2, 2000, 5.0, or 6.0
- Lotus Organizer 5.0, or 6.0
- Microsoft Outlook Express 5.0, or 6.0
- Novell GroupWise 6.0, or 6.5
- Netscape® (contacts only)
- ASCII Importer/Exporter
- Can I open attachments on my BlackBerry device?
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BlackBerry provides an attachment service that allows you to open and view email attachments on your BlackBerry device. Get all the information you need while you're on the go with the ability to open and view email attachments on your BlackBerry device, whether you have integrated your device using BlackBerry Internet Service™* or BlackBerry Enterprise Server™.
Popular Attachment Format Support
- Microsoft® Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint®
- Corel® WordPerfect®
- Adobe® PDF
- ASCII documents
- HTML attachments
- Images: JPG, BMP, GIF, PNG and TIFF
- File types listed above archived in .zip format
- Can I modify attachments with my BlackBerry device?
- Depending on the BlackBerry device and BlackBerry software version you are using, you may be able to open and view email attachments on your BlackBerry device, however you cannot modify them. Third party applications are available to edit attachments that you receive on your BlackBerry device.
- Can BlackBerry be used with Macintosh computers?
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BlackBerry is compatible with Windows 95/98, Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP. Third-party software PocketMac® for BlackBerry, from Information Appliance Associates, allows Macintosh® users to synchronize their data between their BlackBerry wireless device and Entourage®, their address book, iCal®, Now Contact®, Now Up-To-Date® and Stickies.
More information:
- http://www.blackberry.com/news/events/macworld.shtml
- http://www.pocketmac.net/products/pmblackberry/indexrim.html
Note: This is not a Blackberry product. Customers will need to access the website above for more information and to purchase. MPULSE will not carry this product.
- Which networks does BlackBerry support and how much coverage is available?
- Blackberry is supported on MPULSE's GSM network
- How much does it cost to deploy BlackBerry?
- To add Blackberry service to a voice plan, the monthly recurring charge is $49.95. For data only, the monthly recurring charge is $59.95. Voice calls are charged at $0.30 per minute on the data only plan. All other charges such as long distance, mTXT, etc are billed at MPULSE's standard rates.
- Does BlackBerry have a spell check feature?
- BlackBerry devices include an AutoText feature, which automatically replaces certain text you type with pre-programmed text. The AutoText feature not only corrects commonly misspelled words, but also inserts punctuation and symbols into your message automatically. BlackBerry does not currently have a spell check feature.
- Which networks does BlackBerry support and how much coverage is available?
- All BlackBerry devices rely on internal flash memory for data storage. The memory on BlackBerry devices is not expandable at this time.
- Can I purchase or request a BlackBerry user guide?
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Blackberry is supported on MPULSE's GSM network
- Will my BlackBerry device work in Europe, Asia, or elsewhere?
- Data roaming may be a future product offered by MPULSE.
- Does BlackBerry support Bluetooth?
- Yes, both model series that MPULSE will carry will support Bluetooth (BlackBerry 7130g and BlackBerry 8700g series support Bluetooth.
- Does my BlackBerry device have infrared technology?
- BlackBerry devices do not support infrared technology.
- What Operating System do the BlackBerry devices use?
- BlackBerry devices use either C++ based or Java based operating system developed by Research In Motion.
- If I switch carriers can I keep the same BlackBerry device?
- MPULSE will only guarantee units sold in our stores.
- What is GPRS?
- GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a packet switched network, designed for wide-area data communication. GSM/GPRS networks enable "always-on" operation and allow you to maintain a virtual connection to the wireless network for data services.
- What does IMEI stand for?
- The International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI), also known as the Electronic Serial Number (ESN), is a unique 15-digit numerical key given to each wireless phone or handheld device.
- Can I access web mail on my BlackBerry device?
- If you are a BlackBerry Internet Service customer, you will be able to access your GTA/Spyder webmail account. If you use BlackBerry Internet Solution, many online email service providers can be accessed via the BlackBerry Browser.
- What is QWERTY?
- The name QWERTY is used to describe a standard English-language keyboard and comes from the first six letters in the top alphabet row of a standard keyboard. BlackBerry devices sold in North America use this familiar layout. BlackBerry business phones also use SureType technology, which combines a QWERTY keyboard with a traditional phone keypad.
- Does BlackBerry have POP3 capabilities?
- BlackBerry Internet Service allows you to integrate your BlackBerry device with up to 10 existing, supported email accounts.
- Can I send or view email messages while I am on the phone?
- When you are on a voice call, email messages can be read and composed, but cannot be sent or received. If you compose a message while on a voice call, this message will be sent once the call is complete. Any messages that were sent to you while you were on your call will be received on your BlackBerry device once the call is complete. If a voice call happens to be received at the exact moment an email message is being sent or received, the call may go directly to voicemail.
- Can I transfer contacts on my SIM card to my mail client such as Outlook?
- Direct transfers of contacts on your SIM card to your mail client is not supported at this time. However, your BlackBerry device can save your SIM contacts to your Address Book and then synchronize your Address Book to your mail client.
- Where can I get more information on BlackBerry?
- BlackBerry offers a wide range of information on its website
- Are photos viewable on my BlackBerry device?
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On your BlackBerry device, you can:
- Pan, zoom and rotate images with image manipulation tools
- Save images to your Pictures List to store them on your device
- View embedded images within .doc and .pdf files
- View and save images in email attachments
- View and save images with your device browser
- Set images as your device wallpaper
Note: Some features require BlackBerry Enterprise Server v4.0 or above and the BlackBerry Attachment Service.
- What is Bluetooth?
- Bluetooth is a technology designed to wirelessly connect electronic devices over short distances. It is supported by the BlackBerry 7100 Series, BlackBerry 7250, BlackBerry 7290BlackBerry 7520 Wireless Handheld and the BlackBerry 8700 Series.
- What is the difference between talk time and standby time?
- Talk time commonly refers to how long the battery on your BlackBerry device lasts on a single charge while it is in continuous use (for voice or data), whereas standby time measures how long the battery lasts when your BlackBerry device is on but not in use.
- What is the BlackBerry Enterprise Server?
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BlackBerry Enterprise Server® is robust software that acts as the centralized link between wireless devices, enterprise applications and wireless networks. The server integrates with enterprise messaging and collaboration systems to provide mobile users with access to email, enterprise instant messaging and personal information management tools. All data between applications and BlackBerry devices flows centrally through the server. It also provides advanced security features and offers administrative tools that simplify management and centralize control. BlackBerry Enterprise Server is available for Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and Novell GroupWise.
Get additional information and find out about system requirements here.
- Is the hardware included in with the Blackberry Enterprise Server?
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The customer provided hardware must meet the following minimum specifications:
For system requirements for the BlackBerry Enterprise Server for Microsoft Exchange:
BlackBerry Enterprise Server version 4.1 for Microsoft Exchange
Minimum required hardware and configuration:- For 500 users: Intel® Pentium® IV processor (2GHz or greater), 1.5 GB RAM, MSDE 2000 on the same computer
- For 1000 users: Intel Pentium IV dual processor (2GHz or greater), 2GB RAM, MSDE 2000 on the same computer
- For 2000 users: Intel Pentium IV dual processor (2.8GHz or greater), 4GB RAM, MSDE 2000 on the same computer
- Note: For systems running over 1000 users, the recommendation is to deploy Microsoft SQL on a separate server. This reduces the memory requirement on the BlackBerry Enterprise Server.
- Windows® 2000 Server (Server or Advanced Server Editions) or Windows Server 2003
- Integrates with Microsoft Exchange 5.5 (Service Pack 4 or later), Microsoft Exchange 2000 (Service Pack 2 or later) or Microsoft Exchange 2003 mail server environments (mixed mode or native installation)
- Microsoft Exchange 5.5 Administrator, Microsoft Exchange 2000 System Manager or Microsoft Exchange 2003 System Manager
- Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6.0 or later
BlackBerry Enterprise Server version 4.1 for Lotus Domino
Minimum required hardware and configuration:- For 500 users: Intel® Pentium® IV processor (2GHz or greater), 1.5 GB RAM, MSDE 2000 on the same computer
- For 1000 users: Intel Pentium IV dual processor (2GHz or greater), 3GB RAM, MSDE 2000 on the same computer
- For 2000 users: Intel Pentium IV dual processor (2.8GHz or greater), 3GB RAM, MSDE 2000 on the same computer
- Note: For systems running over 1000 users, the recommendation is to deploy Microsoft SQL on a separate server. This reduces the memory requirement on the BlackBerry Enterprise Server.
- Windows® 2000 Server (Server or Advanced Server Editions) or Windows Server 2003
- Installed on IBM® Lotus® Domino® Server 5.03 or later (5.0.12 or later recommended), or IBM Lotus Domino Server 6.0.1 CF2 or later or IBM Lotus Domino Server 6.5 or later
- Connects to Lotus Domino mail server 5.03 or later (5.0.12 or later recommended)
- Microsoft® Internet Explorer version 6.0 or later
- Note: Certain features require a minimum version of BlackBerry software.
BlackBerry Enterprise Server version 4.1 for Novell GroupWise
Minimum required hardware and configuration:- Minimum required hardware and configuration: Intel® Pentium® IV processor (2GHz or greater), 1.5 GB RAM and 60 GB hard drive (supports a maximum of 500 users)
- Windows® 2000 Server (Server or Advanced Server Editions (Service Pack 4 or later)) or Windows Server 2003
- Novell® GroupWise® client 6.5 (Service Pack 6 or later) as collocated install
- MSDE 2000 or Microsoft SQL collocated or remote
- Integrates with Novell GroupWise 6.5 (Service Pack 1 or later) and Novell GroupWise 7.0 or later
- Adobe® Acrobat® 3.0 or later
- Note: Certain features require a minimum version of BlackBerry software.
- How does BlackBerry work when I integrate it with an enterprise email account?
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If your email account is on a Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Domino server and your organization has a BlackBerry Enterprise Server installed, you can integrate with your enterprise email account. The BlackBerry® platform offers optional server software, desktop software and device software, which work together to manage the link between your BlackBerry device, your email and other applications. BlackBerry Enterprise Server™ software sits behind your organization's firewall and is designed to tightly integrate with existing enterprise systems, securely extending wireless communications and corporate data to mobile users.
To find out how BlackBerry works in this environment, click here for more details
- How does wireless calendar work?
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Wireless calendar synchronization enables you to keep your desktop calendar synchronized with your BlackBerry device. Many people rely heavily on their organizers to plan their day and collaborate with others; but calendar entries can change rapidly, frequently causing discrepancies between desktop calendars and handheld devices that require a cradle or USB cable to synchronize. With wireless calendar synchronization*, your calendar events are exchanged wirelessly and automatically so that your desktop calendar and BlackBerry device calendar are synchronized.
Click here for more information about BlackBerry Wireless Calendar
- What is the difference between using BlackBerry Desktop Redirector and using BlackBerry Enterprise Server?
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When using BlackBerry to integrate with an email account on a Microsoft Exchange Server, either the BlackBerry Enterprise Server or the BlackBerry Desktop Redirector can be used to redirect email. If a BlackBerry Enterprise Server is installed in the organization, email redirection to your BlackBerry device will occur at the server
How BlackBerry Email Works.
If a BlackBerry Enterprise Server is not installed, the BlackBerry Desktop Redirector can be used to redirect email to your BlackBerry device. In this case, the computer running the BlackBerry Desktop Redirector must remain on and connected to the network in order to redirect email from the Exchange Server to your device.
- What type of encryption does BlackBerry provide?
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With BlackBerry Enterprise Server, BlackBerry supports an industry-leading security standard called Triple DES. Messages remain Triple DES encrypted at all points between the handheld and BlackBerry Enterprise Server, to meet strict IT requirements for remote data access.
- How do policy files work for IT administrators?
- The IT policy manager enables you to define the settings for users' desktop software.
- What is wireless email reconciliation and how does it work?
- With BlackBerry Enterprise Server v3.6 or higher for Microsoft Exchange and v2.2 or higher for Lotus Domino, BlackBerry users can now benefit from two-way wireless synchronization of email messages, including support for read/unread status (Microsoft Exchange only), deletions and filing.
- What is the difference between a BlackBerry Enterprise Server Small/Medium Business Edition and the BlackBerry Enterprise Server?
- The BlackBerry Enterprise Server Small/Medium Business Edition includes 5 user licenses and allows organizations to add licenses up to a maximum of 15 licenses before the Small/Medium Business Edition Upgrade must be purchased. The full version of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server includes 20 user licenses and allows organizations to add licenses up to a maximum of 500 licenses.
- What is required to upgrade my BlackBerry Enterprise Server Small/Medium Business Edition?
- You can have a maximum of 15 Client Access Licenses enabled on your BlackBerry Enterprise Server Small/Medium Business Edition. To upgrade, you can purchase the BlackBerry Enterprise Server Small/Medium Business Edition Upgrade to move to a full version of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server, which allows up to 500 licences.
- Can I purchase additional licenses for my BlackBerry Enterprise Server?
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The BlackBerry Enterprise Server - Small/Medium Business Edition allows a maximum of 15 licenses. You can purchase an additional license or a pack of 5 up to a maximum of 15. If you need more than 15 licenses in total, you will need to purchase the BlackBerry Enterprise Server - Small/Medium Business Edition Upgrade.
The full version of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server allows up to 500 licenses. These can be purchased in single, 10 and 100 packs.
- What support is available for BES?
- Optional support is available directly from the manufacturer. The Technical Support Service (TSupport) is available for a monthly fee.
