[shawntdot]

Two part question

a) Does anyone know if RIM will ever release a version of BPS that doesn't require exchange or notes and could interact with any mail server either using IMAP or POP3/SMTP

b) Can BPS work at all with a BIS plan?

[atomicflounder]

a) dunno, I replied so I can reply to b
b) Yes, it will work, but you won't like it. By it, I mean the bill specifically. I have a few spare BB CALs, and was going to try to get some of my users that have BBs onto the server for their email. Fortunately I called Verizon first about it. They charge for data that comes from a BES server (or BPS). Basically, you will get a pretty massive bill for the usage that's needed. To avoid this, the BB has to be upgraded to the corporate plan. Sux, I know.

[gibson_hg]

a) Does anyone know if RIM will ever release a version of BPS that doesn't require exchange or notes and could interact with any mail server either using IMAP or POP3/SMTP

RIM will produce the BES to work with the protocol the mail server is designed to work with. I don't see RIM making a BES that does not use Exchange/Domino/GroupWise unless it's their own mail server, if they ever go that route.

Until then the BES will work as it does now.

b) Can BPS work at all with a BIS plan?

BPS cannot work with a BIS plan only. The user will need the BES plan to work with a BES. Remember that BIS and BES are separate entities.