[cuisinartoh]

Hello all,

We our a small business that will start with 5 BB users and probably never go over 10. We use Verizon and will likely all get the 8830 BB. I'm the lucky one to set everything up. I'm a unix guy from way back, but don't much at all about Windows. We'll be using our BB's with Exchange 2003.

We want bi-directional syncing of our email, calendar, notes, tasks, etc. Must I install a BES or is there an another way? All the setup of BES for just 5 users seems a bit overkill, but I think it's necessary for all the bi-directional features, yes?

I was thinking that if we had to go with a BES that I'd use the express edition and buy 4 additional CALs.

Any pointers for a total newbie?

Thanks!

[John Clark]

I'm not a BES admin but I do know that you need BES in order to have full wireless sync of all your data.

[Aroc]

I initially set up a BES server for just one user. As long as there is sufficient business need, you don't need to worry about it being overkill for 5 users. I don't see you accomplishing this any other way (unless you go the route of a different handheld). The BES is really a robust solution and it is set-and-forget in many installations. Coming from a Unix background I'm sure you can appreciate that.

Be aware that email is not true "sync" per se, email is first pushed then reconciled. Functionally this is similar to a sync, but you don't get all of you old historical emails. When you activate the device you can select to prepopulate 14 days worth (up to 750 messages). But PIM data (minus the company address book, which is available via lookup in the GAL) IS synchronized in both directions over the air. This is great.

[hdawg]

Aroc hit BES implementation 100% on the head ... I wish everyone else saw it this way:

As long as there is sufficient business need, you don't need to worry about it being overkill for X users

Business Need ... Business driving technology. I feel like so many times I see technology driving business and implementations done wrong. Bravo, excellent point Aroc.

... Increasing the number of messages that appear during enterprise activation and message pre-population

[bertiebassett]

BES is definately the way to go as it has loads of functionality that you don't have with the web based version..

Have a look at the link below for advice on setting it up and (hush) but for that nubmer of users you can run it on xp.

http://www.blackberryforums.com/bes-...es-thread.html

[Jadey]

Once you've used BES, you can never be happy with just BIS.

[marco616]

One point to add, the BES is not a setup and forget. I'm not sure what type of business you're in but be sure to protect the devices you are using by using the appropriate IT policies. Monitor your logs, and protect your network a network can easily be comprised through a Blackberry, without using the appropriate IT policies. This forum is filled with talented BES Admins that should be able to answer any question you may have... Good Luck

[bertiebassett]

Originally Posted by marco616

One point to add, the BES is not a setup and forget. I'm not sure what type of business you're in but be sure to protect the devices you are using by using the appropriate IT policies.

hmm I don't agree...particularly not for a small business with 5 devices as per OP's message unless you're in a very high risk business

Set and forget - that's part of the beauty.

IT policies - schmolicies with that number of users (and probs owner/co-owner etc)

Originally Posted by marco616

Monitor your logs,

why - they're just boring text files and the op's bound to have more useful things to do..

Originally Posted by marco616

and protect your network a network can easily be comprised through a Blackberry, without using the appropriate IT policies

give me an example please..

Originally Posted by marco616

. This forum is filled with talented BES Admins that should be able to answer any question you may have... Good Luck

It is, they are, but please do a search, RTFM first - once you've RTFM'ed then you'll still have questions because the BB documentation is still a bit difficult to read in places for unbelievers..so post away..but like all forums everyone will have a difference of opinion (some greater than others!!)

[John Clark]

Originally Posted by marco616

....a network can easily be comprised through a Blackberry, without using the appropriate IT policies.

I think the word you were meaning is 'compromised' and, although it likely can be compromised, I doubt the word "easily" would be fitting. Anything can be compromised, but in this case, I agree with Berti. With so few users, it's pretty easy to keep things under control without restricting use of the BB, and without compromising the network.

[hdawg]

Hey, I like looking through the logs, they are not boring! (ok, you're right, they are ... but my sexy text editor gives them life with color)

schmolicies has now been added to my Firefox & MS Word dictionary; thank you.

[juwaack68]

Originally Posted by hdawg

Hey, I like looking through the logs, they are not boring! (ok, you're right, they are ... but my sexy text editor gives them life with color)

schmolicies has now been added to my Firefox & MS Word dictionary; thank you.

Hey monkey man, what sexy text editor are you using? I could use a good log parser...since I don't have one.

[hdawg]

Originally Posted by juwaack68

Hey monkey man, what sexy text editor are you using? I could use a good log parser...since I don't have one.

I use EditPlus and have some custom colors defined. Its extremely lightweight and the Webmaster's at the last place I worked used it and couldn't say enough about it.

It comes with lots of basic code coloring / formatting and you can make your own. I didn't do anything fancy, but just to highlight some stuff to make it easier to view.