Web-Based BES 5.0 "Argon" Out in April

RIM's first BlackBerry Enterprise Server software came out in 1999 as a desktop redirector, where it routed encrypted e-mails from the desktop to mobile devices.

The tenth anniversary BES solution features a Web-based Administration Service that lets IT managers download and wirelessly push software updates automatically over the air on workers' handsets rather than servicing the devices in person. Meaning no more physical upgrade appointments with individual users. They can do maintenance or updates during weekends or off-hours.

Administrators will have far more control over admin and user roles and permissions, and specific IT policies can be applied to individuals or groups, to restrict access to specific resources such as GPS.

BES 5.0 features a multi-server architecture that can scale up to 100,000 smartphones, and users can wirelessly download files from the corporate network directly to their BlackBerry handsets.

Details:

*A new administration user interface, BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) Administration Service, provides a centralized framework that increases productivity by allowing IT to remotely manage and troubleshoot the system and components through a web user interface

*Enhanced job management, throttling and scheduling upgrades and maintenance of applications for users’ devices – this improves any task an IT Manager may do in relation to end users

*Enhanced monitoring capabilities through the BlackBerry Administration Server helps identify and prevent potential downtime and outages

*Improved reporting, alerting and troubleshooting through the BlackBerry Administration Server help minimize potential issues

*Built-in high availability enables fast recovery from failure and unplanned downtime, supporting mission critical business operations by seamlessly failing over key components of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server

*BlackBerry User Migration Tool enables user accounts to be easily moved from one BlackBerry domain to another with minimal risk and impact or action required by the end user

*IT administrators can leverage the high availability architecture to conduct maintenance upgrades without impacting the service

*Improved remote desktop capabilities

*Device-side folder management, such as adding, deleting, moving and modifying folders from the device

*Enhanced calendar functionality

*Synchronization of public and private contacts

BlackBerry on Ice

Here's the BlackBerry Ice Sculpture Sponsored by Rogers for Ottawa's Winterlude Festival, which started this weekend. No cold calls please.

A BlackBerry for Babies

Leapfrog has come out with a new toy called the Text & Learn, which is being hailed as the "Baby BlackBerry".

The Text & Learn was unveiled at the U.K. Toy Fair last week and will be available this summer in the US at a price of $25. It's a bit bigger than your Curve and comes with a "pretend" browser mode, letter matching, shape identification, and QWERTY.

This will keep their sticky little fingers off your Precious Device.

No word on whether it has WiFi or a service plan.