RIM has taken steps to improve the end-user experience of BlackBerry through improved handling of email attachments, an updated web browser, and a new automatic web page queuing feature. This enables form-based applications to be used outside wireless coverage. The lack of offline handling of applications other than email has been considered a weakness of the BlackBerry platform.
In support of this initiative, RIM has also enhanced its application development tools to aid the mobilization of line-of-business and vertical applications.
BlackBerry Enterprise Server v4.0 itself adds Triple DES encryption, S/MIME authentication and device privacy, and FIPS 140 government certification. AES encryption for local data is also supported.
Over-the-air provisioning has also been added, simplifying BlackBerry deployment and allowing IT departments to centrally manage application installations. Improved access control features include control over application servers that are allowed to push data to the devices.
BES v4.0 is available now for use with Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Domino. The promised native support for Novell GroupWise has not yet materialized.
