BlackBerry have gone multi platform and will now fuse iPad 2, Androids and even iPhone. BlackBerry’s new Mobile Fusion will run rival Google Android and Apple iOS operating systems for smartphones and tablets.
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The move is BlackBerry makers Research In Motion’s latest bid to enter the mobile device management sector, in an effort to capture massive growth in both the company and employee-owned Bring Your Own device categories.
Fusion brings Enterprise Server (version 5.0.3) technology and support used by BlackBerry devices, one of the main traditional advantages of the OS, to iOS and Android devices, all managed from one web-based console.
BlackBerry Mobile Fusion will provide configuration, security, application and software management and allow multiple devices per user.
BlackBerry Enterprise Server will provide software support for smartphones and tablets running Android – including the likes of Samsung Galaxy S II, Acer Iconia and HTC and Apple iPad 2 or iPhone 4 on iOS.
It also bolsters management capabilities for BlackBerry PlayBook tablets.
It allows IT departments to oversee the use of both company-owned and employee-owned mobile devices within one software unit.
“We are pleased to introduce BlackBerry Mobile Fusion – RIM’s next generation enterprise mobility solution – to make it easier for our business and government customers to manage the diversity of devices in their operations today,” said Alan Panezic, VP, Enterprise Product Management, RIM. .
BlackBerry Mobile Fusion will also introduce new self-service functionality for employees to secure lost or stolen BlackBerry smartphones and BlackBerry PlayBook tablets.
Fusion is currently in early beta testing with select enterprise customers. RIM is now accepting customer nominations for the closed beta program which will start January, it said yesterday.
General availability is expected in late March.
