Research In Motion has announced a free software that will allow users to synchronizes BlackBerry smartphones with Microsoft Exchange or Microsoft Windows Small Business Server.
The BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express works with Microsoft Exchange 2010, 2007 and 2003 and Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2008 and 2003 to provide users with secure, push-based, wireless access to email, calendar, contacts, notes and tasks, as well as other business applications and enterprise systems behind the firewall.

Research In Motion claims that the new server software utilises the same robust security architecture found in BlackBerry Enterprise Server. The company however, will be providing the software free of charge.

Research In Motion’s President and Co-CEO, Mike Lazaridis, said, “Today we are announcing an exciting new offering that further expands the market opportunity for the BlackBerry platform. In a marketplace where smartphones are becoming ubiquitous, BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express significantly raises the bar by providing a cost-effective solution that allows companies of all sizes to support enterprise-grade mobile connectivity for all employees without compromising security or manageability.”

With BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express connected to Microsoft Exchange or Microsoft Windows Small Business Server, BlackBerry users will be able to do the following:

• Wirelessly synchronise their email, calendar, contacts, notes and tasks Manage email folders and search email on the mail server remotely;
• Book meetings and appointments, check availability and forward calendar attachments 
• Set an out-of-office reply;
• Edit Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files using Documents To Go Access files stored on the company network; and 
• Use mobile applications to access business systems behind the firewall

The BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express is expected to be available as a free download in March.