Integrates full BlackBerry functionality and Push To Talk communications in a phone-like design
TELUS and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today introduced the BlackBerry 7100i™. Exclusively available in Canada through TELUS, the BlackBerry 7100i delivers the power of the all-in-one Mike network and complete BlackBerry functionality in a sleek handset design.
“The BlackBerry 7100i is an ideal tool for mobile professionals who want a mobile phone, the power of Mike’s Direct Connect Push to Talk™ technology and the full functionality of BlackBerry, all in a compact and stylish device,” said Robert Blumenthal, TELUS’ Senior Vice President of Products and Services. “The BlackBerry 7100i is a unique addition to our already extensive selection of BlackBerry devices operating on our Mike and PCS networks.”
The BlackBerry 7100i offers all the popular data and voice features of a traditional BlackBerry device, including e-mail (with attachment viewing), web browsing, organizer applications, and access to corporate data applications. The handset also supports Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking and dispatch solutions and has Bluetooth support for accessories such as wireless headsets or hands-free car kits. The BlackBerry 7100i has a high-resolution colour display to view Web pages, pictures and attachments in full, vibrant colour.
The BlackBerry 7100i achieves its sleek handset design by incorporating RIM’s SureType™ keyboard technology, which effectively converges a phone keypad and a QWERTY keyboard within the size of a traditional wireless phone form factor. Through an integrated keyboard and software system, SureType provides users with an instinctively familiar look and feel and enables them to dial phone numbers and type messages quickly, accurately and comfortably.
“Mobile professionals continue to look to BlackBerry first for innovation in wireless communications and connectivity. The BlackBerry 7100i leverages the power of the Mike network and provides an attractive choice for people looking to upgrade their phone with a more advanced handset that smoothly integrates support for voice, e-mail and data,” said Mark Guibert, Vice President, Corporate Marketing at Research In Motion.
In addition to keeping users connected through e-mail, the BlackBerry 7100i supports full wireless synchronization of calendar, contacts, notes and tasks. It also supports text messaging and the ability to send, receive and store pictures. The BlackBerry 7100i comes with 64 MB of flash memory, 8 MB of SRAM and a removable, rechargeable lithium ion battery.
For corporate customers, BlackBerry Enterprise Server™ software tightly integrates with Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino™ and Novell GroupWise™ and works with existing enterprise systems to enable secure, push-based, wireless access to e-mail and other corporate data.
TELUS expects to soon provide clients with BlackBerry Enterprise Server™ v4.1 and BlackBerry Enterprise Server – Small Business Edition v4.1. BlackBerry Enterprise Server v4.1 includes new functionality that makes it easier than ever to expand populations of BlackBerry users and manage larger scale deployments. BlackBerry Enterprise Server v4.1 also incorporates support for the new BlackBerry Mobile Data System™ v4.1 (MDS) application development and deployment environment, which includes BlackBerry MDS Studio™ (a new visual development tool for creating BlackBerry wireless applications from Web Services).
For individuals and smaller businesses, BlackBerry Internet Service™ allows users to access up to ten corporate and personal e-mail accounts (including Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and most popular ISP e-mail accounts) from a single device.
About TELUS
TELUS (TSX:T)(TSX:T.NV)(NYSE:TU) is a leading national telecommunications company in Canada, with $8.1 billion of annual revenue and 10.2 million customer connections including 4.5 million wireless subscribers, 4.7 million wireline network access lines and 1.0 million Internet subscribers. The company’s strategic intent is to unleash the power of the Internet to deliver the best solutions to Canadians at home, in the workplace and on the move. TELUS provides customers with a wide range of wireline and wireless communications products and services including data, Internet protocol (IP), voice, entertainment and video services. For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com.
About Research In Motion (RIM)
Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including e-mail, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM’s portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (NASDAQ:RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:RIM). For more information, visit http://www.rim.com or http://www.blackberry.com.
