Getting started with a BlackBerry at IU

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BlackBerry basics

For an explanation, see What is a BlackBerry, and how does it work?

Getting a BlackBerry and choosing a provider

Determine where you're going to use the BlackBerry the most, or at least decide where it's critical that you have BlackBerry reception, and see which company has the best coverage in that area; see For a BlackBerry, how can I see if an area is covered by the data network?

Note: The wireless data network is not the same as the cellular network. To use Indiana University's BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) service to receive your IU Exchange mail on your BlackBerry device, you must first purchase a BES data plan from your cellular provider. A BES data plan is not the same as an "unlimited data plan" that some providers offer.

For details about how to get a BlackBerry at IU, see At IU, how do I purchase BlackBerry handheld devices and wireless service?

How the service works at IU

BlackBerries are designed to work with enterprise-class information systems with robust email and calendaring systems for large workplace environments. Thus, if you wish to use the IU BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) to forward mail to your BlackBerry, you must have an Exchange account, a BES data plan from your cellular provider, and an IU BES account.

UITS strongly recommends that you use the IU BES, because of added administrative controls including both remote device wipe and password protection. You can, however, use desktop redirection (Outlook) to receive mail on your BlackBerry if you use IMAP, POP, or HTTP.

The majority of devices available will work only with your Exchange account. Others will work with different, external email systems (e.g., AOL). While some cellular and wireless network providers offer services for adding the ability to read alternate email accounts (e.g., Verizon's Web Client and AT&T's BlackBerry Internet Service), UITS does not support those services.

Note: Be aware that RIM's BlackBerry service sends each message to the wireless data network; that is, a third party is involved in handling your email. That third party neither stores nor reads messages, but simply provides the wireless network in the same manner cell phone companies provide a cellular phone network. If an outage occurs on the provider's wireless network, however, you will be affected; there's little you or UITS can do in such instances.

Setting up your BlackBerry

Once you have your BlackBerry, follow these steps to begin using it:

Arrange for your IU BES account, if you haven't already done so: How you do this depends on where you purchased your BlackBerry. If the following apply, see About the IU BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) and BES accounts:
- You obtained your BlackBerry independently, without going through the university.
- You have a BES data plan from your cellular provider.
- You've verified that you have an enterprise-class BlackBerry capable of working with a Microsoft Exchange messaging system.
- You decided that you will use the university's BES service.
Obtain and install the software: For instructions, see For a BlackBerry at IU, what software do I need and where do I get it?
After the software is installed, BES redirection (mail delivery) will not take effect until you receive a message from the BES server as noted below.
Wait for the BES provisioning: You will receive a "Welcome to the UITS BlackBerry Enterprise Server" email message. After following its instructions (assuming the BlackBerry software is installed correctly), you can start sending and receiving email with your device, but you must follow the last step below.
Set up answers for the Secret Question ID Verification service: In case your BlackBerry is lost or stolen, the BES administrator can enable a password on the device. For details and instructions, see With a BlackBerry at IU, what is the Secret Question ID Verification service?

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Last modified on May 13, 2009.