RIM and Orange Introduce the BlackBerry 8820 Smartphone to the UK
The First Dual-Mode Cellular and Wi-Fi BlackBerry Smartphone
WATERLOO, ON - Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq:RIMM; TSX:RIM) and Orange UK today introduced the BlackBerry® 8820 smartphone to the UK market., The new smartphone features RIM's thinnest handset design with a full and highly tactile QWERTY* keyboard, large ultra bright landscape display, user-friendly trackball navigation system and best-in-class voice and data functionality. The BlackBerry 8820 also includes built-in GPS (Global Positioning System), RIM's latest media player enhancements, and a microSD / microSDHC (microSD High Capacity) expandable memory slot that can support the current and future generations of microSD memory up to 32GB.
The BlackBerry 8820 is the first dual-mode BlackBerry handset combining EDGE/GPRS/GSM cellular and Wi-Fi® connectivity for data access and voice support through UMA (unlicensed mobile access) for fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) offerings, making it fully compatible with Unique, the innovative converged service for business customers from Orange. By offering a single handset that switches seamlessly between Wi-Fi and GSM networks, Unique offers users a solution to make use of home office Wi-Fi network coverage and allows business customers to use one device for all their calls – whether at home, on the road or in the office.
“RIM produces a wide range of smartphones to help ensure our customers can find a BlackBerry smartphone that is ideally suited to their personal and business needs,” comments Charmaine Eggberry, vice president and managing director, EMEA at Research In Motion. “The decisions to add Wi-Fi and GPS support were based on evolving customer requirements and we are very pleased to be able to respond to those needs with this exciting new handset.”
“Our research indicates that increasing instances of home and flexible working will be one of the defining business trends of this decade,” comments Neil Laidler, interim vice president, Orange Business Services UK. “We’re therefore delighted to be further expanding our range of converged devices from Orange with this exciting new addition from RIM, ensuring that we continue to meet the growing demands of today’s flexible organisations,” he adds.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
The BlackBerry 8820 smartphone supports the 802.11 a/b/g Wi-Fi standards to enable data access over Wi-Fi connections in the enterprise, as well as through public hotspots and wireless home networks. The smartphone can seamlessly switch between cellular coverage and a Wi-Fi network to deliver any BlackBerry data service to the user – email, Instant Messaging, organiser, web browsing and other mobile data applications.
To meet various security requirements for users accessing a Wi-Fi connection, the BlackBerry 8820 is compliant with Wi-Fi security protocols including WEP (Wireless Equivalency Protocol), WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2, as well as Cisco Compatible Extensions for simple, secure connectivity with Cisco wireless solutions. For enterprises that require Wi-Fi users to access the corporate network through a VPN (Virtual Private Network), the BlackBerry 8820 includes IPSec-based software that supports the most commonly deployed VPN gateways from vendors including Cisco, Check Point and others.
MicroSD Expansion Memory
The BlackBerry 8820 includes a microSD expansion memory slot memory that can support both microSD (up to 2GB) and microSDHC (4GB to 32GB) memory cards.
4GB memory cards are available today, and 8GB cards are expected to be available later this year.
About Orange
Orangeis the key brand of France Telecom, one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators with more than 161 million customers on five continents.
In June, 2006, as part of the France Telecom integrated operator strategy (NExT programme) to deliver simple, convergent products, Orange became the single brand for mobile, internet and tv offers in France, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands and in Spain, strengthening Orange’s position as the number two mobile and internet services brand in Europe. In addition, Orange Business Services, which operates in 220 countries or territories, became the new banner for business communications solutions and services.
France Telecom (NYSE:FTE) is listed on Euronext Paris Eurolist market and on the New York Stock Exchange. At March 31, 2007, the group had more than 100 million mobile customers, about 12.5 million internet customers and 48.5 million fixed line customers.
In 2006, France Telecom had consolidated sales of 51.7 billion euros.
Further information about Orange and France Telecom can be found on the Orange website at www.orange.com, www.orange-business.com or the France Telecom at www.francetelecom.com.
Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trade marks of Orange Personal Communications Services Limited.
For further information on Unique for Business, please call 0800 037 3337 or visit www.orange.co.uk/business
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 email, 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 www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.
* Keyboard also available in AZERTY and QWERTZ configurations to support different language groups.
** Check with service provider for roaming services.
Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words such as "intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the initiation or outcome of litigation, acts or potential acts of terrorism, international conflicts, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights, and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities. The Company has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. RIM assumes no liability and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee in relation to third party products or services.
WATERLOO, ON - Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq:RIMM; TSX:RIM) and Orange UK today introduced the BlackBerry® 8820 smartphone to the UK market., The new smartphone features RIM's thinnest handset design with a full and highly tactile QWERTY* keyboard, large ultra bright landscape display, user-friendly trackball navigation system and best-in-class voice and data functionality. The BlackBerry 8820 also includes built-in GPS (Global Positioning System), RIM's latest media player enhancements, and a microSD / microSDHC (microSD High Capacity) expandable memory slot that can support the current and future generations of microSD memory up to 32GB.
The BlackBerry 8820 is the first dual-mode BlackBerry handset combining EDGE/GPRS/GSM cellular and Wi-Fi® connectivity for data access and voice support through UMA (unlicensed mobile access) for fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) offerings, making it fully compatible with Unique, the innovative converged service for business customers from Orange. By offering a single handset that switches seamlessly between Wi-Fi and GSM networks, Unique offers users a solution to make use of home office Wi-Fi network coverage and allows business customers to use one device for all their calls – whether at home, on the road or in the office.
“RIM produces a wide range of smartphones to help ensure our customers can find a BlackBerry smartphone that is ideally suited to their personal and business needs,” comments Charmaine Eggberry, vice president and managing director, EMEA at Research In Motion. “The decisions to add Wi-Fi and GPS support were based on evolving customer requirements and we are very pleased to be able to respond to those needs with this exciting new handset.”
“Our research indicates that increasing instances of home and flexible working will be one of the defining business trends of this decade,” comments Neil Laidler, interim vice president, Orange Business Services UK. “We’re therefore delighted to be further expanding our range of converged devices from Orange with this exciting new addition from RIM, ensuring that we continue to meet the growing demands of today’s flexible organisations,” he adds.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
The BlackBerry 8820 smartphone supports the 802.11 a/b/g Wi-Fi standards to enable data access over Wi-Fi connections in the enterprise, as well as through public hotspots and wireless home networks. The smartphone can seamlessly switch between cellular coverage and a Wi-Fi network to deliver any BlackBerry data service to the user – email, Instant Messaging, organiser, web browsing and other mobile data applications.
To meet various security requirements for users accessing a Wi-Fi connection, the BlackBerry 8820 is compliant with Wi-Fi security protocols including WEP (Wireless Equivalency Protocol), WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2, as well as Cisco Compatible Extensions for simple, secure connectivity with Cisco wireless solutions. For enterprises that require Wi-Fi users to access the corporate network through a VPN (Virtual Private Network), the BlackBerry 8820 includes IPSec-based software that supports the most commonly deployed VPN gateways from vendors including Cisco, Check Point and others.
MicroSD Expansion Memory
The BlackBerry 8820 includes a microSD expansion memory slot memory that can support both microSD (up to 2GB) and microSDHC (4GB to 32GB) memory cards.
4GB memory cards are available today, and 8GB cards are expected to be available later this year.
About Orange
Orangeis the key brand of France Telecom, one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators with more than 161 million customers on five continents.
In June, 2006, as part of the France Telecom integrated operator strategy (NExT programme) to deliver simple, convergent products, Orange became the single brand for mobile, internet and tv offers in France, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands and in Spain, strengthening Orange’s position as the number two mobile and internet services brand in Europe. In addition, Orange Business Services, which operates in 220 countries or territories, became the new banner for business communications solutions and services.
France Telecom (NYSE:FTE) is listed on Euronext Paris Eurolist market and on the New York Stock Exchange. At March 31, 2007, the group had more than 100 million mobile customers, about 12.5 million internet customers and 48.5 million fixed line customers.
In 2006, France Telecom had consolidated sales of 51.7 billion euros.
Further information about Orange and France Telecom can be found on the Orange website at www.orange.com, www.orange-business.com or the France Telecom at www.francetelecom.com.
Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trade marks of Orange Personal Communications Services Limited.
For further information on Unique for Business, please call 0800 037 3337 or visit www.orange.co.uk/business
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 email, 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 www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.
* Keyboard also available in AZERTY and QWERTZ configurations to support different language groups.
** Check with service provider for roaming services.
Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words such as "intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the initiation or outcome of litigation, acts or potential acts of terrorism, international conflicts, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights, and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities. The Company has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. RIM assumes no liability and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee in relation to third party products or services.
Posts
No comments: