RIM to launch BlackBerry software for Mac
updated 04:15 pm EDT, Thu September 18, 2008
RIM adds Mac to BlackBerry
Mac-based BlackBerry fans may no longer need to rely on third party utilities to synchronize their Macs with their RIM-build handsets, since the company is preparing to announce a new port of its BlackBerry Desktop Manager software. An anonymous source from within the company has informed CIO of the company's plans, who, up until now, has been suggesting Mac users run the PC software through virtualization options such as VMWare Fusion or Parallels.
While a specific release date and extensive details were left unsaid, it was indicated that BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac would ship some time during the first half of 2009. It was also hinted that plans for the software had been in the works since 2004, if not before.
It is also uncertain whether RIM itself would develop the software, or hire out a third party company to provide a product, sort of an official take on Missing Sync by Mark/Space.
"In terms of a strategy, we want to do well by our customers. Whether that translates into something that RIM develops or licenses or pays for a third party to build, I can't say at this point," the source said. "We're trying the best that we can to get a better experience out for Mac users."
Irony...
09/18, 04:34pm reply
Thy name is eroding market share.
Guest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
Good
09/18, 04:44pm reply
I, personally, think that this is a good thing.
MacBerry?
calverson
Mac Elite
Joined: Jul 2007
Hmm..
09/18, 04:45pm reply
I think this would have been appreciated Bi (that is... Before iPhone). Although, Blackberry users on the Mac will appreciate it, one must wonder if it's a bit late on RIM's part. They aren't going anywhere any time soon, and will most likely always be a player for the near term because of how deeply they are entrenched into the business market, but still: is it too little, too late?
gambit-7
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Joined: Feb 2001
Can't come too soon
09/18, 04:56pm reply
The "official" PocketMac sync software is absolutely terrible,.
Guest
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Joined: Nov 1999
Late
09/18, 05:26pm reply
I think it is a little late on their part, but I will be happy to see it come out.
scotte75ky
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2008
No
09/18, 05:55pm reply
Make a iPhone integration solution for accessing BES. Since RIM is monopolizing that with businesses, iPhone can't penetrate that market.
slapppy
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Joined: Mar 2008
Kind of exists
09/18, 06:02pm reply
PocketMac is what they are using now and it stinks. MissingSync for Blackberry is better.
Maybe it took some competition from the iPhone to get them to finally address Mac users needs. If they think however it will help lure away Mac users to choose Blackberry instead of an iPhone, I don't think so.
Right now in the smartphone market it is Apple that has the best "cross-platform" solution. Blackberry, Plam, and Windows Mobile have long ignored Mac users.
digiprod
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2007
What?
09/18, 08:17pm reply
They've been working on this software since 2004 and still don't have it out the door? Are you sure they haven't subcontracted the development out to Microsoft?
TheSnarkmeister
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Joined: Jun 2007
Too little, too late?
09/18, 08:34pm reply
RIM has completely ignored Mac users for years. I have a BlackBerry now, but my next phone will be an iPhone. I'm tired of the neglect.
boulder1259
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Joined: May 2002
"..best that we can." ?!?
09/18, 09:28pm reply
1) The official Mac product is total garbage, and quite well documented as such.
2) There is a proper product (MissingSync) which they do not endorse.
I accepted long ago that something is broken within the structure of RIM. That they can afford to roll out a full touchscreen model, but can't manage to put together a minimal functioning mac product, as well as a linux package boggles my mind.
Multi-platform software maximizes return and market for your products. Do they not understand this?
So I am happy to hear that they may finally get with the program. But to hear them say they are "trying the best they can" borders on offending my intelligence.
Guest
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Joined: Nov 1999