Archive for March, 2011

PREVIEW: BlackBerry PlayBook for business customers

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A significant number of our business customers are BlackBerry users and we’ve heard from many who are excited that the Wi-Fi version of the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet will soon be available.

As part of our RedBoardBiz video series, we recently sat down with RIM’s Jeff Gadway to discuss some of the business benefits of the BlackBerry PlayBook and provide an overview of the device:

With its seamless integration with BlackBerry smartphones, the Wi-Fi version of the BlackBerry PlayBook is a flexible option for our BlackBerry customers who want a secure secondary device to help them be more productive.

Also today, RIM announced that the BlackBerry PlayBook with Wi-Fi will be available in three models (16, 32 and 64 GB) at a manufacturer’s suggested price starting at $499. We’re excited to confirm we will be making the PlayBook available to our business customers.

We wanted to provide this special glimpse into the BlackBerry PlayBook with you as soon as possible, but that also means we can’t share specific details on availability just yet. We’ll be sure to update you here on RedBoardBiz when more details become available.

For a more general overview of PlayBook, please see our post and video on RedBoard.

Can your business benefit from the PlayBook?

Duane MacDonald is a regular contributor to RedBoardBiz.

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Product news, Trends, Video, Wireless
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Seven steps to better mobile security with Shane Schick

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Shane SchickRecently, IT World Canada Editor-in-Chief Shane Schick led a session called “Mobile Security That Helps Business Grow” as part of our online learning series.

Shane shared many interesting findings from the 2010 CIO Security Survey, including the fact that on average, businesses dedicate 15% of their budget to security, and 62% have concerns about the security of cloud services.

As well as sharing key survey results and some of the most significant threat vectors for business, Shane offered some helpful tips for businesses seeking a balanced approach to securing their business data.

Here are seven to remember:

1. Ensure employees secure devices with a password.
2. Make mobile phone backup a priority—and a habit.
3. Add owner information to your phone’s locked home screen.
4. Encourage employees to keep a list of “emergency” contacts away from their phone.
5. Explore phone location and remote wipe services.
6. Reduce sensitive information and apps stored on employee devices.
7. Mandate encryption or protection of data stored on media cards.

You can catch Shane’s full presentation and some great discussion here.

What are you doing today to protect your mobile data? What new policies are you planning to implement?

Geoffrey Booth is a regular contributor to Redboard Biz.

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Security, Travel, Trends, Wireless
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Can Wi-Fi Calling Work for Your Business?

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Wi-Fi Calling for Business is now available exclusively to Rogers customers.  Now your team can make calls by connecting to an office, home or public Wi-Fi network and move seamlessly to the Rogers wireless network when the Wi-Fi network is not available.

Why make calls on Wi-Fi?

  • Predict your costs: Wi-Fi calling offers unlimited local and Canada-wide calling without using the minutes included in your wireless voice plan. This can reduce or eliminate costly overage charges and help you choose a competitive plan that’s right for your business.
  • Extend Your Coverage: Complement and enhance your Rogers wireless service by using Wi-Fi for access in areas outside regular coverage range, such as underground.
  • Deploy it Quickly: Rogers Wi-Fi Calling for Business uses functionality embedded in many popular mobile devices, including Blackberry. No need for new software, hardware or training.

As part of our RedBoard Biz video series, we spoke to telecom analyst Jon Arnold on some of the benefits of Wi-Fi calling for small business:

To find out more about how Rogers Wi-Fi Calling for Business works, check out our whitepaper.

How can your business benefit from Wi-Fi calling?

Duane MacDonald is a regular contributor to RedBoard Biz.

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Customer Experience, Featured Video, Mobile, Wireless
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Concerned about mobile security threats? Get educated!

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Rogers Security WebinarsSmartphones, tablets, laptops and other mobile devices can provide your business with new revenue streams, new services, and new tools to better manage your employees—or your bottom line—from anywhere.

But do you know how secure those tools are, or the information and systems to which they connect you? The upside of mobility is huge, but without proper security policies in place the risks could outweigh the benefits.

To help businesses better understand their security needs, we’re offering a “Crash Course in Mobile Security for Business.” Hopefully these short, focused webinars will teach you to get more out of your mobile technology while helping you keep your business information and your technology investments secure.

Here is some information about the sessions:

BlackBerry Security Overview and Best Practices

  • Jay Barbour, Research in Motion
  • Wed., March 2, 12:00 – 12:30 pm

iPhone in Business: a Security Overview

  • Jordan Silverberg, Apple
  • Thurs., March 3, 12:00 – 12:30 pm

Mobile Security that Helps Businesses Grow

  • Shane Schick, IT World Canada
  • Wed., March 9, 12:00 – 12:30 pm

Safe, Secure Mobile Computing

  • Larry Keating, No Panic Computing
  • Thurs. March 10, 12:00 – 12:30 pm

For more information or to register for any or all of these webinars, visit the registration page. What kinds of mobile security policies have you put in place for your business?

Geoffrey Booth is a regular contributor to RedBoard Biz

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