RIM on Android, iOS corporate security hunt

Multi-platform solution, sold separately.

Embattled smartphone maker Research in Motion has flagged the launch of a “multi-platform solution” to cater to corporate deployments of Android and iOS devices. 

RIM’s “BlackBerry Enterprise Solution” should be available later this year and will be based on its pending acquisition of German outfit ubitexx that was announced today. 

RIM said it will use ubitexx’s ubi-Soft platform, which supports the three main products gnawing at RIM’s corporate roots, Apple’s iPad, iPhone, and Android devices. 

ubi-Soft also supports BlackBerry, Windows and Symbian devices, according to its product page, however RIM did not mention its plans for these.

RIM plans on selling the new Android/iOS multi-platform separately to its BlackBerry Enterprise Server. 

“Optional components will include BlackBerry Enterprise Server and BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express for BlackBerry devices, and a separate, secure device management server for Android and iOS devices (based on the foundation of ubi-Suite from ubitexx).”  

The planned acquisition follows the luke warm reception of its tablet, PlayBook, criticised for lacking BlackBerry email. 

RIM looks set to beat Apple’s iPad to the mark on at least one count with a PlayBook Facebook app set for release on BlackBerry App World later this month.  

New BlackBerry Bold 9900

RIM also launched its latest line of Bold BlackBerry 7 OS smartphones, the 9900 and 9930, which retain its traditional keyboard but now includes a smallish 2.8 inch touch screen (pictured). 

“These fully-loaded and beautifully crafted smartphones offer a highly refined user experience with blazingly fast performance, a brilliant touch screen and an outstanding typing experience,” said Mike Lazaridis, RIM President and Co-CEO.

The devices will be powered by a 1.2 GHZ processor, with 8 GB memory included and microSD slots up to 32GB, NFC support, 5 MP camera and 720p HD video recording.