Blackberry

What is Blackberry?

BlackBerry is a "wireless" push-based technology that automatically delivers email, contacts, calendar items and other data to your BlackBerry device. It keeps you 'in-the-loop' while you're on the go. The device allows you to be connected to your GroupWise email account 24 hours a day.

The Blackberry device synchronizes with your GroupWise account without:

• dialing in
• initiating connections
• syncing to your desktop

You can read more about Blackberry personal devices at the official Blackberry website. There are currently several models to choose from; ETSS has tested the following Blackberry devices: Cingular's 7100G and Nextel's 7510 and 7520, however, you are not limited to those carriers or models. Costs of service plans and prices of the devices vary. When purchasing a device make sure you purchase an "Enterprise" device if you plan to synch the device with your GroupWise email account. Cingular and Nextel have discount rates for University Employees. See the NCSU Wolfperks site for more discount information.

Please visit the webpages of Alltel, Cingular, Nextel or Verizon for device models and pricing information. For contact information of local Blackberry providers see the Local Blackberry Vendor Numbers below.

Procedures to get your device activated at ETSS:

*Note: Enterprise Technology Services & Support does not pay for the Blackberry devices or the data service plans. There will be a one time fee called an ETSS Blackberry License fee. (currently $200.00) paid to ETSS if you wish to synchronize your device to your GroupWise email account. You can purchase your device from providers such as Alltel, Cingular, Nextel or Verizon. They all have discount rates for University Employees. See the Wolfperks site for more discount information.

Step 1: Purchase your device. Purchase a service (airtime/usage &/or data plan) . (see *note above)

Step 2: Purchase an ETSS Blackberry License. You can purchase this through the ETSS Blackberry Request website. The fee for the license is $200.00. This ETSS Blackberry License is transferable within departments. You can contact the ETSS Helpdesk at 515-3110 for more information.

Once the request is received, an ETSS consultant will create a user id on the ETSS Blackberry Server.

Step 3: An ETSS consultant will then send you a confirmation email stating your id has been created and will schedule a time to pick up your device for the initial setup process. (OS upgrades (if necessary) and activate your device with the Blackberry Enterprise Server (BES)).

After initial setup there is an optional one on one training class to introduce you to how the device works, how to perform simple functions on the device, and answer any questions you may have about how to use the device.

If you have questions regarding Blackberry Service at ETSS, please email us at etss_help@remedy.ncsu.edu

Help with my Blackberry Device Set Up

While ETSS does not provide specific support for the various devices, we are providing some documentation that may help you in getting your device optimally configured for your personal use.

See the Blackberry Documentation pages for more information.

Blackberry Providers Local Contact Information

Alltel:
Trey Barnes at (919) 632.9992 , tracy.barnes@alltel.com

Cingular:
Dawn Hayes at (919) 961.0960, dawn.hayes@att.com

Sprint/Nextel:
Marilyn Blanchard at (919) 868.0013, marilyn.blanchard@sprint.com

Verizon:
Michael McCown at (919) 280.8888, michael.mccown@verizonwireless.com