[Java-based BlackBerry 6510 features wireless email, phone, walkie-talkie, web and organizer applications. ]

Waterloo, ON -- Research In Motion Limited (RIM) today introduced a new data and voice-enabled BlackBerry Wireless Handheld for Nextel. The new Java-based BlackBerry 6510 begins shipping this week from Nextel and delivers email, digital cellular phone, walkie-talkie, web and organizer applications in a single wireless handheld. The BlackBerry 6510 also supports open standards and incorporates Java(tm) 2 Micro Edition (J2ME), providing the ability to support a variety of applications targeted to key vertical market segments including financial, government, distribution, professional services, real estate, field sales and service, construction and manufacturing.

"Nextel and RIM have both demonstrated leadership in serving business customers. BlackBerry is clearly the leading wireless enterprise platform with BlackBerry Enterprise Server deployed by thousands of organizations and more than 90% of Nextel's existing customers are business users," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. "With integrated support for Nextel's popular 'walkie-talkie' feature as well as email, phone, web and organizer features, the BlackBerry 6510 is a new and exciting 2.5G wireless handheld that we expect to be very popular."

"Nextel is leading the industry in providing wireless business solutions that increase the productivity of the mobile workforce," said Blair Kutrow, Nextel's vice-president of product development. "With the addition of the BlackBerry 6510 to our product offering, our customers have access to Nextel's powerful all digital packet data network, our 4-in-1 communications solutions that includes Direct Connect and RIM's popular BlackBerry wireless platform in one easy to use, scaleable device."

BlackBerry continues to distinguish itself as the leading wireless platform for corporate customers. Specifically designed to meet the needs of both end users and IT departments, BlackBerry incorporates the industry's best hardware, software and services to provide a seamless, end-to-end solution. The BlackBerry 6510 is the newest addition to the multifaceted BlackBerry solution. It leverages RIM's advanced technologies and infrastructure together with J2ME and leading 2.5G wireless networks to provide a compelling and seemingly effortless experience.

INTRODUCING THE BLACKBERRY 6510

Handheld Design: The BlackBerry 6510 offers always-on data operation with an integrated phone. With a palm-sized form, the BlackBerry 6510 is sleek (approximately 4.4 x 2.9 x 0.94 inches) and lightweight (approximately 5.8 oz). The handheld features RIM's popular and easy-to-use "thumb-typing" keyboard design, navigation trackwheel, dedicated Direct Connect button, embedded RIM wireless modem, rechargeable/removable lithium battery, intuitive interface, integrated speaker/microphone and headset jack. Both the screen and keyboard are backlit for easy reading and typing during day or night.

Email: RIM's advanced approach to wireless email is popular and proven with enterprise customers. BlackBerry 6510 users can enjoy a secure, wireless extension to their existing enterprise mailbox. There is no need to worry about retrieving or "pulling" email since BlackBerry's "push" architecture enables email to be automatically delivered. Users can read, compose, forward, reply, file or delete messages at their convenience and synchronize their inbox and folders between their BlackBerry handheld and PC.

Digital Cellular Voice: The built-in, high-quality phone supports voice services with optional features such as call waiting, call answer, conference calling and call forwarding. It includes an integrated speaker/microphone designed for comfort and clarity when held to the ear and a headset that attaches for convenient, hands-free conversation allowing users to read, type or retrieve information while they talk.

Direct Connect(r): The BlackBerry 6510 provides Direct Connect, Nextel's long-range digital walkie-talkie feature that lets you get right through at the push of a button. The BlackBerry 6510 is the first BlackBerry Wireless Handheld to incorporate digital walkie-talkie services.

Wireless Web: An increasing variety of wireless Internet services are available that allow fast access to select information on the web including news, travel, business and entertainment updates. BlackBerry 6510 customers can use the BlackBerry web browser to access Nextel's content services and gateways. The BlackBerry browser is dual-purpose for organizations that deploy BlackBerry Enterprise Server v.3.5, allowing it to also access corporate data securely via the new Mobile Data Service feature of BlackBerry Enterprise Server. The BlackBerry browser supports standard WML, HTML and XML based content and HTTP/HTTPS connectivity to BlackBerry Enterprise Server.

Personal Organizer: A full-featured connected organizer is included with calendar, address book, memo pad and task list applications for maximum productivity. With RIM's wireless calendar synchronization* features, the user's online calendar and handheld calendar can be wirelessly synchronized without need for a cradle. This enables the user to initiate, accept or decline meeting requests using their BlackBerry handheld and their online calendar will also be updated for the benefit of colleagues and assistants trying to schedule new appointments.

Application Integration: The BlackBerry 6510 features exceptional software integration, making it very easy to use. A single integrated address book and inbox serve all email and voice applications. You can even click on an email address, telephone number or URL inside a message to automatically invoke an email message, call the telephone number or connect to the URL.

Java: Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) is optimized for wireless devices and provides an industry standard programming environment for custom and commercial application development and deployment. In addition to Java-based handhelds, RIM offers a BlackBerry Development Environment for J2ME. Support for J2ME opens the BlackBerry platform to a large and growing developer community that currently includes more than three million Java developers.

The Nextel Network: The BlackBerry 6510 operates on the Nextel network, a nationwide all-digital packet data network. Nextel currently has coverage in 197 of the top 200 metropolitan areas where approximately 239 million people live or work.

BlackBerry Enterprise Server: Thousands of companies and government organizations around the world have deployed BlackBerry Enterprise Server software behind their firewall. BlackBerry Enterprise Server supports both Microsoft(r) Exchange and IBM Lotus(r) Domino(r) environments with single mailbox integration and provides IT departments with centralized administration, end-to-end security (using Triple DES encryption), multi-network support and a powerful development platform. Organizations that have already deployed BlackBerry Enterprise Server can add handhelds running on multiple networks, without any changes to their existing infrastructure.

BlackBerry Web Client: In addition to the enterprise email integration option enabled by BlackBerry Enterprise Server, RIM provides a web-based application called BlackBerry Web Client. It supports ISP email accounts through the POP3 protocol and allows users to access multiple existing email accounts from a single BlackBerry handheld (including a default web mail account provided with each handheld). BlackBerry Web Client appeals to customers that do not currently use Microsoft Exchange or IBM Lotus Domino and also those users that wish to access a personal email account in addition to their enterprise email account. BlackBerry 6510 customers can use the BlackBerry Web Client application to select their ISP accounts, access their web mail account, configure settings, define email filters and set auto signatures. Note: IT departments running BlackBerry Enterprise Server retain the ability to centrally control and implement policies on handhelds that prevent access to personal ISP accounts.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

The BlackBerry 6510, BlackBerry Enterprise Server, BlackBerry Web Client and associated services are available today from Nextel. Handheld and airtime pricing are determined by Nextel and vary based on specific service plans.

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