Sync Zimbra <=> Blackberry without BES - possible?

[Alphaphi]

Hello everyone,

Being new to the zimbra mobile world, I wonder if it is possible to synchronize the BlackBerry directly against a ZCS, as I can do with an iPhone.

As I understand this document

Mobile collaboration tools for enterprise messaging for mobile devices

one needs a BlackBerry Enterprise Server in order to sync the mobile device with the zimbra.
We don't have a BES running, and so we cannot sync our Blackberrys - is this right? Or do I misunderstand something?

Thanks for clarifying hints!
Andre

[folioguru]

Take a look at AstraSync it supports Zimbra on Blackberry. We have used it on several of our devices.

[dljordaneku]

Notifysync is another option.

dj

[fastcars4]

Setup the AstraSync and seem to work great. Much easier then setting up a BES for one blackberry.

[tbovingdon]

We found astrasync and notifysync both severely affect the performance of the blackberry... not sure what was worse.. the pain of setting up a free express bes server for 1 user or the pain of listening the complain about speed issues. :S

[folioguru]

I would agree with the speed assessment. One thing we have done is let mail go via IMAP to BB and use Astrasync for calendar and contacts.

[amwaldron]

From reading this string, I get the impression that it is possible to use the free BESx to interface with Zimbra rather than purchasing the expensive BES (we only have 2 Blackberry users). Is that correct?

[tbovingdon]

yes that is correct new bes express is easier to setup but keep in mind there are only a handful of it policies. (unlike full blown bes)

[dik23]

But you still have to have to pay for a Microsoft licence to run the "free" BES express since RIM are too short sighted to make it available on any other platform.

And Bberry seem to be the only mobiles on the market that don't support ActiveSync out on the box.

Personally I'm advising dump Bberry altogether and move to the modern world. The way things are going for RIM there won't be much alternative soon.

[lytledd]

I believe that Funambol support BlackBerry, but I have never tried to set one up.

Doug