We’re excited to launch the 2013 BlackBerry B2B #BBLive Contest! Every day during the week of April 22nd at 11 a.m. ET, we will be tweeting a question from @BlackBerry4Biz to give you an opportunity to win* a Full Conference Pass to BlackBerry Live 2013. The conference will be kicking off just over a month from today and will take place in Orlando from May 14-16.
One of our favorite parts of the BlackBerry ecosystem is the incredible partners that we get to work with on a regular basis. Whether it’s a reseller of BlackBerry solutions, an app developer, or everything in between, building relationships is important to us. What’s also important is making sure that partners have the tools and resources that they need to be successful.
If you’re providing support and services around BlackBerry, or reselling BlackBerry solutions, there are a few exciting changes to the BlackBerry Partner Support Services (BPSS) program that we’d like to share. The goal of these changes is to ensure that you’re able to collaborate with BlackBerry to provide your customers with top notch support.
Previously, the partner support program operated on a per-incident model. We’ve heard your feedback and recognize the need for a more consistent cost structure that aligns to the way you do business, which is why we’re introducing per-user (device) per-month fees. This enables you to price your programs more efficiently and have consistent margins.
Additionally, we’re now providing more flexible access to our technical support levels based on your business need. Whether it’s a small issue or you need extensive troubleshooting, the options are much more comprehensive. Lastly, while Tier 3 support customers had an upfront program fee in the past, we’re now requiring BlackBerry certification – which many of you already have.
Learn more and register for the BlackBerry Partner Support Services program »
Name: Justen Deal
Occupation: Partner, Vieu Health
Twitter Account: @justen
Favourite BlackBerry LinkedIn Group:BlackBerry for Business, of course!
I started Vieu Health back in 2008, after I left Kaiser Permanente. There’s such an incredible opportunity to help improve healthcare delivery and outcomes through smarter systems…I guess I’ve just about always been a geek, but seeing the potential for technology to help improve health was a bit of a turning point for me. I didn’t grow up knowing that I wanted to be a healthcare information technology geek someday, but seeing those opportunities and that potential made me realize that this is what I wanted to be able to do.
I’ve been a #TeamBlackBerry fan for a long time, and I honestly can’t tell you how many times my BlackBerry has been there, helping me get something done or get the information I need. My BlackBerry helps me stay in touch with friends and family, colleagues and partners — and with integrated communication and social feeds now linked to every contact from the BlackBerry Hub and the calendar, it’s simple to stay up-to-date and easily pick back up where I left off, no matter what the channel (email, text, BlackBerry Messenger, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, you name it). When something becomes such an indispensable tool for your personal and professional life, it’s easy to be a fan. But I think pretty much all of us BlackBerry fans really are evangelists, because we know how incredible the BlackBerry experience is, and we want to share that experience!
Mobile Computing Corp. Inc. (MCC) has been developing, supporting and advising on leading edge mobile field force automation and optimization solutions for more than 25 years. As a participant in BlackBerry’s Early Adopter Program (EAP), MCC was one of the first businesses to deploy the new BlackBerry 10 platform and BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10. We were thrilled to connect with MCC’s CEO Camille Peters about her company’s experience.
With the BlackBerry Z10 smartphone now launched in over 40 countries worldwide, many are making the jump from a BlackBerry 6 or 7 smartphone to a BlackBerry Z10 powered by BlackBerry 10. In order to help you make the transition seamless, we’ve put together a video outlining options and the steps that you can take to transfer your data. Check it out below for the full scoop:
[ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]
Learn more information on switching devices at www.blackberry.com/deviceswitch. For more How To articles, tips, and tricks, head over to the BlackBerry Help Blog.
In recent weeks, we’ve highlighted several organizations that are working to incorporate the BlackBerry 10 platform into their mobile strategy, such as Air Canada and Ricoh. We’ve been pleased with the positive feedback from these organizations, along with the strong early customer reviews for both BlackBerry 10 and BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10.
Today, we’d like to share how McCain Foods Ltd. is building on their long-term partnership with BlackBerry with BlackBerry 10. Headquartered in Toronto, McCain Foods sells food products in more than 160 countries around the globe. The company has incorporated BlackBerry devices in all of its markets.
We chatted recently with Mark Kirby, the Vice President of Global Technology Services at McCain Foods Ltd. to get his first impressions of the BlackBerry 10 platform. He discussed his ideas for incorporating BlackBerry Balance and BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 into McCain’s mobile strategy, as well as how BlackBerry 10 will help address employee demands.
Find out how McCain Foods is using BlackBerry 10 for their mobile strategy »
So… you’ve been hearing all of this talk about the new BlackBerry Z10, and even though it’s designed to deliver the best touchscreen typing experience, you’re a physical keyboard enthusiast at heart. You’ve been holding out, waiting to get your hands on a shiny new BlackBerry 10 smartphone – and you know the BlackBerry Q10 is just right for you.
You’re not alone! The anticipation is mounting around the world for this highly-anticipated smartphone, and we’re getting one step closer to getting it in your hands.
Today, Carphone Warehouse customers in the United Kingdom will be able to pre-order the BlackBerry Q10 on O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Three, EE and TalkMobile. Plus, the handset will be available for purchase in Carphone Warehouse stores from the end of April. For those of you in other markets, we’ll have details on availability to follow soon. In the mean time head by our global availability tracker for BlackBerry 10 to see where you can pick up a BlackBerry Z10 today!
We showed it off originally on January 30th when we officially launched the BlackBerry 10 platform. There, we showed you some of the amazing capabilities built in to BlackBerry 10, like messaging in the BlackBerry Hub, BlackBerry Balance and BlackBerry Remember. In case you need a refresher – watch this video and prepare to start drooling.
[ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]
Are you a BlackBerry physical keyboard fanatic? Is this the BlackBerry 10 device you’ve been waiting for – let us know in the comments below.
The time has come to cast your ballots for the 2013 BlackBerry Achievement Awards! Using BlackBerry technology to help power innovation, the awards celebrate ideas coming to life. Everyone is encouraged to vote, so visit the website before April 15th at 5pm ET to help us determine this year’s winners.
A special category that is near and dear to our hearts is the App of the Year award. This year, Cine Hoyts Argentina, Cooklet, and PriceCheck Pty Ltd have been nominated as finalists. Make sure you check them out before voting for your favorites.
The last time I was in New York City was on January 30th when we officially unveiled the BlackBerry 10 platform including the BlackBerry Z10 and Q10 smartphones. At the BlackBerry Experience celebration in March, it was clear that the excitement in the United States for BlackBerry 10 has only grown since launch. Check out the video below to see the highlights!
[ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]
Attendees were able to get hands-on demos with BlackBerry Z10 smartphones; network and chat with peers, carriers, and BlackBerry staff, as well as enjoy performances by Janelle Monáe, Young the Giant, DJ Z-Trip, Quest Love, and Ludacris.
We’ve been launching BlackBerry 10 in market after market around the world, and we can’t wait for you to try it. There’s no need to wait for in-store availability later this month; head over to AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon Wireless to order your BlackBerry Z10 smartphone today!
Edit: We’ve got some exciting news! BigHand now offers a “Professional” version for smaller firms, enabling even more professionals to get more done with their voice. Learn more and register for a 30-day free trial.
We recently caught up with Beth Thompson, Director of Sales at BigHand, one of the leading providers of voice productivity technology, including their recently launched app for BlackBerry 10. Check out the Q&A below to see what she had to say on the app, how voice dictation can help increase business productivity, and what the future holds.
Biz Blog: Hi Beth, thanks for joining me today. Can you briefly describe the functionality of the BigHand app and the underlying enterprise workflow platform?
Read our interview with Beth Thompson to learn more about BigHand »
