Blackberry Manages Occasional Free Downloads

Regular BlackBerry users know their devices can do a lot more than send and receive email messages by downloading free blackberry software. For one thing, they can make and receive voice calls .

Because the shape of many of the models can make holding it to your head a little awkward, most users opt for a headset microphone when making calls.

Some models can be used as a laptop computer modem. Late last year Telstra released the BlackBerry 7250, which uses the carrier's 1xEV-DO mobile network.

The device comes with a cable that allows it to connect to a laptop and serve as a wireless broadband modem. Telstra says the device will appeal to users who like the always-on feature of the BlackBerry but sometimes need to use the larger screen and keyboard offered by a laptop.

Telstra small business head Jenny Roche says the BlackBerry, when connected to the 1xEV-DO mobile network, offers connect speeds up to 10 times faster than traditional dial-up services. "This new wireless modem feature will increase the popularity of BlackBerry handheld devices in Australia," she says. "It also streamlines the decision making process for customers, as it is one device that serves two purposes."

Telstra wireless and mobility general manager Paul Thomas says executives are using their BlackBerries to improve their "work-life balance".

"We're finding that people are using them as a tool to help them become more productive during dead times in their day," he says.

"This could be between meetings or while waiting for a taxi. They can check their email and respond, rather than sitting in their office at 8pm catching up on the day's email."

Thomas says growing numbers of companies are using the BlackBerry platform to mobilise desktop-based applications. This could mean providing remote access to a customer relationship management or salesforce automation program. "We're also seeing it happening in blue-collar jobs, particularly in the service sector," he says.

By downloading free blackberry software, field service staff can automate the tasks of reporting on jobs completed, ordering parts and managing appointments.

As well as making the roving worker more efficient, such systems can greatly reduce the back-end processing load by moving information from paper to an electronic form. Thomas says he expects strong growth in asset management, where mobile staff need to account for equipment in the field.

Rather than wandering around with a clipboard and pen, staff can check off things on their Blackberry and instantly update the central register. Growth is also starting to be seen in the small business and personal markets, where people are using the hosted BlackBerry service offered by Telstra and other carriers.

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