3Com and RIM today announced that the companies are working together to combine 3Com's Internet Protocol (IP)-private branch exchange (PBX) and wireless local area network (WLAN) switch with RIM’s BlackBerry wireless solution for WLAN networks.

The solution will enable on-campus employees to use always-on BlackBerry applications such as email, VoIP, browser and organizer in conjunction with the BlackBerry platform’s unique connectivity features including push-based services, advanced security and back-end integration.

“The BlackBerry 7270 and BlackBerry Enterprise Server solution for WLAN networks and 3Com’s IP telephony network and WLAN switch will extend the BlackBerry experience to a new category of enterprise users in corporate and government organizations,” said Larry Conlee, COO at Research In Motion.    “The benefits of always-on connectivity will become available to on-campus employees through a cost-effective solution that can enhance communications, collaboration and workflow.”

Benefits of a 3Com-RIM IP Mobility Solution
The 3Com-RIM IP mobility solution is being designed to enhance user productivity for employees at headquarters, branch office locations and home offices and increase the overall organizational effectiveness of the enterprise.  

The benefits to enterprises are:

• Open standards and architecture. The 3Com IP Mobility module is based on SIP, which significantly reduces the cost of owning a reliable, customizable next generation IP communications platform that enables employees to work more freely and productively. 3Com’s new wireless switch conforms to IEEE 802.11 standards and the BlackBerry 7270 is based on IEEE 802.11 standards for wireless and SIP for telephony application. The BlackBerry platform also supports open industry standards such as Java;
• Low cost of ownership. The 3Com IP Mobility module supports a variety of investment and deployment strategies, including traditional PBX preservation or replacement, and use of standard computing platforms;
• Increase user productivity. The 3Com IP Mobility module allows "Campus Warrior" associates to have greater access to their voice and data communications resulting in improved productivity gains and higher organizational effectiveness; and
• Increased wireless security. The BlackBerry platform sets the standard for secure wireless data access with its advanced security architecture and support for Triple DES, AES and S/MIME. Intelligent Wi-Fi also helps communication using AAA servers reduce network bandwidth stress and allows for security profiling by user and group. Rogue detection and isolation also help ensure only authorized users access the network.

3Com's commitment to deliver innovative, practical and high-value voice and data networking products and solutions for enterprises of all sizes continues with the 3Com-RIM IP Mobility Solution. The solution is comprised of a 3Com VCX Gateway, 3Com Wireless LAN Mobility System, and Blackberry 7270 handhelds.