RIM acquires ubitexx, plans to expand BES to Android and iOS devices

BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion Ltd. (RIM) is planning to expand the role of one of its greatest assets, BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES), through a just announced acquisition of Germany-based ubitexx GmbH.
The company’s ubi-Suite device management solution will be incorporated into the BlackBerry Enterprise Server management console and bring secure device management features on board for Android and iOS based devices and tablets, according to RIM.
The ultimate goal for the multi-platform BlackBerry Enterprise Solution, which is planned for general availability later this year, is to bring the BES features that IT administrators rely on to a new suite of devices running on Google Inc.’s (GOOG) Android OS and Apple Inc.’s (AAPL) iOS. The expanded platform will give IT administrators the ability to manage devices over the air, including activating devices, distributing software and applications, locking or wiping devices, enforcing and resetting device passwords, setting IT policies, and managing optional mobile applications for end users.
RIM added that certain features will remain exclusive to BlackBerry devices, such as its push technology, network and data use efficiency, behind-the-firewall access to enterprise applications and systems and many of the other 550 IT policies avaliable on BES.
“The multi-platform BlackBerry Enterprise Solution is designed to address a growing market and respond to requests from enterprise customers who want a secure multi-platform device management solution from a company that already delivers the gold standard for enterprise mobility,” Peter Devenyi, VP of the communications platform group at RIM, said in a prepared statement. “We recognize the opportunity to continue leading in the enterprise market by providing customers with a common platform to help simplify the management of a variety of mobile devices.”