The BlackBerry is a smartphone that lets users access email, send and receive SMS (text) and MMS (multimedia) messages and use Web-based applications. The device supports roughly three dozen wireless carriers in the US and Canada.
A complete list of smartphone models and a product comparison feature is on the BlackBerry devices section of its website. In addition, some general information about using smartphones at the job site is available in the article How contractors can benefit from the BlackBerry.
The BlackBerry can be set up to run a variety of BlackBerry software applications, which in addition to email and Web access can include communications and collaboration software, integration with back-end enterprise systems and document- and calendar-sharing software. (Third-party BlackBerry software applications are also available)
BlackBerry Business Solutions, meanwhile, are product sets that connect users to CRM, ERP and field management applications, among others. RIM separates these into offerings by industry, by business needs or by business type. Business needs products address business intelligence, field services and sales force automation, while business type products cater to small, medium-sized, enterprise or public sector organizations.
Vendors that make BlackBerry software for the construction industry include e-Builder (with a wireless edition of its eponymous software), Explorer Software (with its Wireless Explorer Software), Data-Basics (with its TechAnywhere field service software) and ATSG.
