Blackberry Enterprise Server Activation Suggestions
 

Hey guys, I am consulting a BES 4.1.6 for a client. The director has told me there needs to be a better process activating devices. This is the process he would like for me to pull out of my butt, he wants BES to send the device an email with a click-able link that will automatically enter the activation email address and password to the device. OR have a public url or url sent via email specific for the user that the user can then click and automatically set up his device.

I know this is not possible because for one BES does not have the device information, that's the first step in the whole technology behind the BES activation process when the device sends the ETP.DAT to the users mailbox.

Okay I know everyone is laughing now, but he is serious as a heart attack. Does anyone know of any third party software or process that provides different ways of activation? Thanks so much!

BES 4.1.6
Exchange 2007 SP1
70 users

I would ask the question to him: "How would you suggest being able to click on a link from within an email on a device that's not yet enabled for email?"

The system is quite simple as it is. I think it's more of an education thing. Use single-letter activation passwords - such as the letter 'q' - to lower the complexity required to type a password.

Otherwise, they may need a different solution. That is, unless someone has developed an 'Activations Made Easy' software solution.

+1^^

The process is pretty simple as it is. I agree with the single letter password. I usually use a, l, or m. It is pretty hard to typo that.

I agree Jibi, and that is what I am going to do in the meeting today is educate the client. I mean how hard is it, enter your email address and password assigned in email. Boom done. I think I am going to suggest having the activation email sent by BES to add a link that the user can click from their mailbox that takes them to a video showing the user step-by-step on the device to activate.

If the client is that stupid tell him to give you his device and you will activate it for him. Saves you the trouble of going through all this, but answer his question nicely with a firm "NO". :o)

Some people are very technology illiterate and need people to hold their hand every step of the way!

Andrew

This would be nice, but not always possible as a lot of times the users are in remote locations.

And I think that is his worry. I will have more details after 2pm today. haha

Update, so after some education everything is all good. haha The most of his worries was the president. I told him the best thing he should do is to go get the device and set it up and test it. So guess what, that's what I will be doing next week. :)

So what news ? can you share how to do it ?

What do you mean? I have told you what I did. lol :)

Just a side note
if only using one letter for the password I would be sure to use one which is the first letter on any pearl style keyboard
like use a instead of b or c for instance
just OMO
SkyPilot 9530 Bell

Even If the device is not activated, it is possible to send a PIN message from an already running blackberry, which includes the activation password, and, the email adress.

Still, its not possible to click a link on the device.
But the user then could copy and paste those values out of the pin-message.

b and c are equally good its w, s x et al you want to avoid. :smile:

personally i use either q or a.