[shnerk]

So I just received a request today to see if I can limit utilization of the Blackberry during a certain time period. Bottom line, they want to disable redirection on Mondays from 1-4pm. Is this even possible? We are running BES 4.1.4.5 under Exchange 2003. Any ideas would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[Dubdub]

Moved to a more appropriate section.

[knottyrope]

have lots of log space?

Just disable Port 3101 on your firewall during that time.

[knottyrope]

Or did you need it not to access exchange for maintenance?

[CanuckBB]

It's an odd request. May we ask why?

[shnerk]

This is an odd request, I know. Not my idea, I just do what I'm told. My understanding is that during a weekly meeting, they do not want any interruptions or distractions. If users in the meeting can not access their email during the meeting, then they will not be inclined to constantly check their Blackberrys. I know...just ban Blackberry devices from the meeting right? Wish it were that simple.

If I disable the 3101 port, wouldn't that kill access for all Blackberry users during that time period? I need to have the ability to do this at the user level.

Thanks for the replies!

[penguin3107]

Originally Posted by shnerk

This is an odd request, I know. Not my idea, I just do what I'm told. My understanding is that during a weekly meeting, they do not want any interruptions or distractions. If users in the meeting can not access their email during the meeting, then they will not be inclined to constantly check their Blackberrys. I know...just ban Blackberry devices from the meeting right? Wish it were that simple.

If I disable the 3101 port, wouldn't that kill access for all Blackberry users during that time period? I need to have the ability to do this at the user level.

Thanks for the replies!

You need to switch jobs. Run far away from this insanity you're with now.

[knottyrope]

place the meeting in a underground lead covered room so no signal can penetrate it

[CanuckBB]

There are multiple people issues that simply cannot be corrected by technology.

The twits that want to apply a technology solution, wich BTW won't stop voice or SMS, would be better served by threatening disciplinary actions against employees who bring their BB to the meeting.

[NJBlackBerry]

You need the Cone of Silence.

[juwaack68]

This is a people issue, not a technology solution.

Have the people in the room put all of their devices in a big basket as they enter the room (on 'silent' of course). Then they can have them back when the meeting is over.

[knottyrope]

Originally Posted by juwaack68

This is a people issue, not a technology solution.

Have the people in the room put all of their devices in a big basket as they enter the room (on 'silent' of course). Then they can have them back when the meeting is over.

And place them in a different room.
Also dont forget to password lock them and set owner info too.

Maybe a show box rack like at a McDonalds play ground will help with finding your device after meeting/

[TargetIT]

Originally Posted by juwaack68

This is a people issue, not a technology solution.

You don't know how many times I have to say this on a regular basis - managers have become bloody lazy when it comes to dealing with their employees.

[shnerk]

Boy, you all sure ran with this one didn't you? Thanks for the comments, gave me a good laugh this morning. Can't say that I disagree with any of them either. I shall report to management that that this is not possible and that they should pursue alternative means for stopping Blackberry usage during meetings. Thanks again!

[justpaul]

...except that it is possible. Create a batch file that calls the Blackberry Enterprise Server User Administration Tool (from the Blackberry Enterprise Server Resource Kit). If your users are fairly static, you can just keep the list up to date manually, or you can dump the user list from the database and then run:

besuseradminclient -username admin -password password1 -change -u user[at]contoso.com -b server01 -dr
(repeat for each user using for in do, foreach, etc.)

to enable, create a similar batchfile that runs:
besuseradminclient -username admin -password password1 -change -u user[at]contoso.com -b server01 -er

Place those batch files on the server and put each one in your scheduled tasks for disable/enable window, respectively.

[CanuckBB]

Except that a solution like that falls apart when somebody is invited for a one of. Or a regular attendee can't make it. You have to constantly adjust the list. It far easier for the meeting coordinator to enforce a no BB rule in the room.

[justpaul]

Easier is never a design decision factor when dealing with the management at a law firm. Exceptions could be managed via a moderator, a group, and some scripting. As long as it is a documented process, that should not be an issue.

If someone were to ask me if it were possible, I would say yes, HOWEVER, here are the issues and let management decide if they want to move forward or not.

[shnerk]

Great...thanks justpaul! I'll let management know that it can be done, but with caveats.

[juwaack68]

If it were me, I'd just tell management it can't be done. Who knows what weird request they will have next.

Good luck with your management, and I don't think I'd want your job

[CanuckBB]

Agreed with Julie. What happens when

the meeting runs late? and every BB in the room starts to beep like crazy at 1600?

Starts late and they want the service resumed for 30 minutes?

Then they'll want you to manually do it. which means being availablt at the start and end of the meeting.

While some things can be done does no mean they should be done.