Vpn
 

We have a BES (version 4.1) and Nextel/Blackberry phones (models 7510, 7520) and I want to be able to access an intranet page on our network. I'm assuming the only way to do this is to establish a VPN from the blackberry device to our network...is that correct? If so, how do I do this?

Thanks

Not entirely true. Any intranet page that you can normally see by typing the name in a browser can be viewed on the 'Berry by doing the same thing under the Blackberry Browser icon. As long as you have the application set up as a web service, you can access it... all without establishing a VPN.

This is possible by MDS on your BES. Any packet of data has to validate against your BES. It MUST have the SRP ID and the PIN for the device in order for it to access any intranet pages. If it don't match, you don't get access.

Therefore, if you have an intranet page called EmployeeDirectory, you can type EmployeeDirectory in the Blackberry Browser and it should appear.

Just to Clarify
 

Thanks for the info. So, I must have the MDS Services installed on the BES for this to work? And when you say the app must be set up as a web service, I'm not sure what you mean. It's an ASP Page on a Windows/IIS server. Will that suffice?

Thanks

THe app (your Intranet) has to be a web service. Check some other area of your Intranet that is set up as a web service and try and hit it. If you get challenged for credentials, try another portion of your portal. You might have to talk to your web team (if applicable) and get some links to some actual areas of your company portal that are FULLY functioning as a web service. It's pretty easy ;)

As another option. If you're looking to access Intranet Pages and other files..etc on the network that are accesing via VPN - Shark Modem gives you this capability. Shark Modem gives you this through the BES option.
MobiShark Online Blackberry Store: Blackberry as a modem

Howwever, through the Nextel Carrier you have low speeds of 19.9kb when comparing other Carriers that have 2-3x the speed. I would give it a trial run and see what your results are. Also see an interesting article in regards to VPN -

http://www.blackberryforums.com/showthread.php?t=35388

:bb:

MDS Services is not required for this. MDS Connection Service, which is installed under the base installation, is required to be running and enabled for the user (default behavior). On the device, open up the BlackBerry Browser and type the fully-qualified domain name of the intranet page you want to access. You can further this by adding the default LAN domain name to one of the MDS config files (search for 'domain.com' on here or BlackBerry.com) and then you can simply use the hostname of the intranet site.

You do NOT need MDS Services and all the headaches it brings to you. :)

Think of MDS as a built-in VPN of sorts for your device. It can be used for any TCP-based application, including the BlackBerry Browser, to traverse back into your internal network over a secure channel.