Research In Motion has taken the wraps off a new security app called BlackBerry Protect that will let BlackBerry handset users automatically back up and restore their data. And should a handset ever become misplaced, lost or stolen, BlackBerry Protect provides additional features such as remote device locate, lock and wipe.
Carriers like Verizon Wireless already offer device-management services, and some companies have management software for their corporate-liable smartphones, noted Lisa Pierce, an independent wireless analyst with the Strategic Networks Group. What RIM’s announcement does is expand “the market for BlackBerry device management to individuals, small organizations, and even individuals/families who buy phones and services through corporate discounts” but are not protected under corporate-liable plans, Pierce said.
Backing Up and Restoring Data
The Blackberry Protect beta slated for release this week will initially be offered by invitation to selected members of RIM’s BlackBerry Beta Zone. “If you’re a member of Beta Zone and don’t receive a download code, you will be able to try it out when it reaches open public beta later this year,” said BlackBerry Protect Product Manager Michael Accettura in an interview posted Monday on a company blog.
Beta Zone members who are invited to test BlackBerry Protect will be given the option to back up whatever smartphone data they wish — from contacts, calendar, memos and tasks to browser bookmarks and text messages.
“You will even be able to choose how often your BlackBerry smartphone is automatically backed up: Daily, weekly and monthly,” Accettura explained. “Once the first backup is completed, only incremental data is backed up to reduce data usage.”
In the event that a BlackBerry is lost, stolen or damaged, users will be able to wirelessly restore all backed-up data on a replacement device. “So, even though I’ve lost my BlackBerry smartphone, all of my information can…