RIM announces BlackBerry platform enhancements

Phone Scoop reported on the RIM announcement that BlackBerry owners will be receiving updates for their devices that adds enhanced functionality and security. These new software updates will be phased in over the first half of 2008 and if you buy a new device in mid to late 2008 it should have the updates already installed.

The updates include enhanced messaging and collaboration, simpler management and support for IT departments, enhanced security, and expanded application support. End users will primarily see the enhancements in messaging that include integration of DataViz's excellent Documents To Go product for viewing and editing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files, remote search for older messages no longer on your device, free-busy calendar lookup of coworkers, HTML and rich text email support, and IBM Lotus enhancements.

Some of the security enhancements include control over GPS and Bluetooth profiles, which end users may not appreciate too much if things get too restrictive.