HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 04 25 Regular 502, Review Info Regarding Blackberry Devices
COMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM 502
Consent
Informational
Public Hearing
Regular X
April 25. 2005
Regular Meeting
)t/~
Mgr. I
Authorization
(,-t:
REQUEST:
Information Services wishes for the Commission to review
information regarding Blackberry devices and to make
some choices relative to those devices.
PURPOSE:
To furnish the Commission with information regarding Blackberry
devices and for the Commission to make some choices relative to those
devices.
CONSIDERATIONS:
Request - A request was made for Information Services (I.S.) to investigate the
possibility of obtaining Blackberry devices for the Mayor, Commission, and
Department Heads for the purpose of enhancing our communications throughout
the City between Mayor/Commission and City staff.
What is a Blackberry?
Blackherry devices enable the user to stay connected via phone or cmail, and
some models have the push-ta-talk feature that is available through Nextel which
is called their Direct Conncct feature. Direct connect is similar to a two-way radio
or walkie-talkie. BlackbelTY devices arc available from several vendors but only
Nextel has the Direct Connect feature.
S;\Information _ SClvices\Admin _l)ocslAgenda Items\FY 2005\April 7.005\04-25-
05\042505_ COMM _Regular _ jO?: _ Blackbenies.doc
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS
CITY COMMISSION
RJ::GULAR MHTING APRll,25,200;'
REGULA\{ AGENDA ITEM "SOT
PAGF20fJ
. Fmail, phone, browser, and organizer applil:ations
in a single, integrated handheld
. Long-range digital walkie-talkie feature
. Speakerphone
. Bluetooth@ technology for hands. free voice
communications
. GPS-enabled for location-hased services
. Nationwide network SUPPOlt
. Ample memory for application and data storage
. PC-style 33-key QWERTY keyboard
. Easy-to-use navigation trackwheel and intuitive menu interface
. Bright, backlit 240x 160 display supporting over 65,000 colors
. JavaTM development platform based on open standards
. Integrated attachment viewing
Some features of this Blackberry model are:
Who Uses Blackberry? Tnformation Services currently uses Blackberry devices.
We have used them for almost two years. Our Blackberry devices are integrated
with our Help Desk and Exchange Server so that when a request for assistance is
emailed to our Help Desk cmail address, the email is fonvardcd directly to our
Help Desk system and is then immediately distributed to the Infonnation Services
personnel for problem resolution. So there arc several pieces or components that
were integrated to make this a system that works for us. They are: Blackberry
devices, Blackberry Server (sonware to integrate with Exchange), Exchange
Server, and lntuit Track-it Help Desk Sonware. Our Blackberry devices enable us
to stay connected and productive. Our City email is automatically received on our
Blackberry devices and can be answered immediately if warranted. It is critical
for our Help Desk solution to work effectively.
What further information is needed? Before further investigation for a solution
for Mayor/Commission/Department Heads, more information is needed as
follows:
. Do you want the Blackberry device for email only?
. Do you want the Blackberry device for phone and email only?
. Do you want the I3lackberry device to have phone, email, and Direct Connect?
Prices on the Blackben)' devices vary. There are many vendors, features, and
service plans from which to choose. Some of the vendors include: T-Mobile,
Verizon, AT & T, Cingular and NexteJ. it would he helpful to know what is
actually wanted or needed before proceeding with pricing and quotes for
hardware, services, etc.
CITY OF WIN fER SPRINGS
CITY COMMiSSION
REGULAR MFFTING - APRIL 25, 20D~
REGULAR AUENDA ITEM "502"
PAUE30F3
FUNDING:
None
RECOMMENDATIONS: That the Commission decide what services/features they Wa11t with
their Blackbeny devices so that the LS. Director can proceed with
researching this solution. Choices are:
(1) em"11 only
(2) phone and email only - how many phone minutes per person?
(3) phone, cmail, and Direct Connect
ATT ACIIMENTS:
COMMISSION ACTION: