The RIM BlackBerry has become synonymous with always-on, real-time wireless e-mail. Other companies provide similar solutions, but they are a very distant second to the wide acceptance of the BlackBerry. BlackBerry usage is virtually exploding right before our eyes, and in some cities around the world, you see a BlackBerry user every few steps. There is even a new affliction that has been termed “BlackBerry Thumb,” which is a repetitive stress injury to the thumbs from using them in ways in which they were never meant to be used. The BlackBerry can be used for real-time push e-mail, but it also supports real-time wireless synchronization of Personal Information Manager (PIM) data and has the capability to connect the user to systems back in the office in a very secure manner. The aim of this book is to cover two main topics that relate to the BlackBerry environment. In the first section, we start off by discussing how the BlackBerry works and the different components that make up the BlackBerry environment. We then move on to discussing how to install a BlackBerry server and how to prepare for a BlackBerry pilot. Finally, we discuss how to roll out BlackBerrys and the desktop software (if you need it) and how to maintain your BlackBerry environment.