du, the new integrated telecom operator in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today launched the BlackBerry® Bold™ smartphone at GITEX 2008 in Dubai in addition to announcing the availability of BlackBerry® Professional Software and several new models and colours, including the BlackBerry® Curve™ 8320 smartphone in gold, the BlackBerry® Pearl™ 8110 smartphone in pink and blue and the BlackBerry® Pearl™ 8120 in titanium.
Based on its distribution agreement with RIM, Alcatel-Lucent leveraged its strong local presence in the region and provided du with the end-to-end implementation, integration, launch and support services for delivering the BlackBerry solution to the UAE market. Today’s launch of several new BlackBerry products is an additional proof point of Alcatel-Lucent’s strong local presence and relationship with du.
The BlackBerry Bold smartphone from du is a ‘must have’ for business professionals and power users, providing unprecedented functionality and performance in an intuitive smartphone that supports tri-band HSDPA high-speed networks around the world and comes with a rich set of multimedia capabilities and integrated GPS and Wi-Fi®. Featuring a lustrous black exterior, satin chrome finished frame and stylish leatherette backplate together with a stunning display, sophisticated user interface and a newly designed hybrid English-Arabic QWERTY keyboard, the BlackBerry Bold is a symbol of both accomplishment and aspiration. With GPS support for BlackBerry® Maps and other location-based applications and services, as well as improved rendering capabilities, faster download speeds and the ability to support simultaneous voice and data, the BlackBerry Bold smartphone has it all.
“With the launch of the BlackBerry Bold smartphone, we are providing our customers, who value high-end design and are passionate about the latest technology, with a state-of-the-art smartphone they can use to stay on top of information and keep connected to the people that matter most,” remarked Farid Faraidooni, EVP Commercial, du.
“The new BlackBerry Bold represents a tremendous step forward in business-grade smartphones and lives up to its name with incredible speed, power and functionality, all wrapped in a stylish and stunning design,” commented Mark Guibert, Vice President of Corporate Marketing, RIM.
In addition to the launch of the BlackBerry Bold, du is also launching:
• The BlackBerry Curve 8320 smartphone in a gold colored finish – this enhanced version of the BlackBerry® Curve™ 8300 smartphone now comes with an hybrid English-Arabic keyboard and Wi-Fi support
• The BlackBerry Pearl 8110 smartphone in pink and blue with built in GPS
• The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 smartphone in a titanium colored finish with Wi-Fi support
In addition du has announced the availability of BlackBerry Professional Software, a new wireless solution for small and medium-sized organisations. BlackBerry Professional Software is based on the core functionality of the best-in-class BlackBerry® Enterprise Server software, but it is streamlined and tailored to meet the needs of smaller organisations with up to 30 wireless users..
Farid Faraidooni, EVP Commercial, du said “For our small and medium sized customers, BlackBerry Professional Software from du is a particularly compelling proposition. BlackBerry Professional Software from du offers significant advantages in productivity, management and security, in a cost-effective package that can be installed on an existing email server”
The BlackBerry Bold smartphone and other BlackBerry products and services are available through 23 du shops in the UAE or online at www.du.ae
About du
du, the integrated telecom service provider in the UAE, launched mobile telecommunication services on 11 February 2007 across the UAE in addition to internet and pay TV services in some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, the first of du's nationwide Fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007.
Among du’s many firsts is its historic Number Booking Campaign for both individuals and business, Pay by the Second billing system, Mobile TV, Mobile Payments, first of its kind ‘WoW’ recharge card (which offers customers the choice between more credit and more time) and Self Care. du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations.
du’s retail network, currently numbering 23 du shops located in strategic locations across all emirates, was launched on 25 February 2007, supporting the delivery of du services to customers.
du is 40 percent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 20 percent by Mubadala Development Company, 20 percent by Emirates Communications & Technology Company LLC and 20 percent by public shareholders. It is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name du.
du was recognised as the ‘Best Brand’ for its innovative branding and outstanding success at the Telecom World Awards Middle East 2007.
About Research In Motion (RIM)
Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.BlackBerry.com
