RIM launches BlackBerry Protect in Open Beta in Europe, ME, Africa

BlackBerry Protect is a free application that allows users to wirelessly backup, restore and locate their BlackBerry smartphone. In the event that their BlackBerry smartphone is misplaced, lost or stolen, BlackBerry Protect provides features like: remote device wipe, remote device lock, 'Lost and Found' screen, locate device on a map, remote activation of the BlackBerry smartphone loud ringer, and wireless device backup and restore.

Key features include:

• Remote device management:
  • Remote wipe
    
  • Remote lock and 'Lost and Found' screen
    
  • Remote activate loud ringer
    
  • Cell Tower and GPS device tracking
• Over the Air (OTA) backup and restore:
  • Contacts and calendar
    
  • Memos and tasks
    
  • Browser bookmarks
    
  • Text messages
• Administration:
  • Based on BlackBerry ID system
    
  • Web-based end user portal
    
  • Operator call centre access

African countries that can now access BlackBerry Protect include:
Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia.

If you are interested in finding out more about BlackBerry Protect go to www.blackberry.com/protect.

BlackBerry Protect open beta is available for download in BlackBerry App World Test Centre (www.blackberry.com/appworld).