DOD picks BlackBerry 7 devices for widespread use
Defense Department personnel can now use the BlackBerry 7 line of products across the department's enterprise network.
Despite moving towards Android based mobile devices, the Defense Department demonstrated that it still has a soft spot for Research In Motion products by approving department-wide use of BlackBerry 7 smart phones. The announcement, made at the recent DISA Mission Partner Conference in Tampa during the week of May 7, allows military and civilian personnel across the organization to use the devices.
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DISA and the Army successfully tested the smart phone, which is now officially on the agency’s Unified Communications Approved Product List (UCAPL). The following BlackBerry 7s can be used on DOD networks:
- BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 (touch screen with keyboard)
- BlackBerry Torch 9810 (touch screen with slide out keyboard)
- BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 (full screen touch screen)
- BlackBerry Curve 9360 (keyboard)
Among the features that the BlackBerry 7 line of devices offers DOD personnel are: voice activated universal search, near field communications, augmented reality, and Social Feeds 2.0. RIM’s security features and certifications, including the FIPS 140-2 validation and Common Criteria EAL4+ accreditations, are key reasons for the continuing demand for BlackBerry platforms at DOD, company officials said in a statement.