Research In Motion disclosed details of its workaround technology, designed to enable the RIM BlackBerry service to continue if an injunction is awarded when the court hearing RIM vs. NTP sits on February 24. RIM has developed the workaround as a contingency against the injunction, although it is still saying publicly that an injunction is unlikely.
Overview of the Workaround Technology
The workaround involves the installation of a software update called the "BlackBerry Multi-Mode Edition". The software update itself has not been released, only details thereof. RIM's overview document (PDF, 5 pages, 116 KB) on the Multi-Mode Edition says the following:
- The workaround technology applies to converged voice/data BlackBerry devices in the US, connected to either a BlackBerry Enterprise Server or BlackBerry Internet Service.
- The software update significantly changes the underlying message delivery system and message queuing system in order to not infringe on NTP's patents. There is no visual effect on the BlackBerry experience for an end user. There is also no visual effect on the BlackBerry Enterprise Server, although due to changes in the message queuing system (see below) there will be additional server log entries created and recorded.
- The Multi-Mode Software supports two modes of operation: the current way (what NTP would call "NTP Infringement Mode") and the workaround way. When inside the US with a BlackBerry powered by a US service provider, the workaround way is used. When outside the US and receiving service from a non-US service provider, the current way is used.
- The workaround requires the installation of a software update on BlackBerry devices and the BlackBerry Enterprise Server. It seems as though the update will be provisioned over-the-air to BlackBerry devices, but this is not made entirely clear. The software will be made available at no charge.
- Under the workaround, the RIM Network Operations Center (NOC) will cease to queue messages that can not be delivered because a BlackBerry device is turned off or out of coverage. The NOC will return the message to the appropriate BlackBerry Enterprise Server, and it will queue the message until the NOC notifies it that the device is back on. When this happens, the BlackBerry Enterprise Server will record a log entry.
RIM said that it commissioned a legal analysis of the workaround by a leading expert in patent law and workarounds, and the resultant legal opinion is that the workaround does not infringe on any of NTP's patents. That is a good starting point to provide comfort to current and prospective customers, although NTP is sure to challenge the validity of the workaround if the injunction is awarded.
Analysis and Thoughts
A couple of thoughts about making more details of the workaround public:
- It is good to see RIM talking publicly about the details of the workaround. As we've said previously on this site, RIM needs to do as much as possible to clear up confusion and uncertainty about the workaround.
- If the injunction is awarded, customers will need more details about how the workaround effects the operation of the BlackBerry service. Is it slower? Does it use more bandwidth? Is it less secure? For those tech-heads that want detailed information, they will need to know what exactly has changed in order to evaluate the new service.
- RIM should make this software available to IT departments now. They will want to test and evaluate it, and not have it forced down their throats at the last minute. In all fairness, RIM should have made this software available months ago.
The whole RIM vs. NTP debacle is going to become fodder for (a) case studies on patent law at business schools, and (b) case studies on how not to handle emergency situations.
Further Reading from RIM
"RIM BlackBerry Multi-Mode Edition" (aka 'the workaround website'), BlackBerry
"RIM Announces Workaround Contingency for BlackBerry Customers", RIM Press Release
"BlackBerry Multi-Mode Edition Preview Announcement: Frequently Asked Questions", RIM White Paper (PDF, 2 pages, 44 KB)
Coverage from Elsewhere
"RIM Reveals work-around for BlackBerry", InfoWorld (also comments on the "feeding frenzy" among other push email providers)
"BlackBerry Work-around: Too Little, Too Late for IT Departments", Mobile Enterprise Weblog
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