The final component of RIM’s “Next Generation of BES” Mobile Fusion called Universal Device Service has launched. This third prong is the module of Mobile Fusion that allows enterprise administrators to manage IT policies on Android and iOS devices. That means now the complete solution manages BlackBerry smartphones, PlayBooks, and iOS and Android tablets and smartphones.The iOS and Android devices need to have a client installed for them to be managed and then give administrators the ability to:

– Activate and configure devices and profiles over the air.
– Enable access to enterprise Mail, Calendar and PIM.
– Administer users and groups, natively and directory based.
– Establish corporate IT Policies and Security.
– Manage lost devices –> Password Reset, Device Lock, Device Wipe
Set Wi-Fi® and VPN settings.
– Deploy internally-developed apps
– Define (and enforce) public applications as mandatory or optional.
– Provides Notifications to the Device User.
– Provides Rooting & Jailbreak Detection.
– Help manage Roaming to control your data costs.
– Prevent apps from accessing corporate mail accounts.

This is obviously not the full feature set that BlackBerry devices offer administrators but it does compete well.

Check out more details about BlackBerry Mobile Fusion on RIM’s website or their Blog announcement.

Do remember that, however:

BlackBerry Mobile Fusion software is available as a free download and is priced by the number of devices being managed. Client access licenses (CALs) start at $99 per user or $4 per user per month (billed annually); volume discounts are also available. In addition, RIM is offering a 60 day free trial, so customers can deploy a pilot before purchasing a single CAL. The 60 day free trial is available at https://www.blackberry.com/eBES/trialOrder.do?id=121.

Via BerryReview.