Stratus Appliance Offers Turnkey Hosted BlackBerry with Built-In Microsoft ActiveSync

By Stephanie Jordan
in

CytexOne recently introduced its new on-premise Subscription-based Messaging Appliance with BlackBerry Enterprise Server and built-in Microsoft ActiveSync, called Stratus. It connects to the new CytexOne StratusPhere Application Store to form an integrated hardware and software solution for small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

The company says Stratus, which also contains Microsoft Exchange 2007, gives SMBs a flexible, affordable, plug-and-play solution for their in-office and mobile workforce.

In addition, CytexOne offers an enterprise application store that gives Stratus users access to a growing list of appliances. Given the catchy name of StratusPhere, Stratus users have direct access to the applications and can start their subscriptions to them right from the Stratus Web-based interface. The first app available in the store is Microsoft Small Business Server 2008 with Microsoft Exchange 2007.

Daniel Levine, CytexOne CEO and co-founder, says the message of Stratus and StratusPhere solution is “get it done and get back to business” and notes that the solution is secure and very simple to use. “We’ve taken the best of traditional server systems and managed hosting and created a unique SMB offering that meets the needs of a rapidly changing marketplace,” he says. “By providing a solution that is already configured and can be remotely managed and supported, SMBs can quickly roll out high-reliability Microsoft Exchange as well as BlackBerry Enterprise Server or Express Edition on the same server without the need for an IT department.”

The appliance is built to RIM specifications and is constantly monitored and updated.

CytexOne also recently premiered Stratus Express, its lowered pricing model, which the company claims is ideal for running Express Edition software and eliminates any of the potential instabilities. BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express Edition, the latest end-user software release from RIM, has opened up a large new market for SMBs with its free-download pricing model.

The CytexOne Stratus appliances are based on a subscription model so they deliver a very low entry cost due to their low fixed monthly fees, which eliminates large startup costs.

The company calls the Stratus appliances plug-in simple and point out the solution is fully scalable to meet changing demands, highly cost-effective, easy to operate, and keep corporate email, contacts and calendars all securely in-house. Out of the box it comes fully configured, complete with all the hardware and software necessary, as well as the licensing. Since Stratus is rented and not purchased, software and hardware are regularly upgraded, without surprise costs.

Published May 13, 2010