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The Commonwealth
of Kentucky Goes Blackberry Picking
Is
it a convenience item, or a device you can't live without? That's one
question state agencies ponder as they consider whether to embrace a
wireless e-mail solution offered by the Governor's Office for Technology.
The device, called a Blackberry, is manufactured by Canadian firm Research
In Motion Limited (RIM). It's growing in popularity as a replacement
for laptop computers because it's small, quick and easy to use, and
delivers your e-mail and calendar from Microsoft Outlook and other programs
right to your hand. 
Blackberry devices gained attention recently for being a reliable communications
device when other wireless devices failed during the recent terrorist
attack on New York City. In Washington D. C., many members of Congress
have switched to wireless devices as the recent anthrax incidents have
required them to stay in touch outside their office settings.
Since rolling out wireless messaging service (WMS) using Blackberry
in early 2001, the Governor's Office for Technology has delivered over
200 units to GOT customers in a variety of state agencies. For those
who rely heavily on e-mail, the Blackberry can be a great way to stay
in touch. According to Kevin Flanery, Secretary for the Finance and
Administration Cabinet, "The Blackberry is the most useful piece
of technology I have encountered. It saves me time. It allows me to
deal with issues more promptly. I rely a great deal on it for scheduling
as well as e-mail when I am out of the office."
Research
by the wireless team at GOT on the cost benefits of Blackberry and the
potential of additional wireless applications using Blackberry is ongoing.
In a data study collected by Research In Motion and verified by the
independent research firm Ipsos-Reid, users reported that the Blackberry
returned value in three fundamental ways:
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By providing
immediacy and improving responsiveness;
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By increasing
productivity;
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By offering
direct savings in the form of alternate communications and
mobile device expenses.
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