"We have the ecosystem. We have the privacy, the security, flexibility, development tools, a global data network and endpoint management system. We as BlackBerry have the ability to weave all of that together, elegantly and seamlessly into a beautiful user experience. All purpose built for mobile and mobile only," he added, before handing the stage to BlackBerry COO Kristian Tear who announced the launch of BlackBerry Enterprise Service (BES) 10 version 10.1.
This will help businesses more effectively satisfy users' demand for BYOD, giving them greater freedom of choice when it comes to platforms and form factors.
"We know you want to use mobility to make your employees more productive. That means seamless and easy access to enterprise content and fast deployment of applications. Those devices need to protect corporate and personal information," Tear said.
In addition to supporting devices running platforms other than the BlackBerry OS such as Android and iOS BES 10 version 10.1 enables IT administrators to restrict BlackBerry 10-based devices to work or play only, thanks to extended IT policy controls and settings.
We didn't worry about the desktop paradigm as we don't serve that market. There's no confusion for BlackBerry. We are the original mobile first.
The updated service is available now as a free download for existing BES 5 customers, the company confirmed, who will also benefit from new features such as easier deployment and enhanced reporting.
Heins also managed to get in a thinly veiled dig at competitors and those who suggest users want to replicate the desktop experience on mobile devices.
"I don't think I quite agree. The experience on a mobile device needs to be purpose built for mobile. We've all seen the attempts of fitting the desktop experience on mobile and it simply doesn't work. We didn't worry about the desktop paradigm as we don't serve that market. There's no confusion for BlackBerry. We are the original mobile first," he said.
"We will show the world that BlackBerry understands mobile better than anyone else. It is in our DNA as a company. We live and breathe mobile. BlackBerry 10 as a platform is built for mobile. Mobile has become a fundamental part of our lives and the next decade will see a major shift in how it impacts all of our interactions," he said.
