Desktop Manager 7 in Beta Zone But Do We Really Need It?

Posted
by
Kyle McInnes
on April 19, 2012, at 4:11 PM
in Editorials and News
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Comments: 5 responses
5 Comments

Recently, RIM released an update to the BlackBerry Desktop Manager, version 7, in the Beta Zone. While not explicitly stated, it seems the most recent update adds support for BlackBerry 10. Since BlackBerry Jam is around the corner, RIM probably needs Desktop Manager support for BlackBerry 10 out there, so devs can plug in their alpha devices. But should Desktop Manager be a part of the BlackBerry Platform? Or should it be phased out? So far, RIM has told us that BlackBerry 10 includes over the air OS updates, along with a host of cloud services. This would suggest that there’s actually no need for Desktop Manager.

Desktop Manager

The ideal BlackBerry would never have to be plugged in to a desktop computer.

  • Files would be stored in the cloud and accessible via an online portal.
  • Backups would be done through a BlackBerry Protect service that would support all file types.
  • OS updates would be pushed Over The Air.
  • File transfers would be done over WiFi File Sharing.

Is there any reason at all you would need Desktop Manager? Perhaps for the few users that need offline file sync, but that doesn’t mean RIM needs to do it. Let a third party developer make that software and charge $100 for the few people that need it.

This is also a great opportunity to leapfrog Apple. Apple’s iTunes is a huge pain. The application takes a while to load and browsing within the application is a poor user experience. RIM should take the entire thing out of a desktop application and leave it on the web and device. Users would also benefit from having the exact same experience between both Mac and PC users with updates to the portal happening on the fly.

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  • http://BaconOnTheGo.com Jeff Bacon

    While I’ll be the first to slag iTunes on the Windows platform for being a memory hog, slow, not responsive and confusing… it does provide a safety net for people and a large-screen management interface for iOS devices. I’m not a huge fan of BB Desktop Manager right now as I’m not sure it solves the consumer or developer use case very well, but backing up large amounts of data over 3G is still not viable and while WiFi is ok, it’s nice for backups to be done in a controlled setting where end users can see a discernible start–data-transfer–finished process for their mental well being.

    Saying that, someone really needs to split the use into business vs consumer and not try and be all things to all people as the interface is not very general-consumer friendly.

  • http://papogp.com Diego Nei

    And don’t forget: When your PlayBook bricks, you need Desktop Software (wonder why the change of name) to put it back into action.

  • http://papogp.com Diego Nei

    And don’t forget: When your PlayBook bricks, you need Desktop Software (wonder why the change of name) to put it back into action.

  • Therealjoeblow

    Are you *totally* insane?  The ONLY reason I’ve stuck with BB so far is because of their seamless, reliable, integrated sync to Outlook.  If they get rid of that, I can guarantee you that I’m switching to a Samsung Galaxy/Android device.  That was the only reason I didn’t switch already and stuck with the 9810, because getting any android to sync with Outlook is a PITA.  RIM – if you read that blog post, please treat it as someone who didn’t have a clue what they were talking about and ignore it please!!!

  • http://www.newcarautoloans.net/ Elyse Rockwell

    RIM has told us that BlackBerry 10 includes over the air OS updates, along with a host of cloud services. This would suggest that there’s actually no need for Desktop Manager.