How BlackBerry Messenger Operates

Picture yourself participating in a Web conference aimed at presenting your product to overseas investors. You're in New York, the investors are in London, and your main presenter is in San Francisco. While listening, you realize a crucial point he needs to address.

You grab your BlackBerry, open BlackBerry Messenger, and send your colleague an instant message: "Todd, you can link that perfectly to return on investment." The prompt reply is: "Got it. Will do." The message is exchanged seamlessly, the point is made, and the conference continues, benefiting your company.

Imagine getting stuck in heavy traffic on your way to a family gathering out of town. You know you'll be late, but you're not sure who to reach out to. Using BlackBerry Messenger, you can quickly send a message to multiple relatives, apologizing and giving an estimated arrival time. "That's OK," your sister replies. "We're in the same traffic jam. Just keep us updated." Your dad chimes in: "We'll wait for you at the restaurant."

BlackBerry Messenger provides BlackBerry users with a fast, simple way to exchange instant messages using their PIN codes. It's free, and unlike email, users can have multiple conversations simultaneously. It also allows group chats, shows contact availability, lets you send files, and tracks message delivery status.

What are the features of BlackBerry Messenger? How does instant messaging work on your BlackBerry? And what are the pros and cons of BlackBerry Messenger? Turn to the next page to learn more.

Pros and Cons of BlackBerry Messenger

BlackBerry Messenger is a valuable tool if you want to exchange messages with other BlackBerry users. With it, you can:

[sources: BlackBerry Connection, BlackBerry Messenger User Guide and CrackBerry]

One drawback of BlackBerry Messenger is that you cannot send an instant message to someone unless you know their PIN code, the eight-digit alphanumeric code assigned to their BlackBerry device.

The main downside of BlackBerry Messenger could be that it only allows messaging between BlackBerry users. Introduced in 2006 as part of BlackBerry Enterprise Server 4.1, BlackBerry Messenger is not compatible with other popular IM programs because it functions differently.

Most instant messaging services require you to download software that serves as the client on your device. This client connects to the provider's server using a specific communication protocol. Once you're logged in, the client transmits your connection details (IP address), computer port number, and the contacts on your list to the server.

The server then creates a temporary file with your connection details and those of your contacts. It checks which contacts are logged in and sends that information to your client, while also notifying them of your availability. After this, the server steps back, and all communications are handled directly between your client and the recipient’s.

However, with BlackBerry Messenger, the server remains involved, just like in email communication. All messages are routed through the parent company Research in Motion's servers, even as you exchange messages. This also means you can’t use BlackBerry Messenger unless you have a BlackBerry Internet plan or data plan [source: CrackBerry].

Now, let’s take a look at what you need to get started with BlackBerry Messenger and how to use its basic features.

How to Get Started with BlackBerry Messenger

BlackBerry Messenger doesn't require extensive setup, especially on newer models where it comes preinstalled. If you're using an older model, you’ll need to download the BlackBerry Messenger app. Either way, here’s what you need to get started with BlackBerry Messenger:

Once the software is installed, you can begin logging in. During your first login, you'll need to choose a display name to represent you during chats and set up a password. After that, you'll be automatically logged into BlackBerry Messenger whenever your device connects to a wireless network. Once you’ve built your contact list, you can start sending and receiving messages.

Adding New Contacts

BlackBerry Messenger’s contact list displays both individual contacts and contact groups. To start IMing with someone, you’ll need to invite them to join your contact list and request permission to exchange messages. If they’re already in your BlackBerry address book, you can follow these steps:

For contacts who aren’t already in your BlackBerry address book, you’ll need to add them first. Here’s how to send them invitations:

Once the contact approves your invitation, they will automatically be added to your contact list. Any invitations you receive will appear on the Contact List screen. To accept an invitation, highlight it, press the trackwheel, then select "Open" and "Accept." To decline, follow the same steps, but choose "Decline" instead of "Accept."

Sending and Receiving Messages

To initiate a conversation, click on a contact’s name in your Contact List. Then choose "Start Conversation" and type your message. To send, press the Enter key.

To participate in an ongoing conversation, open the Contact List and click on a contact in the Existing Conversations section. Then select "Open Conversation."

To add contacts to an ongoing conversation or start a group chat, press the trackwheel while in the conversation. Then select "Invite" to bring more people into the chat.

To exit a conversation, press the trackwheel and then select "End Conversation."

Once you've grasped the basics, you're ready to dive into more advanced BlackBerry Messenger features, such as managing your contacts and groups, or customizing your availability and alert settings. Next, let's explore some functions that make instant messaging quicker and simpler.

BlackBerry Messenger Functions

BlackBerry Messenger makes it easy to handle contacts, set your availability status, send a "ping" to someone, and access other features. Here’s how some of these functions operate.

Managing Contacts

If you want to view a contact's details in BlackBerry Messenger, go to the Contact List screen, select the contact's name, and click "Contact Info."

If you want to remove a specific contact from your list, go to the Contact List screen, select the contact's name, click "Delete Contact," and confirm by selecting "Delete."

In addition to managing individual contacts, BlackBerry Messenger allows you to organize them into groups and handle those groups efficiently. For instance:

Availability Status

Your availability status informs your contacts whether you're open for IMs (Available) or not (Unavailable). BlackBerry Messenger updates your status automatically in some situations. For example, it will show a Busy icon if you're occupied with another task on your BlackBerry or if you haven’t replied to a message within the last two minutes. An Unreachable icon will appear if you're on a call or in an area with weak wireless coverage.

You can also update your own status and leave a custom message for your contacts. To do this, go to the Contact List screen, click on either "Available" or "Unavailable," then type your message. Afterward, click "OK." If you set your status to "Unavailable," you'll still receive messages, but you won't get notified when they arrive.

Notifications and Pings

BlackBerry Messenger lets you use notifications to alert you of incoming messages by vibrating or emitting a sound. You can adjust and change notification settings in your profile. To do so, go to the Profiles list, click a profile, then select "Edit." Click on a notification option (e.g., "Messenger -- New Message"), then click "Edit." Choose your preferred option (like "Vibrate-Tone"), set the volume, click the trackwheel, and click "Save."

If someone isn't responding, you can "ping" them by making their BlackBerry vibrate when you send a message. To do this, click the trackwheel in BlackBerry Messenger and select "Ping Contact." To disable this ping function on your device, go to the Contact List screen, click "Options," and uncheck the box next to "Clear the Vibrate When Receiving a Ping."

More Functions

Here are some additional features you can explore:

BlackBerry Messenger helps you stay connected with other BlackBerry users. But what if you'd like to chat with contacts on other platforms? Let's explore your options next.

Alternative Messaging Solutions for BlackBerry Devices

While BlackBerry Messenger keeps you connected to fellow BlackBerry users, you can also connect with others using different messaging platforms on your BlackBerry. A good choice is to install one of the popular IM services that support BlackBerry apps, and most of them do. Some of these services include:

Each of these apps brings different features to the table. The benefit is that you can bring your existing messaging service to your BlackBerry, gaining the convenience of mobile access and possibly syncing your contacts. To use any of these, simply download the app directly to your BlackBerry (or to your computer first, then install it on your device). Make sure the service you choose is available through your wireless provider.

The downside of these services is that you can only communicate with users who are also on the same platform. To overcome this limitation, consider using services like JiveTalk, EQO, and WebMessenger, which allow you to access multiple IM services on your BlackBerry. However, keep in mind that these may not always be free.

JiveTalk isn't a free service, but it provides access to AIM, Yahoo, MSN, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber, and MySpace IM. A single-use, non-transferable license for a BlackBerry device is priced at $19.95 and includes free software updates. However, if you switch to a new BlackBerry, you'll have to purchase another license. A $29.95 user license is transferable to a new device.

EQO allows free instant messaging across MSN, AIM, Yahoo!, Google Talk, QQ, ICQ, and Jabber. In addition, the company offers paid services for text messaging and VoIP calls.

WebMessenger is a hosted service that provides access to AOL, MSN, Yahoo, Google Talk, ICQ, and Jabber networks from BlackBerry or other mobile devices. The service is available through a monthly or annual subscription, though WebMessenger's Business-Class Service is offered for free.

As technology advances and instant messaging becomes a more essential business tool, more options are becoming available for BlackBerry users. For the latest updates, visit the BlackBerry website.

For more detailed information about BlackBerry Messenger and related topics, refer to the helpful links on the following page.