Editor’s note: WWJ’s newsletter is a little different this week. We’ve included the teaser below followed by a link back to the new Wireless-Watch.Community site where you’ll find the full article. And it’s all free access — you won’t even have to register! Enjoy!

DoCoMo brings Blackberry to Japan. Who Cares?

Last Thursday, NTT DoCoMo announced they would deploy the super-popular BlackBerry email device, made by Canadian firm Research in Motion (RIM), in Japan, in autumn 2006.

At first glance, the news is pretty interesting.

According to PR statements and various media reports, RIM’s corporate push email service will be available via DoCoMo to companies running Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino, and Novell GroupWise email systems on their networks. In Japan, the BlackBerry terminals will run natively over DoCoMo’s W-CDMA “FOMA” network, and also will roam onto GSM/GPRS systems outside Japan.

One media report stated that “RIM stands to make potentially more money per customer with the DoCoMo deal by marketing its BlackBerrys in addition to its service.” Some reports have found that employees equipped with BlackBerrys generate the highest income per head (as a function of their wireless connectivity) for their organizations — ahead of Palm, Nokia and Motorola.

Until recently, Japan lacked a decent, usable email device targeting corporate users.

Willcom has been offering Sharp’s super-cool Zero3, a Windows mobile OS device that has been flying off the shelves since the end of 2005, but it’s a consumer/prosumer device that is sold direct to the street and its POP/SMTP email capability doesn’t integrate (easily) into a corporate server.

Full Viewpoint continues with free access at Wireless-Watch.Community…

 

Related posts:

1. DoCoMo Brings Blackberry to Japan. Who Cares?
2. DoCoMo’s Blackberry: Q&A with Research in Motion Japan
3. DoCoMo Sets BlackBerry Launch Date
4. DoCoMo Announces BlackBerry for Japan
5. RIM to offer BlackBerry in Japan

Some sage advise when entering new turf; Stop, Look and Listen.. it’s also good to secure a local guide. Japan is the cradle of mobile civilization – we have been dedicated to this space since 2001 – trust our archives here offer some useful material.

Domestic activities continue to set the pace, and sharp players are looking at global markets. We have hard-earned industry expertise and trusted network of contacts with access to advanced intell. and potential deal flow. Need a lift.. Ok, buckle-up!