I want to know the format of the attachement is used in the messages
exchanged between a Blackberry 6750 handheld device and the Blackberry
desktop redirector software.

Each time you send a message from your Blackberry, it generates an
email to your personal email address from blackberry.net. The desktop
redirector intercepts this email and then extracts the actual message
from the binary attachment included in the email.

The reverse happens when the redirector sends a message to the handheld. 

If I knew the format of these attachments, I could write a simple,
server-based redirector to use in place of the free Blackberry
supplied desktop-based redirector. The desktop-based one works fine,
but it adds an unnessisary point-of-failure and latency. If my desktop
crashes or losses its internet connection, my blackberry stops being
able to send or recieve email.

To answer this question, you must give me enough information about the
format of the attchment that I can write this server-side program. I
do not need a formal spec document, just enough info to write the
program.

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Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 21 Dec 2003 07:01 PST

While I'm looking into your interesting question, let me ask you one
in return.  Have you considered an off-the-shelf solution for what
you're after?

It seems to me the Blackberry Enterprise Server might do exactly what
you're asking...take a look at its technical write-up and let me know
what you think:

http://www.shoprogers.com/Store/mobilecomputing/blackberry/pdf/bb_enterprise_server_exchange_technical_wp.pdf

Thanks.

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Clarification of Question by bigjosh-ga on 21 Dec 2003 09:15 PST

Yes, I want to build something similar in function to Blackberry
Enterprise Server, but without the complexity, cost, and
unreliability.

My replacement would be very simple, open source (free), and reliable.
It would work on any platform thnat supported Java and with any MTA
that supported IMAP.

I absolutely *love* the Blackberry 6750 hardware and the Verizon
network it uses, so I just need a way to make it not need either the
Blackberry Redirector or the Enterprise Server and I think it will be
a perfect phone/email solution.

Thanks.