A new updated version of RIM’s BlackBerry Enterprise Server Software has been introduced which enables wireless synchronization of BlackBerry smartphones with MS Exchange or MS Windows Small Business Server. It is being hailed as -he Enterprise Server Express and will be provided for free of charge.

Its main two targets include : SMBs that desire the enterprise-grade security and manageability of BlackBerry Enterprise Server but don’t require all of its advanced features and enterprises that want to allow their employees to connect to work email from their smartphone.

BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express is compatible with Microsoft Exchange 2010, 2007 and 2003 and Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2008 and 2003. It provides users with push-based, wireless access to email, calendar, contacts, notes and tasks, as well as other business applications and enterprise systems behind the firewall.

It also runs on the same physical or virtual server as the Microsoft mail server or on its own server. BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express is also certified for use with VMware ESX. It has over 35 IT controls and policies, including the ability to remotely wipe a smartphone and enforce and reset passwords, and also a Web-based interface that allows remote administration and makes it easy to install the software, connect BlackBerry smartphones and apply usage policies.

BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express is expected to be available as a free download in March.

Intel and Nokia are merging their Moblin and Maemo software platforms to create a unified Linux-based platform that will run on multiple hardware platforms like pocket mobile computers, netbooks, tablets, mediaphones, connected TVs and in-vehicle infotainment systems.

Nokia and other manufacturers are expected to be launch devices based on this platform, called MeeGo, later this year.

MeeGo blends Maemo and Moblin features to create an open platform for multiple processor architectures. It builds on the capabilities of the Moblin core OS and its support for a wide range of device types, combined with the reach of Maemo in the mobile industry and the broadly adopted Qt application and UI framework for software developers.

For developers, MeeGo extends the range of target device segments for their applications.The Ovi Store will be the channel to market for apps and content for all Nokia devices, including MeeGo and Symbian-based, with Forum Nokia providing developer support across all Nokia device platforms. The Intel AppUp Center will be the path to market for Intel-based MeeGo devices from other device manufacturers, with the Intel Atom Developer Program providing support for applications targeting devices in a variety of categories.

The first release of MeeGo is targeted for the second quarter of this year.