Whether a big innovation or small, we tend to always get hyped up at CrackBerry.com when Research In Motion introduces a new product or service to BlackBerry users (what can we say.. we love BlackBerrys!). Today's official word of the coming of BlackBerry Protect, which will be available in limited beta later this week and open beta later this year via the App World test center, is totally deserving of some genuine excitement. BlackBerry Protect is a free service offering from RIM that allows BlackBerry smartphone customers to remotely backup, restore and locate their BlackBerry smartphone, from wherever they are via their destkop computer. CrackBerry readers will be familiar with SmrtGuard, an application we've raved about here since it was still in beta... you can think of BlackBerry Protect as free RIM-built version that mainly accomplishes the same things. Key BlackBerry Protect features include:

• Remote Device Management: Locate on map; Activate lound ringer; Lock / password change; Lost and Found screen; Device wipe
• OTA Backup and Restore: Contacts and Calendar; Memos and Tasks; Browser bookmarks; Text messages
• Administration: Based on new BlackBerry user account system (BlackBerry ID); Web-based end user portal; operator call center access

I had a chance to get a sneak peek of BlackBerry Protect and and am definitely happy to see RIM bring this service offering to its (consumer/BIS) customers for FREE of charge. Bottom line is it works as advertised and as you'd expect - the features/capabilities of BlackBerry Protect sort of speak for themselves. While the OTA backup and restore features are nice (would have love to have had these for a long time now), it's the remote device management that will make you say THANK YOU RIM if and when you ever have to use it (like if you ever misplace your device). Definitely another compelling reason to be a BlackBerry owner. Keep reading for some more images and details!

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We have heard bits and pieces about the upcoming BlackBerry Shield, but nothing very solid as of yet. Today BBNews.pl dropped a few images as well as some features to be included. The service will be free for BIS users and is said to be entering the testing phase "soon". Features look to include:

• Remote Device Wipe - Users will be able to remove all data from the device and memory card remotely
• Display 'Lost & Found' -  Information to display on screen should the device be lost or stolen
• Remote Password - Ability to remotely set a password for the device
• Device Tracking - Remotely track your device via GPS 
• Remote Backup - Backup/restore of the device data

Both the web interface (above) and mobile interface (after the jump) look very user friendly. Certainly there will be a few more features thrown into the mix, but this is definitely a good start. Still no official word on when this will pop up in either beta or public form, but from the looks of things it shouldn't be too much longer (in RIM time anyway). More pics after the break.

Source: BBNews.pl

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As Mobile World Congress is well under way already, many are waiting on Research In Motions big announcement tomorrow. As has been mentioned before we're looking at what could be a BlackBerry users hopes and dreams fulfilled as it's been rumored we're finally getting some better offerings for BIS users in the way of BES features such as Over the Air calendar and contact Backup/Restore capabilities. The folks over at BBLeaks have pushed a little more information our way today regarding BESX and BlackBerry Shield.

We've spoke of BESX as being the re-launch of BlackBerry Professional Services and the information today shows that's pretty on par. BESX will allow up to 30 users to be attached to the free download offering which allows connections to MS Exchange. You will still have carrier fees associated as to your data plan. More details will come later on this once the announcement arrives.

BlackBerry Shield is something compelling as well, we didn't mention it with the other rumors previously cause we were not 100% sure on how it would roll out to consumers but we now have a better look at it. Think of it as a personal protection application which, allows BIS users to wirelessly backup/restore information as well as offer remote kill services for data wiping. All in all, these offerings will fill in a huge gap BIS users have been seeking for a long time now. Makes me excited to hear the full information tomorrow. What do you all think now about these offerings? Let us know in the comments folks.