The company behind the popular BlackBerry mobile e-mail device has launched new software to enable deployment of wireless applications independent of e-mail.

The BlackBerry Enterprise Server for MDS (mobile data system) Applications from Research In Motion (RIM) provides organizations with a solution for extending mobile applications to users, without the need for wireless e-mail, according to the company.

RIM president and CEO Mike Lazaridis said many BlackBerry customers want a solution that can decouple wireless e-mail from other wireless applications, while providing the same level of security and control.

"BlackBerry Enterprise Server for MDS Applications benefits our enterprise customers as well as the growing community of developers, software vendors, systems integrators and value added resellers that are creating a rich ecosystem of business applications for BlackBerry," Lazaridis said.

Martin Kawecki, a development manager with NCR said the company has been using BlackBerry MDS for a number of years and the ability to leverage existing wireless field service applications, independent of e-mail, will enable the application to be opened to additional staff who do not require e-mail.

The server can also be used to deliver hosted mobility solutions to customers.

RIM claims the new solution also enables IT departments to leverage a growing community of Java developers and BlackBerry ISV Alliance Program members developing wireless applications for BlackBerry.