This is an old story that was put in front of my eyes again this week when I received the following communication regarding BlackBerry BES licensing:

• IMPORTANT INFORMATION regarding BES CAL transition to new BDS server:  Earlier this month, I let you know that managing BlackBerry 10/Playbook devices will require BDS-Mobile Fusion as these devices will not connect to your current BES servers.  I am now happy to let you know that for customers with BlackBerry Technical Support contracts of Advantage level or higher (Advantage, Standard, Premium or Elite), RIM will have a process in place to exchange existing BES CALs for BDS CALs at no additional charge.  We appreciate that you have already made an investment in your BES infrastructure, and as we transition to the new BB10 platform, we want to ensure you will be able to leverage that existing investment.

While it was reported by several sites earlier this year that BES is going away in favor for BDS.  However, based upon initial reviews of BDS is that enterprises could potentially be losing control features that they have accustomed to with the BES. From my enterprise perspective this just another reason for enterprises to begin procuring iPhones instead of BlackBerry’s.