[asherwiin]

Canadian government posts tender notice for purchase of 500 Playbooks, plus option to acquire another 500. Looks like the start of mass acquisition of the Playbook by agencies that require the highest level of device security.

Posted on MERX.COM, government tender website:

BLACKBERRY PLAYBOOK TABLET

Trade Agreement: WTO-AGP/NAFTA/AIT/Canada-Peru
FTA/Canada-Colombia FTA
Tendering Procedures: Generally only one firm has been invited
to bid
Attachment: None
Non-Competitive Procurement Strategy: Exclusive Rights
Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No
Vendor Name and Address:
Research In Motion Limited
295 Phillip St
Waterloo Ontario
Canada
N2L3W8
Nature of Requirements:
BLACKBERRY PLAYBOOK TABLET

08324-110210/A
Roy-Lafl�che, Johanne
Telephone No. - (819) 956-1142
Fax No. - (819) 956-1156


REQUIREMENT

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has a
requirement to procure 500 RIM's "Playbook" tablets with the
option to procure an additional 500 units.

It is proposed to issue a contract to Research In Motion (RIM)
or its designated reseller.


BACKGROUND

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(DFAIT) has been mandated by the Government of Canada to provide
the communications and IT infrastructure outside the borders of
Canada. The Department has met its obligation by providing (via
the 'International Platform') the backbone infrastructure
(MITNET) and the overlaying IT infrastructure (SIGNET). It is
responsible for the monitoring and security of both
infrastructures with the end-result being the provision of safe
and secure information exchange (voice, data and telephony) for
DFAIT diplomats and Other Government Department (OGD)
representatives abroad.

In order to meet its international obligations, DFAIT has a
significant investment (both in architecture, licensing and
servers) in the provisioning of a RIM infrastructure (for its
missions abroad (and Canada) to ensure secure communications for
its representatives. This is part of a tight technical
integration within the SIGNET infrastructure, especially within
its Microsoft Exchange messaging system. The Department has
engineered its messaging system and the integrated BES server
infrastructure to meet issues such as low bandwidth, and high
latency (VSAT) at missions abroad. This is considered part of a
critical infrastructure to meet its security obligations.

[hpjrt]

So ... for those of us who aren't familiar with these things, how long does it take from tendering to actual order/purchase?

[jamesharmeling]

Very cool.

[Unsure2]

Interesting, although 1,000 is not very many, compared to the 750,000 already sold and the many millions that need to be sold if the QNX platform is going to attract developers. The vaunted "security" of the Playbook is mostly nonsense--just advertising puffery, trying to build on the reputation of the RIM email service, for which there isn't even yet a native Playbook client. The Playbook's Bridge tethering, though, does provide an angle for places in which other internet service is not cleared.

[slalom]

So ... for those of us who aren't familiar with these things, how long does it take from tendering to actual order/purchase?

I would guess the tender is open for about a month, with fulfillment to begin shortly after the contract is awarded....this is typical for Department of Foreign Affairs

[boldman4]

I'm not sure this would count as a "mass" purchase.

[sk8er_tor]

Good to see government purchases of the PlayBook and look forward to the BES integration in OS2 with PIM and App World.

[randomact45]

I know I guy selling 5000 Playbooks out the back of a truck

[loneweasel]

Harper should contact someone with 22 pallets of playbooks instock in Indiana. He'd get huge discounts.

[Unsure2]

I know I guy selling 5000 Playbooks out the back of a truck

And at reasonable prices, too!

[robsteve]

So ... for those of us who aren't familiar with these things, how long does it take from tendering to actual order/purchase?

I don't know when in March it is, but the accounting year for government agencies ends. They tend to use it or loose it in regards to budgets, so the render will probably be awarded by March.

[robsteve]

Good to see government purchases of the PlayBook and look forward to the BES integration in OS2 with PIM and App World.

They are probably just using them bridged with their phones.

[asherwiin]

Interesting, although 1,000 is not very many, compared to the 750,000 already sold and the many millions that need to be sold if the QNX platform is going to attract developers.

Agreed, 1,000 Playbooks isn't a huge order, but it is a milestone for RIM, and hopefully the 'thin edge of the wedge' into the goverment market - which is huge around the world. This sale helps RIM establish credibility and acceptance in a key strategic market for their tablet offering.

[dave1701]

If some part of the bureaucracy needs some sort of tablet to be efficient, they better be getting a playbook! Any other tablet would be a waste of taxpayer money. Especially something like an Ipad.

[houshinto#IM]

Well at least the taxpayer money spent on these Playbooks will be a better investment then the F35 jets.

Those have been a sinkhole for taxpayer $$. Well that and the G8/G20.....
.....Peter MacKay's Military "taxi service" trips.....Gun Registry scrapping.....etc...

Yeah....I dislike my current government a lot!

[rotorwrench]

Interesting, although 1,000 is not very many, compared to the 750,000 already sold and the many millions that need to be sold if the QNX platform is going to attract developers. The vaunted "security" of the Playbook is mostly nonsense--just advertising puffery, trying to build on the reputation of the RIM email service, for which there isn't even yet a native Playbook client. The Playbook's Bridge tethering, though, does provide an angle for places in which other internet service is not cleared.

Nonsense? Really?? LOL Yeah, that's why my company bought their's, for the puffery. And why the Russian govt. (the Kings of security paranoia) as well as Australia banned iPads and are loading up with PBs. And why two aerospace companies I do business with only allow PBs and BB phones on site. Good one! LMAO!

[spike12]

Well at least the taxpayer money spent on these Playbooks will be a better investment then the F35 jets.

Those have been a sinkhole for taxpayer $$. Well that and the G8/G20.....
.....Peter MacKay's Military "taxi service" trips.....Gun Registry scrapping.....etc...

Yeah....I dislike my current government a lot!

Don't forget the jails they want to build... of course putting people in jail is more important than building hospitals and universities and other places of education and healing... of course the gov't wouldnt' want to waste money on those types of things.

[Unsure2]

Nonsense? Really?? LOL Yeah, that's why my company bought their's, for the puffery. And why the Russian govt. (the Kings of security paranoia) as well as Australia banned iPads and are loading up with PBs. And why two aerospace companies I do business with only allow PBs and BB phones on site. Good one! LMAO!

Those who do not really understand the technology sometimes buy the puffery, or, even if they do know better, they feel the puffery gives them protective cover with their bosses. As we used to say, "Nobody ever got fired for buying IBM..." The Playbook and a WiFi connection is not any more secure than an iPad and a WiFi connection, without more. Same goes for stolen devices with data on their SSDs. Don't believe me? Who cares...

[FF22]

I thought most high security areas ban any kind of device with a camera whether it is a cell phone or a tablet.

[si_chindo]

I would bet my shirt...and its a lot of shirts since I am a tailor that a PB bridged to a BB phone is much more secure than an any other tablet.

[Lead_Express]

And at reasonable prices, too!

with a sign: absolutely all inventory MUST be sold!!!

[rotorwrench]

Those who do not really understand the technology sometimes buy the puffery, or, even if they do know better, they feel the puffery gives them protective cover with their bosses. As we used to say, "Nobody ever got fired for buying IBM..." The Playbook and a WiFi connection is not any more secure than an iPad and a WiFi connection, without more. Same goes for stolen devices with data on their SSDs. Don't believe me? Who cares...

You presume a lot. Sincerely, I'm explaining what security I'm referring to, and I know our IT and those advising companies and individuals needing it, are well more educated in the technology than you or I, especially me. But it's very simple; ours and theirs sensitive communication and documents are only retained on the phone after the bridge is disabled, which is still considered the most secure phone in the world. Not only my opinion, but also those who know the technology and need the security. Who said anything about a wifi connection? You're right there. The PB is no more secure than the iPad not bridged. Thats the security I'm referring to. You steal my PB and you get nothing. No puffery, simple fact. Personally, I'm tired of the security issues we have to comply with, but it's required, so I do it and the BB phone/PB duo serve the requirements that no other combo will, so far.
I hope I explained what I was referring to adequately. Thanks

[rotorwrench]

I thought most high security areas ban any kind of device with a camera whether it is a cell phone or a tablet.

You're right, most do. Most of ours are disabled, but mine is actually required. I take pictures of problems or resolutions from the field and pass them on. My phone and pad media is cleared every day before I leave.

[blackjack93117]

I was on site at a clients new building yesterday the rental IT guys were there - I had my PB open as my second monitor so I could websurf while they were messing around with routers and wires....disabling my internet temporarily etc.

He saw it and said "Is that a playbook?"

He said his company had gotten 5 free playbooks to test out - the guy loves it but has trouble battling the ipad junkies or convincing them how bad of a choice it really is for corporate stuff and what a nightmare it is for them.

I told him jokingly (but really) that I love it because it sets me free from dealing with you guys with 3G bridging. lol
and they cant filter my web access...
He understood.

Also was surprised the other week when I cleared out best buy of its last two charging docks (at staples prices) the young guy was all questions about my playbook - he said he had one his brother had given him - loves it.

Playbook is picking up steam.
.

[BlazorBoy]

An example of a socialist government violating GATT in a very minor way