We have been experiencing an issue with Traveler 8.5.3.200 where Blackberry 10 devices are forcing the users to change their device password every day rather than the period set in the policy (90 days).

Disabling the password expiry setting in "Traveler Device Settings -> Security Settings -> Apple -> Password Expiry Period" has worked around this issue.

EDIT: This did not work. Upgraded the server to 9.0 IF1 instead. This resolved the issue.

Applies to Q10 and Z10 handsets or any other with BlackberryOS 10+.

1. Swipe down to access Settings.
2. Select "Settings"
3. Select "Accounts"
4. Select "Email, Calendar and Contacts"
5. Select Advanced icon at bottom
6. Select "Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync"
7. Enter Description eg "Work Email"
8. Leave "Domain" blank
9. Enter Username (email address)
10. Enter Email Address
11. Enter Password (should be Notes Internet/Sametime/Webmail password)
12. Enter Server Address eg "travelerservername.com"
13. Leave other options as default
14. Press Next button
15. Leave everything to Sync on
16. Press Done button
17. Set a device password when prompted

I have been testing the new Blackberry Q10 handset. As a longtime Blackberry user I have had hopes that this new series of handsets would bring Blackberry back to the days before Android and iOS when they were the best business handsets by far. The Z10 looked interesting but the main advantage Blackberry's had over all other handsets was the physical keyboard.

Opening the box the Q10 handset felt rather chunky and solid compared to the Samsung Galaxy S4 which is my main phone. After starting the phone up it is very confusing how to navigate, with no dedicated back or home buttons, but after using the handset for a few days it becomes easier to use. With no activation to a Blackberry Enterprise Server the only option is to use an Exchange Activesync account. Configuring email synchronisation with IBM Traveler server was easy and works well.

Pros

• Excellent physical keyboard. Much easier to type on than any on screen keyboard.

• Works with IBM Traveler server for syncing Mail, Calendar and Contacts.

• Interesting Sleep mode accessed by swiping down on the lock screen.

• Hub interesting aggregation of messages from various applications to provide unified inbox.

• I like being able to swipe at any time to go to my messages.

Overall a good device but with the similar issues as previous series of Blackberry's. Blackberry have really shot themselves in the foot by making this phone incompatible with older versions of BES,  as it had always been their main advantage over other phones. This will not win their market share back from iOS and Android.

• Larger screen
• Slightly smaller/thinner/lighter handset size
• Much clearer HD (1,920x1080) display.
• Running 4.2.2 of Android. Improvements over 4.1 installed on the S3
• Faster processor
• Many more quick toggles in notification bar which are very useful
• Larger battery but not noticeably improved battery life. Possibly due to the larger screen
• IR blaster
• Improved looks
• Easier to type on larger keyboard
• Traveler much easier to read on larger display

Lotus Notes error: Unable to invoke program

Error displayed when opening a Microsoft Excel file attachment from Notes client. This is an Excel issue which is fixed using the instructions below from Microsoft.

Excel Error: There was a problem sending the command to the program

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button, and then click Excel Options.
2. Click Advanced, and clear the Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) check box in the General area.
3. Click OK.

Then the file should open when double-clicked on.