Agito Networks has unveiled a new platform that enables BlackBerry customers to use VoIP and unified communications via Wi-Fi on their handset. Agito for BlackBerry claims to bring desk phone capabilities to RIM’s smartphone device.

Unified Comms and PBX functionality for the BlackBerry are not new, RIM and Cisco announced a new Mobile Voice System (MVS) platform in May 2009, but calls could only be made over the cellular network. Agito claims that this can lead to poor in-building coverage and increased costs.

Agito’s service enables devices to connect to the company’s PBX over a Wi-Fi network and can automatically switch between Wi-Fi and cellular networks depending on which signal is stronger.

Agito’s RoamAnywhere Mobility Router was already available on Nokia and Windows Mobile devices but integration with BlackBerry devices opens up a huge number of potential new clients for the company. Analyst house IDC estimates that RIM’s enterprise market share stands at around 54%.

The delay in getting RoamAnywhere on to BlackBerry devices was due to Research in Motion’s closed and proprietary OS, Pejman Roshan, VP of marketing and product co-founder, told CBR.

“RIM owns the phone, they make the OS and control the way the device is managed. If you want to develop on the platform you basically have to beg,” he said. “RIM was reluctant to introduce VoIP on the BlackBerry because it didn’t want to offend the mobile operators.”

Agito for BlackBerry runs in the background of the phone and offers extension dialling, call transfer, transfer to desk, conference call facilities and hold capabilities. Calls to a user’s enterprise number can be automatically forwarded to the BlackBerry and enterprise voicemail can also be retrieved.

Agito claims that this can offer significant cost savings to the enterprise through reduced cellular minutes, international direct dialling (DD) and roaming charges. Roshan said that this can offer ROI in three to six months.  

The application will initially be released on the BlackBerry Bold 9000, Curve 8900, 8800 and 8300. Roshan added that Agito will be adding more BlackBerry devices in due course and hopes to have integration for Apple’s iPhone within the next year, despite the device’s lack of penetration in the enterprise space.

Prices start at $9,995 for the 2000 Series and $27,495 for the 4000 Series.