How are messages via the Blackberry messenger transmitted over the network?

The Blackberry Messenger allows a real time exchange of
messages between two or more people who have the messenger software loaded on their
Blackberry smart phones.

The way messages are transmitted
when the Blackberry messenger is used differs from that of normal messengers. In most
messengers, a user needs to contact the server of the messenger service provider only
the first time, when they log on. The server identifies the contacts of the user who are
logged in and provides their IP address; the user’s IP address is also provided to the
contacts. Once this is done the server has no role to play and users chat by directly
contacting each other.

In the BlackBerry messenger on the
other hand, all messages sent and received are routed through servers of Research In
Motion, which manufactures Blackberry phones.

These servers
are always present as intermediaries when users chat. It is therefore essential to have
an internet connection that allows access to the servers if a person wants to use the
messenger.