Epoch Integration this week announced the release of NeedTEXT Shell, software that allows IT staff, such as system administrators, to remotely access their servers and networks from a Research In Motion (RIM) BlackBerry device. According to Epoch Integration, the application is a mobile system administration tool that provides users with a command-line interface with which to manage their servers, routers, and other network equipment. Administrators can use all of their standard command-line tools such as telnet, ssh, ftp, andsnmpwalk, to detect, diagnose and fix problems from anywhere within wireless network coverage.

NeedTEXT Shell is available in two versions. The first, NeedTEXT Shell Service, gives a system administrator an individual account on one of Epoch Integration's NeedTEXT servers connected to the wireless network and 128-bit encryption from the user's BlackBerry device. The other version, NeedTEXT Shell Enterprise Server, is for organizations that wish to install the NeedTEXT Shell server application on their own network, with a direct connection to the wireless network.

The company said NeedTEXT Shell is available immediately in Canada with U.S> availability anticipated later this summer.