Mike Lazaridis, president and co-CEO of Research in Motion
RIM reported weaker sales in the 2nd quarter due to strong competition from iPhones and Androids. Reuters

Research in Motion launched a new, free online management system intended for small businesses on Monday.

The service, BlackBerry Management Center, is a cloud-based option for businesses too small to use BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES). The BlackBerry Management Center is intended for companies with 100 or less BlackBerry smartphones that utilize either a Web-based email service, such as Gmail, or to access email through an Internet service provider.

The new management system will allow smaller companies to secure and manage date through the smartphones, but don't have to purchase and use a dedicated server like the BES demands.

The service will offer automatic backup of devices, allow for remote locking of a device that has been stolen or lost, as well as help a user reset a password or content settings.

The BlackBerry Enterprise Server is known for its secure data system -- often used by major businesses and government offices. The company is hoping that sterling reputation will lead small companies to purchase and deploy a fleet of BlackBerry phones on their workforces.

In pre-market trading, RIM (NYSE:RIMM) was up close to 6 percent, though that uptick is likely a reaction to Google's decision to purchase Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion.

The move caused speculation that Microsoft may look to buy the BlackBerry maker to beef up in the increasingly competitive smartphone market.

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