Research in Motion, the company behind the BlackBerry smart phone just announced that they have entered the beta testing stage for the BlackBerry Protect service.

For those unfamiliar with the new product from RIM, it is an online based security system that users will have in order to gain remote access to their BlackBerry smart phones. Of course, each handset will have to be tied up to a specific account online (though no word has been given as to how the process actually works) and using that specific user account, a BlackBerry handset owner will be able to access several commands and functions for their mobile phones.

The most basic function is the lock down. This will lock up the handset in question until the owner allows it to be unlocked. This helps protect the device from being accessed by other people in the vicinity (should there ever be a need to ever leave the phone in such a situation) or when it is believed that it might have been taken purposely.

Of course, to fully secure data, there is also the memory wipe function. This will completely wipe out everything on the handset and should only be done when retrieval is no longer an option. This helps keep any private and professional data secure and away from the hands of malicious individuals.

The BlackBerry Protect service also offers less severe commands as well. Take the GPS function for example, which would help any user identify which friends house the handset has been left behind in. If a user has misplaced the phone at home or in the office, BB Protect will allow them to have the phone ring or alarm loudly in order to be found.

Of course, a system such as this will certainly be targeted by unscrupulous individuals –which is why RIM s currently putting BlackBerry Protect under a very strict testing period.