Speaking regarding the acquisition in an interview, John Chen, BlackBerry CEO, seemed full of praiseds regarding the newly-acquired company, saying: “BlackBerry is making strategic investments in security, privacy and the Internet of Things, and acquiring AtHoc will enable us to provide a holistic, end-to-end approach to communications”. Customers include the U.S. Department of Defense and Homeland Security.
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The company’s services facilitate the sharing of information related to business continuity and rescue efforts.
Neil Mawston, executive director for wireless device strategies at analyst house Strategy Analytics, told V3 the acquisition will strengthen BlackBerry’s software portfolio for security-sensitive organisations and governments.
The software supports a variety of devices and platforms, including iOS, Android, PCs, Macs, radios and digital displays.
BlackBerry said one example of a new applications may to to bolster BBM Meetings with AtHoc capabilities enabling the use of live video feeds or the transmission of messages to provide real-time collaboration by leaders and decision makers.
“We have a proud history of securing mission-critical communications for the public sector as well as enterprises operating in the most highly regulated industries”, he said.
Earlier this year, Chen said he saw a part of the company’s targeted software revenue growth in the current fiscal year coming from acquisitions of companies that will allow it to sell more value-added services. “And when we unite BlackBerry’s experience and innovation with AtHoc’s expertise and technology, we’ll be able to deliver new solutions for safety, security and mission-critical business communications”. Mr. Miasnik said the software works even if a cyberattack shuts down a corporate network because it can operate from outside a company’s internal communication system.
Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.
“AtHoc, with its messaging alerts, is the next piece in the puzzle”, said Chen, noting that the firm has some large marquee clients that compliment BlackBerry’s own customer base.
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BlackBerry says the deal announced Wednesday will enable AtHoc to expand globally.
