BlackBerry is all set to buy crisis alert firm AtHoc for an undisclosed sum. The privately held company provides secure, networked crisis communications to large companies and government agencies.
AtHoc’s software platform enables people, devices and organizations to exchange critical information in real time during business continuity and life safety operations. After completing the acquisition, AtHoc will integrate its platform with BlackBerry’s enterprise portfolio to offer customers new capabilities for safety, security and mission-critical business communication.
“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. 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. AtHoc’s technology and expertise will play a key role as BlackBerry works to connect and secure a broad range of endpoints.”
said John Chen, BlackBerry Executive Chairman and CEO.
The AtHoc platform will also be used as a starting point for further application development. Blackberry said new applications may include integrating AtHoc with BBM Meetings during an alert to enable live video feeds, or to transmit messages for real-time collaboration between key decision makers. The crisis communication software supports a variety of devices and platforms, including iOS, Android, PCs, Macs, radios and digital displays. Earlier in April, BlackBerry acquired secure file sharing start-up WatchDox.