BlackBerry’s QNX software already powers Ford’s SYNC 3 Infotainment system, and is found in 60 million cars from other carmakers. In a new agreement announced today, BlackBerry said that it will dedicate a team of engineers to work with Ford on expanding the use of the QNX Neutrino operating system, Certicom security technology, the QNX hypervisor, and QNX audio-processing software in developing the next generation of connected cars.
BlackBerry said that the terms of the deal are confidential. “The combination of BlackBerry’s expertise in security and QNX’s mission-critical operating systems and software for automotive applications, allows the company to offer the most secure, trusted and reliable platform that can power every aspect of the connected car,” said the company.
John Chen, executive chairman and CEO at BlackBerry, said:
The future of the automobile is all about embedded intelligence. I believe our expertise in secure embedded software makes us the preferred technology provider to put the smart in the car. Ford is an industry leader and the opportunity to contribute our world-class technology to their products is a privilege. Ford’s expanded application of our software and services illustrates the diverse and broad value we can bring to market.
Raj Nair, Executive Vice President Product Development and Chief Technical Officer, Ford Motor Company, said:
With the success of our SYNC 3 system globally, which is based on the BlackBerry QNX operating system, we understand the importance of the connected car experience to our customers. Growing our expertise, experience and use of the BlackBerry QNX embedded software platforms will help ensure we deliver the high-quality, highly secure experience that our customers expect.