BlackBerry has announced that it has acquired Movirtu, a provider of Virtual SIM platform that enables multiple numbers to be active on a single standard SIM card. With this acquisition, BlackBerry aims in providing improved management and services of iOS, Android and BlackBerry devices used in BYOD and COPE environments.
This would let employees switch between business and personal profiles without carrying multiple devices or SIM cards. They will also be able to apply IT policies to the business number without impacting the usability of the device for personal use. With Movirtu, employees can switch between profiles for calls, data and messages, while on their home network and in roaming situations, says BlackBerry.
BlackBerry said that it will support the deployment of Movirtu technology by mobile operators on all major smartphone operating systems.
Commenting on the new acquisition, John Chen, Executive Chairman and CEO, BlackBerry, said,
In a BYOD and COPE world, there remain a number of efficiency and convenience challenges facing enterprises, employees and mobile operators alike. The acquisition of Movirtu complements our core strategy of providing additional value added services, and it will leverage our key assets, including our BES platform, along with our existing global infrastructure which is connected to a large number of mobile operators around the world.
Carsten Brinkschulte, CEO, Movirtu, said,
BlackBerry is the best partner to help us carry forward our vision of redefining the mobile experience by introducing virtual identities. We address the challenges of BYOD and COPE by providing our unique and innovative technology solution through BlackBerry’s existing relationships with mobile operators and customers around the world.
In an interview to Inside BlackBerry for Business, John Sims, President Global Enterprise Services – BlackBerry, said,
Our strategy is to broaden BlackBerry’s solutions and services that enable our customers to fully embrace the potential of enterprise mobility. As we move to a BYOD and COPE world, there remain a number of policy, efficiency and convenience challenges facing enterprises, mobile operators, and consumers alike. By acquiring Movirtu, our aim is to improve BYOD and COPE policy management and billing, increasing efficiency and convenience.