BlackBerry acquiring networked crisis communications provider AtHoc

BlackBerry has just announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire AtHoc, a leading provider of secure, networked crisis communications. The AtHoc platform will integrate with BlackBerry’s enterprise portfolio and trusted global network, offering 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," said John Chen, BlackBerry Executive Chairman and CEO. "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." 

"AtHoc and BlackBerry share a common vision of a securely connected world," said Guy Miasnik, President and CEO, AtHoc. "Federal departments, state and local agencies, and commercial enterprises alike depend on AtHoc to communicate reliably during their most critical moments. Becoming part of BlackBerry will give us the ability to scale more quickly to expand our global reach and introduce new applications for the AtHoc platform, while continuing to serve our government and enterprise customers."

This latest acquisition follows others, including Secusmart, WatchDox and Movirtu, which demonstrate how BlackBerry continues to execute against its plan to make strategic investments in security, privacy and the Internet of Things.

AtHoc’s software platform enables people, devices and organizations to exchange mission-critical information in real time, during business continuity and life safety operations. The platform can alert any device (e.g. iOS, Android, PC and Mac desktops, radios, IP phones, and endpoints such as sirens, fire panels and speakers) to help organizations and people to connect and share information in times of crisis.