BlackBerry Acquires AtHoc for Secure Mass Communication, Collaboration

BlackBerry today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire AtHoc.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

AtHoc’s software platform enables people, devices and organizations to exchange critical information in real time during business continuity and life safety operations. The AtHoc platform will integrate with BlackBerry’s enterprise portfolio and global network to offer customers new capabilities for safety, security and mission-critical business communication, BlackBerry says.

AtHoc’s networked crisis communications platform alerts any device, including iOS, PC, radios, and endpoints such as sirens, fire panels and speakers, according to the company.

“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, CEO of BlackBerry. “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 and BlackBerry share a common vision of a securely connected world,” said Guy Miasnik, CEO of AtHoc. “Federal departments, state and local agencies, and commercial enterprises alike depend on AtHoc to communicate reliably during their most critical moments.”

The transaction is expected to be completed in BlackBerry’s 2016 fiscal third quarter.