New Blackberry acquisition extends mission-critical business communication

AtHoc is a provider of secure, networked crisis communications. Its software platform enables people, devices and organisations to exchange critical information in real time during business continuity and life safety operations. The acquisition will enable it to expand globally and increase scale, as well as deliver new applications on a secure platform for mass communication. For example, new applications may include integrating AtHoc solutions with BBM Meetings during an alert to enable live video feeds or transmit messages to provide real-time collaboration by leaders and decision makers.

Its networked crisis communications platform alerts any device - including iOS, Android, PC and Mac desktops, digital displays, radios, IP phones, and endpoints such as sirens, fire panels and speakers - helping organisations and people to connect and share information in times of crisis. The leading provider to the US Departments of Defense (DoD) and Homeland Security, it also supports public and private enterprises across the world, including healthcare providers and industrial facilities.

The transaction is expected to be completed in BlackBerry's 2016 fiscal third quarter and is subject to customary closing conditions.