BlackBerry has agreed to acquire crisis communication software provider AtHoc.
AtHoc offers networked crisis communications to defence and military, federal government agencies, state and local government, healthcare, and commercial enterprises.
The US departments of Defense and Homeland Security uses AtHoc’s software platform, which allows people, devices and organisations to exchange critical data in real time during business continuity and life safety operations.
The platform allows the exchange of emergency alerts between several devices ranging from iOS, Android, PC and Mac to fire panels and speakers.
BlackBerry will integrate the AtHoc platform with its enterprise portfolio and trusted worldwide network for providing new capabilities in safety, security and mission-critical business communication.
BlackBerry executive chairman and CEO John Chen said: "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."
AtHoc president and CEO Guy Miasnik said: "Federal departments, state and local agencies, and commercial enterprises alike depend on AtHoc to communicate reliably during their most critical moments.
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"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."
