BlackBerry on Wednesday launched its Internet of Things (IoT) platform at the ongoing International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, leveraging on its reputable security portfolio. The IoT Platform combines technology from QNX Software Systems, a BlackBerry company whose software powers mission-critical embedded systems in cars, industrial applications, and medical devices, with BlackBerry's secure network infrastructure and device lifecycle management software. The platform is initially targeted at shipping and automotive markets, covering asset tracking and connected car applications to install BlackBerry technology on their devices and will also be extended into the smart energy sector and the healthcare field in future.
According to BlackBerry, its IoT modules provide rich functionality for data collection, including time-of-service and maintenance records, and device lifecycle management. The lifecycle management module comprises three main elements - over the air (OTA) software update, application enablement and log collection - designed to accelerate device deployment and extend the longevity of in-field devices. Blackberry added that by leveraging the platform foundation and using these pre-built modules only as needed, an organization can efficiently create a customized IoT solution.
BlackBerry claims that its global network infrastructure today handles approximately 35 petabytes of mobile data per month in data centers located around the world and manages peering connections with more than 300 mobile operators and 400 partner networks worldwide.
Matt Hoffman, VP of Strategy and Marketing, BlackBerry Technology Solutions
The BlackBerry IoT Platform blends the technologies that have enabled BlackBerry to become a leader in both the mobile data security and embedded systems industries. By combining the BlackBerry global network and device lifecycle management proficiency with the embedded software experience of QNX, we have built a modular, cloud-based platform that gives customers the chance to build IoT applications in a secure, efficient and scalable way. Looking ahead, we will extend the platform with other BlackBerry technologies to give developers additional control over the flow of information to devices on the network's edge.
