Blackberry acquires crisis communications firm, AtHoc

WATERLOO, Ont.—BlackBerry has announced it will acquire California-based crisis communications firm, AtHoc, for an undisclosed amount.

The Waterloo-based technology company said AtHoc’s software platform enables people, devices and organizations to exchange critical information in real time in regular business scenarios as well as during life safety operations. Blackberry will integrate AtHoc’s platform into its enterprise portfolio to offer 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,” John Chen, BlackBerry executive chairman and CEO, said. “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’s 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.