BlackBerry Ltd on Wednesday (March 7) signed a technology and brand licensing deal with Swiss consumer electronics maker Punkt Tronics AG for "BlackBerry Secure" that will be installed in phones and other smart devices and allow Punkt to use BlackBerry’s security credentials in its devices.
The new agreement enables Punkt, also known for its minimalist phone named "MP01", to bring to market a range of highly-secure products which will embed BlackBerry cybersecurity technology and be shipped ready to safely and securely connect to home and enterprise networks.
"If 2017 has taught us anything it is that every device needs to be secured because any vulnerability will be found and exploited," Alex Thurber, senior vice president and general manager of Mobility Solutions BlackBerry, said in a statement.
"With cyber security becoming a concern for every household and enterprise, manufacturers like Punkt are recognising the value of protecting the integrity of their innovations and the resonance our brand has with consumers who are increasingly anxious about the security of the products they choose to bring into their homes and lives," Thurber added.
BlackBerry Secure is claimed to be the most secure and comprehensive platform to connect people, devices, processes and systems. A BlackBerry Secure license provides product manufacturers with a deeply embedded security solution that comprises BlackBerry's proprietary software and applications. Products built with components from the BlackBerry Secure software platform will have best-in-class security that helps safeguard end-user privacy and protects enterprises from attackers looking to exploit device vulnerabilities.
Punkt only has one mobile phone available, though the Swiss device maker could make more devices with BlackBerry Secure.
“At Punkt, we’re focused on using technology to help us adopt good habits for less distracted lives, and we do this with carefully designed and elegantly crafted products,” said Petter Neby, CEO and founder, Punkt. “By incorporating BlackBerry’s security technology into our premium products, we can now offer customers the highest level of security, without compromising on the simple, modern design they love.”
This is BlackBerry’s second such deal, the first being a deal with Chinese company NTD this past September.
