BlackBerry Limited, commonly known as BB, is a Canadian multinational company specialising in enterprise software and the Internet of Things (IoT). Founded in 1984 as Research In Motion by Mike Lazaridis and Douglas Fregin, it shot to fame with its iconic BlackBerry smartphones in the early 2000s. The company has since shifted its focus from handheld devices to software and services after being overshadowed by competitors like Apple and Samsung.
The BlackBerry smartphone was notably popular for its security features and QWERTY keyboard. But with changing consumer preferences and the rising popularity of touch-screen phones, BlackBerry's grip on the market shrunk, paving the way for its pivot towards software and services.
BlackBerry now primarily deals in four main areas: IoT, cybersecurity, critical event management, and autonomous vehicles. Its QNX software, used in embedded systems like entertainment consoles and digital instrument clusters, is found in more than 175 million vehicles worldwide. In the IoT realm, BlackBerry provides end-to-end solutions that gathers and analyses data to aid in decision making and innovation.
BlackBerry is also highly sought after for its cybersecurity expertise. Its Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) and Unified Endpoint Security (UES) offer comprehensive, AI-driven solutions to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats. In addition, its critical event management solutions aid organisations in mitigating operational, health, and safety risks.
Despite its shift from consumer electronics, BlackBerry continues to license out its tech to companies manufacturing mobile devices, thereby maintaining its presence in the smartphone market. For example, in 2020, BlackBerry signed a deal with OnwardMobility and FIH Mobile, a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group, to launch a new 5G BlackBerry Android smartphone with a physical keyboard.
BlackBerry’s pivot and transformation over the years reflect the firm's adaptability to the evolving market dynamics. From popularising mobile email to developing groundbreaking IoT and security software, BlackBerry Ltd. stays committed to leading in technological innovation. Despite facing fierce competition over the years, BlackBerry has proven itself to be a resilient player in the tech industry, consistently striving to deliver advanced solutions to meet the world's changing digital needs.