With BlackBerry's announcement of their new comprehensive mobile-security platform for the Enterprise of Things, BlackBerry Secure, we're really starting to see where BlackBerry is headed with their software pivot. Despite their well laid out and shared plans, though, there's still plenty of misunderstanding and misconception about what exactly BlackBerry is doing and where they're headed as a company.
To help clear the air even further for those who might not understand, a new entry has now been posted to the Inside BlackBerry blog titled 'Clearing the Air: Five Things Everyone Should Know About the New BlackBerry'. For anyone who has been listening to BlackBerry over the past few months, none of the information here will be surprising. In fact, a lot of it is downright repetitive but expect to see a lot more of that as BlackBerry continues to change their brand perception.
BlackBerry Devices Aren't Going Away
It's true that we've moved away from in-house hardware development, but that doesn't mean we're abandoning mobile devices. We are already leveraging trusted partners to develop and distribute our hardware, and we'll continue to provide software that promotes both security and productivity. Even if a device is not directly manufactured by us, our security smarts still go into it, through elements such as the hardware root of trust, through regular, timely patches, and more.
BlackBerry's Android is Better than Ever
Back when we launched our first secure Android smartphone, PRIV, our goal was to set the bar for Android privacy and productivity. We've more than done so. Our most recent release, DTEK60, received excellent reviews, and like DTEK50, is an ideal choice for any enterprise deployment. (Or check out our PRIV, now only $399 with free shipping at ShopBlackBerry).
Through tools like the DTEK privacy app, and rapid patching of vulnerabilities such as QuadRooter, our users never have to worry about their data being at risk. And thanks to our monthly software updates, BlackBerry's take on Android is constantly improving.
We Still Support BlackBerry 10
We understand how important BlackBerry 10 is for our enterprise clients. We remain committed to supporting it – that's why we recently announced the BlackBerry 10.3.3 for Government release, which brings BB10 up to the highest standards of security, while also improving certificate management. And we haven't forgotten that people use BlackBerry 10 outside the workplace, either.
WhatsApp support for BlackBerry 10 has been extended deep into 2017. Our web-based Facebook replacement works just as well as the native app, and offers several new features, including comment replies and better post loading. Lastly, for those of you unaware of BlackBerry 10's answer to Siri and Google Now, check out BlackBerry Assistant. This powerful, voice-controlled organizational aide is powered by the well-known Wolfram Alpha engine, and is every bit as formidable as its peers (and don't forget that PRIV and DTEK50/60 users all have access to Google Now).
Our Software's the Way to Go for Productivity
The BlackBerry Hub and its associated apps have often been cited as one of the best things about BlackBerry devices (right up there with the keyboard). For my part, I can hardly imagine getting through a work day without it. Whether on Android or BlackBerry 10, our productivity suite provides a seamless, intuitive, and consistent experience – one that integrates readily with a wide range of apps including Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail. Since releasing that suite as a subscription service on Android, it's received thousands of rave reviews, but it's on BlackBerry devices that it really shines.
Security and Reliability Are What We Do Best
BlackBerry has a long history of protecting sensitive enterprise data, and our software is some of the most secure on the market. Our 80+ security certifications – most of any mobile vendor – prove it. But security isn't all we do – our devices are built for reliability, and offer superior battery life, high-end hardware, and excellent connectivity. There's a reason so many people still use the BlackBerry Passport, and a reason DTEK60 has been so highly-praised.
Arguably, the biggest changes for BlackBerry have already taken place internally and now they're left with convincing those who can't look beyond handsets that the company has a bright future. In time, the story will change and we'll no longer see the doom and gloom tales of BlackBerry but it's not going to happen overnight. It's going to take some time to convince the masses that the BlackBerry story is far from over. As John Chen noted, it's the start of a new chapter rather than the end of an era.
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