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BlackBerry Limited

BlackBerry Limited (formerly Research In Motion) is a Canadian software company specialising in cybersecurity and IoT.

Categories

Technology  

$3.28B

Marketcap

CA Canada

Country

BlackBerry Limited
Leadership team

John Giamatteo (Chief Executive Officer)

Marjorie Dickman (Chief Government Affairs and Public Policy Officer )

Mattias Eriksson (President, BlackBerry IoT)

Phil Kurtz (Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary)

Steve Rai (Chief Financial Officer)

Nita White-Ivy (Chief Human Resources Officer)

Charles Eagan (Chief Technology Officer)

Industries

Technology

Products/ Services
BlackBerry, BlackBerry Messenger, BlackBerry Enterprise Server, BlackBerry Internet Service, QNX
Number of Employees
1,000 - 20,000
Headquarters
295 Phillip Street, Waterloo, Ontario 98008, CA
Established
1984
Company Type
Public Limited Company
Company Registration
A0098880
Traded as
BB
Social Media
Overview
Location
Summary

BlackBerry Limited, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Waterloo, Canada, is a globally recognised leader in intelligent security software and services. The company operates across three key segments: Cybersecurity, IoT, and Licensing and Other. 

BlackBerry is renowned for its innovative solutions that cater to the evolving needs of enterprises and governments worldwide. With a strong focus on research and development, BlackBerry has consistently delivered cutting-edge cybersecurity products, including the BlackBerry Cyber Suite, BlackBerry Spark Unified Endpoint Management Suite, and BlackBerry QNX, among others. The company's commitment to innovation is reflected in its substantial investment in R&D, resulting in numerous patents, new product launches, and a diverse portfolio of offerings. 

In 2016, the company transitioned to a cybersecurity enterprise software and services company under CEO John S. Chen. Its products are used by various businesses, car manufacturers, and government agencies to prevent hacking and ransomware attacks.

History

BlackBerry Limited, formerly known as Research In Motion (RIM), has a storied history that traces back to its founding in 1984 in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The company's initial focus was on developing technologies for wireless devices, but it wasn't until the late 1990s and early 2000s that BlackBerry gained significant recognition for its pioneering work in the field of mobile communications.

In 1999, BlackBerry introduced its first device, the BlackBerry 850, which combined email functionality with a mobile phone. This marked the beginning of BlackBerry's reputation as a leader in secure mobile communications. The introduction of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) further solidified the company's presence in the business sector, offering corporations a secure and efficient way to manage mobile devices and communications.

The mid-2000s saw BlackBerry's devices become iconic, especially the BlackBerry Curve and BlackBerry Bold series. Known for their distinctive physical keyboards and secure messaging capabilities, BlackBerry smartphones gained popularity among business professionals and government officials. The term "CrackBerry" emerged, reflecting the addictive nature of BlackBerry's devices.

However, with the rise of touchscreen smartphones and app-centric platforms, BlackBerry faced challenges in maintaining its market share. The launch of the BlackBerry 10 operating system and devices like the BlackBerry Z10 aimed to compete with iOS and Android but struggled to gain traction. The company went through several leadership changes and strategic shifts in an attempt to revitalize its business.

In 2013, BlackBerry initiated a significant transformation, transitioning from a hardware-focused company to a software and services provider. This shift included the adoption of the name BlackBerry Limited. Today, BlackBerry focuses on delivering intelligent security software and services, leveraging its expertise in areas such as cybersecurity, IoT, and licensing. The company continues to evolve, embracing innovations and technologies to address the ever-changing landscape of digital security.

On October 30, 2023 John S. Chen announced his resignation as CEO through an employee letter posted to the Blackberry Limited blog page stating he will cease his role on November 4, 2023.

Mission

BlackBerry Limited is driven by a mission to empower enterprises and governments globally through cutting-edge intelligent security software and services. At the core of the company's mission is a commitment to innovation, ensuring that organisations have the tools and solutions needed to navigate the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, safety, and data privacy. BlackBerry's focus extends beyond conventional endpoint management, as it harnesses the power of AI and machine learning to deliver transformative solutions. The company's dedication to creating secure, reliable, and innovative technologies positions it as a trusted partner in enabling a connected future built on trust.

With an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, BlackBerry seeks to provide comprehensive and scalable cybersecurity solutions. The mission includes fostering an ecosystem of intelligence-driven platforms that not only secure endpoints but also contribute to the advancement of secure communications. By consistently investing in research and development, BlackBerry strives to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, anticipating and addressing the evolving needs of enterprises and governments. Through its mission, BlackBerry envisions a world where connectivity is synonymous with trust, and organizations can operate confidently in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape.

Vision

BlackBerry Limited envisions a future where intelligent security plays a pivotal role in shaping a connected world characterized by trust and resilience. At the heart of this vision is the commitment to fostering a digital landscape where enterprises and governments operate with confidence, knowing that their critical assets and communications are safeguarded by cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. BlackBerry aspires to be a global leader in intelligent security software and services, contributing to the establishment of a secure, interconnected environment that empowers organizations to thrive in the digital era.

In pursuing this vision, BlackBerry aims to continually push the boundaries of innovation, leveraging advancements in AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity technologies. The company envisions a world where its comprehensive suite of intelligent security solutions not only meets the current challenges faced by organizations but anticipates and addresses future threats proactively. Through strategic partnerships, ongoing research and development, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, BlackBerry seeks to be at the forefront of shaping the future of secure connectivity, ensuring that businesses and governments can embrace the opportunities of the digital age with confidence and trust in their cybersecurity infrastructure.

Key Team

John Giamatteo (Chief Executive Officer)

Marjorie Dickman (Chief Government Affairs and Public Policy Officer )

Mattias Eriksson (President, BlackBerry IoT)

Phil Kurtz (Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary)

Steve Rai (Chief Financial Officer)

Nita White-Ivy (Chief Human Resources Officer)

Charles Eagan (Chief Technology Officer)

Vito Giallorenzo (Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Chief Operating Officer, BlackBerry Technology Solutions)

Jesse Harold (Chief Information Officer)

Arvind Raman (Chief Information Security Officer)

John Wall (Senior Vice President and Co-Head BlackBerry Technology Solutions - Products, Engineering and Operations)

Mark Wilson (Project Imperium Officer)

Recognition and Awards
BlackBerry Limited has consistently garnered recognition for its unwavering commitment to innovation, investing a substantial 32% of GAAP revenue into Research and Development in FY23. The company's dedication to pioneering solutions is evident in the remarkable achievement of securing over 800 new patents, both granted and pending, during the same fiscal year. Demonstrating its commitment to progress, BlackBerry successfully launched 46 new products in FY23. The company's impact is felt globally, with an impressive customer base exceeding 500 million endpoints, encompassing over 235 million vehicles. BlackBerry's influence extends to being the preferred choice for 24 of the top 25 global electric vehicle (EV) automakers and maintaining relationships with seven of the G7 governments and 17* of the G20 governments. Notably, BlackBerry has achieved a world-class Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 80+, underlining its dedication to customer satisfaction. Financially robust, BlackBerry reported a total company revenue of $175 million in Q3 FY24, with approximately 70% of recurring software product revenue. The company boasts $271 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments as of November 30, 2023. BlackBerry Limited, listed on NYSE: BB and TSX: BB, operates from its headquarters in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, spanning operations across 30 countries. Founded in 1984, BlackBerry has grown to employ over 3,200 dedicated professionals, reinforcing its stature as a global leader in intelligent security software and services.
Products and Services

BlackBerry Limited stands at the forefront of providing cutting-edge intelligent security software and services on a global scale, catering to enterprises and governments. The company's operations are strategically segmented into Cybersecurity, IoT, and Licensing and Other. Within the Cybersecurity realm, BlackBerry offers the BlackBerry Cyber Suite, a comprehensive suite that integrates Cylance AI and machine learning technologies. 

This suite encompasses key solutions such as BlackBerry Protect, an Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) coupled with Mobile Threat Defense (MTD); BlackBerry Optics, an Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solution ensuring visibility into and prevention of malicious activities; BlackBerry Guard, a managed detection and response solution; BlackBerry Gateway, an Artificial Intelligence-empowered Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution; and BlackBerry Persona, a User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) solution that validates user identity in real-time.

Additionally, BlackBerry's Spark Unified Endpoint Management Suite is pivotal in its secure communications platform, featuring BlackBerry UEM as a central software component. The suite also encompasses BlackBerry Dynamics, offering a secure container for mobile applications, and specialized solutions like BlackBerry AtHoc and BlackBerry Alert for secure critical event management. Furthermore, the company provides SecuSUITE for Government, a versatile multi-OS voice and text messaging solution, alongside BBM Enterprise, an enterprise-grade secure instant messaging solution. The BlackBerry QNX suite is another cornerstone, offering the Neutrino operating system, BlackBerry QNX CAR platform, and other associated products, serving as an embedded system solution. 

Expanding its portfolio, BlackBerry encompasses Jarvis, a cloud-based binary static application security testing platform, Certicom cryptography and management products, Radar asset monitoring solution, and IVY, an intelligent vehicle data platform. Complementing its robust product lineup, BlackBerry is actively engaged in enterprise and cybersecurity consulting services, solidifying its commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions. 

Beyond its innovative products, the company is also involved in the patent licensing and legacy service access fees business, boasting ownership of approximately 38,000 patents and applications worldwide as of February 28, 2022. BlackBerry Limited, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Waterloo, Canada, continues to be a trailblazer in the realm of intelligent security solutions.

References
BlackBerry Limited
Leadership team

John Giamatteo (Chief Executive Officer)

Marjorie Dickman (Chief Government Affairs and Public Policy Officer )

Mattias Eriksson (President, BlackBerry IoT)

Phil Kurtz (Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary)

Steve Rai (Chief Financial Officer)

Nita White-Ivy (Chief Human Resources Officer)

Charles Eagan (Chief Technology Officer)

Industries

Technology

Products/ Services
BlackBerry, BlackBerry Messenger, BlackBerry Enterprise Server, BlackBerry Internet Service, QNX
Number of Employees
1,000 - 20,000
Headquarters
295 Phillip Street, Waterloo, Ontario 98008, CA
Established
1984
Company Type
Public Limited Company
Company Registration
A0098880
Traded as
BB
Social Media