BlackBerry is buying AI-powered security company Cylance for $1.4bn
BlackBerry is buying security company Cylance for $1.4bn, its largest acquisition to date
Smartphones
Cylance uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict and prevent security threats to fixed endpoints by creating a lightweight software agent that sits on the device and can operate both online and offline. The company says its software requires a minimum of memory and power to function. The company boasts 3,500 active enterprise customers, including more than one in five of the Fortune 500.
While BlackBerry is still best known as smartphone pioneer, it no longer makes devices (these are made under licence by another company) and now focuses on security software for smartphones and the internet of things.
"Cylance's leadership in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity will immediately complement our entire portfolio, [Unified Endpoint Management] UEM and QNX in particular," said John Chen, CEO of BlackBerry.
SEE: How to implement AI and machine learning (ZDNet special report) | Download the report as a PDF (TechRepublic)
BlackBerry plans on expanding Cylance's capabilities across BlackBerry's portfolio, including QNX, its safety-certified embedded OS that is deployed in more than 120 million vehicles and medical devices. It said that, over time, it plans to integrate Cylance technology with its BlackBerry Spark communications platform.
"We are eager to leverage BlackBerry's mobility and security strengths to adapt our advanced AI technology to deliver a single platform," said Stuart McClure, CEO of Cylance.
BlackBerry expects that after the anticipated close of the transaction, Cylance will operate as a new business unit within BlackBerry.
PREVIOUS AND RELATED COVERAGE
BlackBerry KEY2 LE announced: New colors, affordable price, and polycarbonate frame
The BlackBerry KEY2 is a phone for QWERTY fans and the new KEY2 LE continues with that same approach, but at a more affordable price thanks to some changes in materials and specifications.
BlackBerry's new blockchain tools could boost security for medical IoT (TechRepublic)
Fresh off the announcement of its Spark platform, BlackBerry unveiled a host of tools aimed at improving data privacy in healthcare.
BlackBerry Key2: A good smartphone that could be great
After a month with the BlackBerry Key2, there are a couple of things I really like about it, and a couple of things that need to go.
BlackBerry KEY2 vs KEYone: Can you justify the $100 upgrade?
BlackBerry's new KEY2 will be available next week and it launches at a price $100 more than last year's KEYone. Are there enough improvements to justify this price increase?
Seven reasons the BlackBerry KEY2 is good for business
After a couple of weeks with the BlackBerry KEY2, it is clearly a phone designed for the enterprise user who wants an efficient communications device with a battery that easily gets through at least one full busy day.
Facebook sues BlackBerry, claims it stole voice-messaging tech (CNET)
The suit comes months after BlackBerry sued the social network over mobile messaging tech.
BlackBerry Q1 better than expected as revenue mix shifts
BlackBerry's QNX unit fared well and the company IP licensing revenue was up from a year ago.