BlackBerry's Passport: Aimed at industries, key execs inside enterprises

NEW YORK---BlackBerry's Passport device, a rectangular smartphone set to launch in September, won't be for everyone, but plays well with the company's strategy to target specific industries and niches.

BlackBerry reveals why the Passport is hip to be square: It's all about the spreadsheets

Speaking at BlackBerry's Security Summit, Charles Eagan, vice president of software foundations technology for devices, said the Passport "is for certain industries, sectors and roles within companies."

Previously: BlackBerry acquires Secusmart, ups voice security ante

That point was made when BlackBerry first started talking about the Passport, but does elaborate beyond the core business focus.

Specifically, Eagan reiterated that spreadsheets will look swell on the Passport and that the device can work for employees in the financial services and healthcare industries. BlackBerry is also planning a marketing push around the Passport, which doesn't have a firm launch date yet.

Beyond Passport and plans for a BlackBerry classic device, the company hasn't said much about its enterprise smartphone plans.

However, Eagan did note that BlackBerry has "a multi-year product portfolio" before he was cut off by the company's public relations lead. John Sims, president of global enterprise services, noted that the company's device strategy plays well with the launch of BES 12, plans for the Internet of things and QNX and ultimately puts BlackBerry on firm financial footing going forward.