BlackBerry today launched a new software and service as part of BlackBerry Spark, the newest Enterprise of Things (EoT) platform from BlackBerry designed and created for ultra-safe hyperconnectivity from kernel to edge.
Announced two weeks ago, at the BlackBerry Security Summit in London, the capabilities of this new platform will allow industry players to measure their current infrastructure in order to safely manage, connect and use various devices (connected to the internet) – including applications and data sent – both in a new or old workflow.
It will also enable OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to market safe IoT devices, while helping users realize significant productivity improvements while maintaining a high level of security and meet the regulations.
“BlackBerry technology provides ultra security that is needed in the most recent hyperconnected world,” said BlackBerry Chief Technology Officer Charles Eagan.
“From office to factory, we are proud to be the only company that can provide a single platform to help build organizations quickly and deliver innovative new solutions to their customers.”
The new service and capabilities of the BlackBerry Spark includes:
Contextual management of devices for AWS IoT. From a simplified experience management perspective, this platform allows companies to add consumer devices and business devices into the corporate network by implementing management policies and supervision.
This service allows connecting various connected devices to provide the expected output in any workflow and reduce exposure to cyber vulnerabilities that allow companies to face unnecessary risks.
Manufacturing Services for OEM IoT Devices. Available starting today, BlackBerry will allow OEMs to create BlackBerry Secure Hardware root of trust that comes from its own assembly line. As part of the service, BlackBerry will provide a safe and remotely accessible workstation – connected to the Network Operations Center (NOC) – which will provide safe tokens and certificates.
Expansion of BRIDGE capabilities. BlackBerry has expanded the capabilities of the first solution in its field, the BlackBerry Enterprise BRIDGE, to give customers the ability to access, edit, and store Microsoft Office 365 documents from applications in BlackBerry Dynamics containers.
BlackBerry UEM Notifications. IT administrators can now be more effective in managing compliance and security by ensuring real-time warnings are not missed through the ability to send notifications via multiple channels including telephone, SMS, and e-mail from a single system. With notification from BlackBerry UEM, within minutes the admin can get a record of who has been contacted and proof that the notification has been received.
BlackBerry Secure Global Directory. Faster and very safe message delivery between individuals working in different companies through BlackBerry Secure Global Directory. This capability allows one to view contact information of someone outside their own company who is still in the directory listing and communicate with them safely through BBM Enterprise.
Integrated iManage with BlackBerry Workspaces. Lawyers can now apply revocable digital rights management (DRM) to documents distributed to opposing lawyers via iManage.
Spark Intelligent Security. A new service to create a digital identity based on continuous and contextual authentication. This innovation uses various factors, such as geographical location, biometric, time, and usage to determine what level of access can be given to an employee or contractor at any time.
And, because BlackBerry Spark can integrate seamlessly with the provider and system identity, the data can be shared easily and safely.
IoT Mashups. BlackBerry Spark is an agnostic technology that allows it to mashup (combine) various applications and use cases. For instance, emergency warnings can now be emerged using facial recognition with BlackBerry AtHoc and IBM Watson.
Smart Transportation System. Through integration with BlackBerry AtHoc, BlackBerry Radar users will be able to increase productivity, compliance, security, and driver satisfaction through real-time warnings on various factors. Among other things, weather, port density, and an accurate pick-up point with the integration of BlackBerry AtHoc and BlackBerry Radar.
BlackBerry Spark customers will be able to create entirely new user experiences that take advantage of hyperconnectivity. Below are some early examples of how BlackBerry customers can put EoT to work in their organizations.
- In a hospital, a patient’s slowing heartbeat can trigger an alert to the right medical team and simultaneously prepare the patient’s room for emergency care. This includes automatically raising the bed to the right level, starting up a ventilator or pump to deliver prescribed treatments, and bringing elevators to the floors where key personnel are located.
- Employees can soon put virtual assistants such as Alexa to work for the first time by giving them ultra-secure access to information and workflows they can’t see today such as employee files, calendars, and emails.
- In transportation, BlackBerry Spark allows connected vehicles to communicate in real-time with other vehicles and critical infrastructure because the data transferred inside and outside the vehicle is encrypted and certified by BlackBerry Spark as genuine. For example, a salt truck could be deployed automatically to address a patch of black ice after receiving a notification from a connected vehicle
