BlackBerry is set to acquire WatchDox to enhance its mobile security that enables enterprises to have control over their files after data leaves the corporate network.
BlackBerry will offer WatchDox technology as a value-added service that complements BlackBerry’s Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) portfolio, and will be available with BES12, a multi-OS EMM solution.
The Palo Alto, California-based WatchDox has research and development facilities in Petah Tikva, Israel. The acquisition of WatchDox will form the basis of a new security-focused BlackBerry R&D center in Israel.
WatchDox’s secure enterprise file-sync-and-share (EFSS) solutions allow users to protect, share and work with their files on any device. WatchDox security travels with shared files on both mobile and desktop devices to give organizations visibility and control over how files are edited, copied, printed or forwarded.
The solution also allows end users to revoke access or delete files remotely, enables secure mobile productivity for repositories both in the cloud and on premises, and gives administrators the ability to lock or remove access to files compromised in a data breach, said BlackBerry.
John Chen, CEO of BlackBerry, said: “This acquisition represents another key step forward as we transition BlackBerry into the premier platform for secure mobile communications software and applications, supporting all devices and operating systems.”
Moti Rafalin, WatchDox CEO and founder, said: “The combination of BlackBerry’s security leadership and EMM portfolio with WatchDox technology will bring the most productive and collaborative mobility solution to organizations that need innovative ways to conduct business securely and efficiently.”
Last year, BlackBerry acquired Secusmart, a provider of high-security voice and data encryption.
BlackBerry customers include all G7 governments, 16 of the G20 governments, 10 out of 10 of the largest global banks and law firms, and the top five largest managed healthcare, investment services, and oil and gas companies.
editor@infotechlead.com
