Microsoft recently announced a collaboration with longtime rival BlackBerry to integrate Microsoft’s productivity and cloud tools with BlackBerry’s security software and mobility solutions.
With the aim of achieving better security for Microsoft Office applications, a Blackberry Enterprise Bridge has been developed to provide a superior layer of security across the mobile apps created by Microsoft. The target audiences of these apps include central governments, top banks, law firms, and healthcare providers.
By adding extra levels of privacy via Blackberry Dynamics, the secure mobile app container, it is hoped that user confidence will increase and thus create an extensive joint customers base for the two collaborating parties. The partnership is also in tune with Microsoft’s attempts to provide a seamless user experience across various mobile devices and operating systems.
BlackBerry is a recognised market leader in the development of innovative methods to allow the safe usage of mobile devices within corporate environments with sensitive internal data. According to president of global sales at BlackBerry, Carl Wiese, the company has all along recognised the demand for “hyper-secure” solutions for users of Microsoft Office 365 apps. Shortly after the announcement of their collaboration with Microsoft, the company stock increased by 5%.
According to Judson Althoff, executive vice president of worldwide commercial business at Microsoft, users of Microsoft 365 will be able to enjoy a whole new level of security as well as a “consistent experience” when performing various actions on Office 365 files on both Android and iOS devices. The result of the collaboration will also provide large-scale IT departments with important data and privacy support, all compliant with corporate and regulatory rules.
However, this is not the first partnership between Microsoft and BlackBerry – since 2016, Blackberry has already been the cloud services of Microsoft Azure in its services. Following the latest collaboration, Azure will power all the security products within the Blackberry Secure suite. The outcomes of the integration of the Microsoft Azure cloud platform and BlackBerry Secure platform include BlackBerry UEM Cloud, Blackberry Dynamics, BlackBerry Workspaces, and BlackBerry AtHoc.
According to George Sherman, CIO of global technology infrastructure at JP Morgan Chase, this collaboration between the technology giants will improve the mobile experience for customers, which is a top priority for the company. The partnership is also a key method in bringing new products to the market. Despite being historic rivals, the new collaboration is a smart move for both companies to find a niche in today’s smartphone world.
Following yet another collaboration with a longtime rival, Microsoft has proven its dedication and open-minded approach towards creating a better future for the technology world.
For more information on the new tools and services from Microsoft and many of its strategic collaborative ventures, contact WM Reply today to speak with our friendly customer service team. A professional team member will be able to provide valuable information on how to make the most out of Microsoft’s productivity and collaboration tools.