BlackBerry Woos Shipping with Cloud Management
Shippers can keep tabs on freight thanks to new technology based upon Blackberry's cloud management platform.
BlackBerry is rolling out a version of its QNX software, initially targeting businesses in transport-related industries, particularly shipping containers and vehicles to help keep tabs on the whereabouts of their cargoes.
The Waterloo, Ont.-based company will provide hardware and software support for cloud-based communications boxes built into shipping containers.
Each device will include a cellular radio, Wi-Fi connectivity, a microprocessor and sensors that monitor what's in the container, its location and other details to help fleet managers stay on top of their products and anticipate potential problems. The communication box is very similar to a cell phone, except it doesn't have a display or a keypad.
The QNX operating system, BlackBerry said in a statement, is actually already embedded in 50 million vehicles from over 40 automakers, including Ford Motors.
BlackBerry has been looking for new ways to grow after losing its dominance of the smartphone market. It unveiled the foundation of its Internet of Things platform on Wednesday at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, marking the first step towards building a service BlackBerry believes will be a gateway to growth for its business.