Highlights:

  • BlackBerry’s UEM solution can now be used by Microsoft 365 customers to protect their enterprise networks, both on-premises and in the cloud.
  • The two solutions will be integrated to improve corporate and cloud security for businesses that use a range of Microsoft 365 products.
  • The platform will use modern authentication services and will provide conditional access, too.

BlackBerry has upgraded its BlackBerry Unified Endpoint Manager (UEM) platform to provide secure authentication services for Microsoft 365. The new features are in sync with modern times and promise to provide better cloud security to Microsoft users. Surely, this move is a win-win for businesses/organisations/enterprises as they stand to gain from BlackBerry’s expertise in security on the one hand and use Microsoft’s productivity products on the other.

The news also means that BlackBerry’s UEM solution can now be used by Microsoft 365 customers to protect their enterprise networks, both on-premises and in the cloud. Both the solutions will be integrated into one another. Put simply, BlackBerry’s UEM platform has incorporated new, modern authentication features that are fully compatible with Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Azure AD). The integration between the two will also provide conditional access to Microsoft 365 customers. The conditional access feature will allow businesses to enable remote access and at the same time ensure that only those with the right permissions can access sensitive parts of the network.

BlackBerry serves enterprises and Governments across the world with intelligent security software and services. Currently, the company is successfully securing more than 500 million endpoints, which includes more than 195 million vehicles.

The company utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to deliver innovative solutions in the field of cybersecurity, safety and data privacy. Furthermore, BlackBerry is one of the top providers of endpoint security, endpoint management, encryption, and embedded systems. The present move comes close on the heels of BlackBerry’s decision to launch an IVY Advisory Council to fuel smart mobility innovation. The company has also added AWS GovCloud utility to its own AtHoc Emergency Mass Notification System (EMNS) to make the EMNS solution more appealing to federal agencies.

The pandemic has added a remote workforce into the mix and they are on the verge of adopting productivity tools to manage their tasks and stay connected in these uncertain times. The company believes that organizations need to pen down IT and security rules for extended virtual working.

The company expressed: “Integrating BlackBerry AtHoc will ensure that any organization managing critical events using Teams is able to contact, alert, and account for everyone within the organization directly through the Teams platform should an incident transpire.”

Businesses can use BlackBerry AtHoc to connect with their employees and other organizations safely and securely using any device. BlackBerry AtHoc harnesses the power of mobility, hybrid cloud, and the IP (Internet Protocol) network to create a unified and secure end-to-end solution that is capable of real-time communication, allowing important business activities to continue without any interruption.

With BlackBerry UEM, organizations and end-users can enhance their productivity from anywhere and that, too, securely.

Expert’s view:

Billy Ho, Executive Vice President, Enterprise Product at BlackBerry said, “The past 18 months have emphasized the uncompromisable need for security and productivity to go hand-in-hand.”

He further added, “Enterprises around the world use both BlackBerry UEM and Microsoft 365 every day, and we are pleased to enable them to protect their data and empower their workforce through these integrations.”

Wangui McKelvey, General Manager, Apps and Endpoints at Microsoft expressed that digital technologies present enterprises with new business ways.

“Our customers choose Microsoft 365 for productivity and collaboration tools that deliver high productivity,” Wangui said. “Together with BlackBerry, we will take this to the next level and provide enterprises with the standard for secure productivity.”