Canadian technology firm BlackBerry repositions embedded software unit as competition intensifies in automotive and industrial computing sectors.
The automotive and industrial computing sectors are experiencing rapid transformation as vehicles and machinery become increasingly dependent on software. As this shift creates new opportunities for technology providers who can deliver reliable, secure operating systems for critical applications, BlackBerry has announced a strategic repositioning of its Internet of Things (IoT) division to seize upon this opportunity.
The Canadian technology company, which transformed from mobile handset maker to security software provider following the decline of its smartphone business, will rename its IoT division to QNX.
Traditional automotive suppliers face growing competition from technology companies in the race to provide the software infrastructure for next-generation vehicles. Companies including Google’s Waymo, Apple and Tesla have invested heavily in automotive software development, while established manufacturers partner with technology providers to modernise their vehicles’ computing capabilities.
The company’s QNX unit provides real-time operating systems and foundational software that powers systems in vehicles and industrial equipment. The software manages critical functions where consistent performance and reliability are essential.
BlackBerry QNX’s automotive presence grows amid software revolution
The rebranding arrives as the automotive industry transitions towards software-defined vehicles, where traditional mechanical systems are increasingly controlled by computer code. QNX’s technology currently operates in more than 255 million vehicles globally, handling functions from infotainment systems to advanced driver assistance features.
“Relaunching the QNX brand is an important step in BlackBerry’s broader strategy to increase our visibility and fortify our leadership within the automotive and embedded industries,” says John J. Giamatteo, CEO at BlackBerry. He notes the move aims to position the company for “sustained growth and success.”
“Relaunching the QNX brand is an important step in BlackBerry’s broader strategy to increase our visibility and fortify our leadership within the automotive and embedded industries.” – John J. Giamatteo, CEO, BlackBerry.
He adds: “The values that QNX stands for have always been a cornerstone for our customers and this brand relaunch honours that strong history while setting the stage for the division to fire on all cylinders and drive smarter, safer and faster innovation through precision-engineered performance.”
The division serves beyond automotive clients, providing software for medical devices, industrial controls and robotics applications where system failures could have serious consequences. These systems require real-time operating systems (RTOS) that can respond to events within strict time constraints.
QNX evolution marks shift from BlackBerry’s mobile past
The rebranding represents a milestone for QNX, which began in 1980 when two University of Waterloo graduates created the QNX operating system. Initially named QUNIX, the system was renamed QNX in 1984. The technology has evolved through multiple iterations, including QNX 2 in the early 1980s and QNX 4 in 1991, which introduced 32-bit operations and POSIX support – a set of standards that ensure software compatibility across different operating systems.
KEY FACTS
- 45 years: Length of QNX’s embedded software expertise since its founding in 1980
- 255 million: Number of vehicles on the road using QNX technology
- 3 years: Period of strategic investment leading to current repositioning
BlackBerry says the decision to rename the division followed consultations with customers, partners, employees and other stakeholders, reflecting QNX’s position in the market for mission-critical systems and software-defined vehicles.
The company’s renewed focus on QNX comes as demand increases for hybrid cloud and edge computing capabilities – technologies that have become essential for autonomous vehicles and industrial automation systems that require rapid data processing.
Brand renewal signals push into new markets
BlackBerry acquired QNX in 2010, following its earlier acquisition by Harman in 2004. The division has recently launched new products including the QNX Software Development Platform 8.0 – which provides a foundation for next-generation automotive and IoT systems – and QNX Sound, a platform for audio systems in software-defined vehicles.
The company has also introduced QNX Everywhere, an initiative to create a more open development environment for QNX technologies, allowing developers greater access to the platform’s capabilities.
“BlackBerry is at an inflection point and QNX is well positioned for the next 10 years as the demand for advanced hybrid cloud/edge computing capabilities becomes crucial.” – Mattias Eriksson, President, QNX.
The revitalised brand will debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where QNX will demonstrate its automotive offerings. The rebranding includes updates to the division’s development environment, known as myQNX, alongside the new visual identity and website.
Mattias Eriksson, President of QNX, comments: “BlackBerry is at an inflection point and QNX is well positioned for the next 10 years as the demand for advanced hybrid cloud/edge computing capabilities becomes crucial for driving a software-defined future.
“The investments we have made over the last three years have set us on a well-defined path to capitalise on these trends,” says Mattias. “Couple these strong fundamentals with an enviable IP portfolio and a customer and partner base, representing the most advanced technology companies in the world, who are constantly accelerating our joint long term innovation and it’s easy to see why QNX has never been stronger.”
