Samsung Turns To BlackBerry For Mobile Enterprise Security

Google Android’s rise in popularity largely contributed to the sharp drop in BlackBerry device usage over the years. But now Samsung, an Android device manufacturer, is turning to the Canadian smartphone manufacturer for help with security.

BlackBerry is partnering with Samsung to provide a secure server and management software as well as a secure network infrastructure, which is aimed at improving the security of its Android devices for enterprise and government users.

“BlackBerry has developed a very close partnership with Samsung and we’re committed to deepening the interaction between our engineering and product development teams for the long-term,” John Sims, BlackBerry's president for Global Enterprise Services, said in a statement. “It is a natural progression in our path to providing our customers with more alternatives to meet their evolving mobile needs. “

Blackberry’s Enterprise Server 12 technology, which manages enterprise data, will be paired with Samsung’s own security solution, Knox, which is also aimed at securing Android devices for enterprise use. The combined solution is expected to be available for customers starting early 2015.

Facing declining mobile share, Blackberry has shifted its focus toward software and services in an effort to turn the company around. Blackberry’s CEO John Chen hopes to double the company’s software revenue to $500 million next year, the San Francisco Business Times reported.

The move by Samsung and BlackBerry follows the renewed efforts for Apple to grow its share in the enterprise market through its partnership with IBM, which kicked off last week with the introduction of AppleCare for Enterprise.