In Boost for BlackBerry, Ford to Work Directly with QNX to Improve Auto Software

BlackBerry this week announced an agreement has been signed with Ford for expanded use of QNX and security software. The deal, according to BlackBerry, signifies an acceleration in its pivot from hardware to software.

“The future of the automobile is all about embedded intelligence,” said John Chen, Chief Executive Officer at BlackBerry. “I believe our expertise in secure embedded software makes us the preferred technology provider to put the smart in the car.”

As part of this agreement, BlackBerry will dedicate a team to work with Ford on expanding the use of BlackBerry’s QNX Neutrino Operating System, Certicom security technology, QNX hypervisor and QNX audio processing software.

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“Ford is an industry leader and the opportunity to contribute our world-class technology to their products is a privilege,” Chen added. “Ford’s expanded application of our software and services illustrates the diverse and broad value we can bring to market.”

BlackBerry says QNX is the most secure and reliable platform that can power every aspect of the connected car.

“With the success of our SYNC 3 system globally, which is based on the BlackBerry QNX operating system, we understand the importance of the connected car experience to our customers,” said Raj Nair, Chief Technical Officer at Ford Motor Company. “Growing our expertise, experience and use of the BlackBerry QNX embedded software platforms will help ensure we deliver the high-quality, highly secure experience that our customers expect.”

BlackBerry’s QNX software powers more than 60 million vehicles.

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