Happy Hump Day, readers.
This past weekend, BlackBerry announced the rebranding of its IoT division. Formerly, it was known as “BlackBerry IoT.” (Read here for past coverage of ours when the division was titled as such.)
Now, it’s simply “QNX.”
Of course, such a change hasn’t come straight out of the blue. When the announcement officially dropped, TMC CEO Rich Tehrani contextualized the move thusly:
“Initially built as a real-time operating system (RTOS), QNX was designed for efficiency, modularity, and unparalleled reliability. Its microkernel architecture allowed only essential functions to run in the kernel, minimizing the risk of system crashes and enhancing performance. This architecture also made QNX highly adaptable for various applications, from industrial systems to embedded devices.”
“And so,” Tehrani continued, “recognizing its potential, BlackBerry (formerly Research In Motion, or RIM) acquired QNX from Harman in 2010, marking a strategic shift as it transitioned from being primarily a smartphone company to a software and services powerhouse. QNX went on to become the foundation for BlackBerry’s pivot to IoT applications.”
“That is why we believe this new decision was a masterstroke,” Tehrani added.
Indeed, this move (which collectively stems from valuable customer, partner employee and stakeholder feedback) is surely seen as a new milestone in QNX’s history. The automotive sector, in particular, will benefit as QNX solidifies its role in powering next-gen software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and advanced driver-assistence systems (ADAS).
Notably, it also reinforces overall brand recognition and trust.
“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, with a view to better positioning us for sustained growth and success,” as John J. Giamatteo, CEO at BlackBerry, went on to elaborate. “The values that QNX stands for have always been a cornerstone for our customers and this brand relaunch honors 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.”
“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,” said Mattias Eriksson, President, QNX. “Couple our 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. Amidst that backdrop, we’re thrilled to be leaning into that widespread optimism and potential, reviving a brand that so many have looked to over the years to help them turn the impossible into the achievable.”
Learn more about big industry moves like this at the fast-approaching IoT Evolution Expo 2025! This will be taking place from February 11-13 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Part of the #TECHSUPERSHOW experience, this event combines conference programming with a robust exhibit hall, networking events and other activities, promoting educated togetherness between buyers and providers of business technology products and services that are huge for the Internet of Things.
Edited by
Greg Tavarez
