Today, BlackBerry announced that Microsoft customers will have access to BlackBerry Enterprise Service 12 (BES12) using Microsoft Azure. According to the press release, enterprises can now opt to install and manage their BES12 deployment through Azure’s cloud services and have full access to their BES12 licenses without having to pour more money into their own IT infrastructure.
BES12 is designed to adhere to the the strict needs of heavily-regulated industries, and Azure values customer security and exclusive control over their data. BES12 is part of the recently announced Good Secure Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) Suites. Microsoft and Blackberry plan to add a network crisis solution from AtHoc to the Microsoft Azure marketplace sometime later this year.
AtHoc allows people, devices, and businesses to exchange time-sensitive data in real-time during business operations to bring the highest level of security, privacy, and productivity. Azure Marketplace integration will expand the AtHoc platform globally, allowing for crisis communications networks to work in the cloud for customers and helping businesses to address regulations and privacy issues.
According to BlackBerry COO, Marty Beard, BlackBerry will benefit greatly by partnering with Microsoft:
“Working with Microsoft enables BlackBerry to provide our industry-leading enterprise software solutions to a larger business audience. By utilizing BlackBerry’s enterprise solutions through the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, customers have greater choice, more flexibility and the ability to reduce IT costs.”
If you are interested in learning more about BES12 using Microsoft Azure, check out Microsoft’s Azure website.
