RIM’s Shopping Spree Flags Mobile Security Efforts
RIM announced today its latest acquisition – a smartphone security software developer company called Ubitexx. Unitexx raised over $4 million in funding, and its flagship offering is its mobile security software, ubi-Suite, which is what RIM is really interested in. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, but the Canadian phonemaker ubi-Suite will be used to power a cloud-based console for managing mobile devices.
In a press release, RIM says that Ubitexx’s software, ubi-Suite, will be used to power device management, security and controls for BlackBerry’s Enterprise Server as well as for Android and iOS based devices and tablets, all managed from a single web-based console.
This dashboard designed for IT administrators reportedly covers software and management policies, inventory, security and services for Blackberry devices, as well as other platforms. The acquisition of Ubitexx comes only a week after RIM bought social calendaring application Tungle.me. Other companies who’ve joined the lines of the BlackBerry maker in the past few months also include UI developer TAT, HTML5 mobile developer TinyHippos and more.
RIM must stay competitive with Apple and Google on the mobile scene, and incorporate as many native capabilities as possible into the Blackberry platform in order to maintain its market share. This is especially true in the enterprise space, RIM’s main audience.
The mobile space is heating up as companies from all across Silicon Valley are shipping out more powerful, and increasingly popular mobile products. This is why so many companies have set their eyes on this market, and are leveraging acquisitions to strengthen and maintain their market share.
A few days ago, Google acquired TalkBin, a developer of an app which lets consumers send feedback, suggestions and questions to local businesses. eBay has also been making strides in this particular segment, and acquired Fog Card. The 3-man start-up has been developing a mobile payment solution for break-and-mortar businesses. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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