As Blackberry’s transition into a security software and service only company continues, the company has entered into a long-term licensing agreement with TCL Communications. The Chinese device maker already has the Alcatel brand under its portfolio and played key roles in the design and manufacturing of the Blackberry DTEK60 and DTEK50 Android smartphones.
Under this licensing arrangement, Blackberry will provide the needed security software and service suite, as well as related brand assets to TCL Communications who will design, manufacture, sell and provide customer support for Blackberry-branded phones globally.
Blackberry’s deal with TCL is a first of its kind, continues to link the well known brand name to hardware and expands on the existing relationship between the pair which led to the introduction of these Android OS based phones – the DTEK50 (Alcatel Idol 4) and DTEK60 (TCL 950).
Commenting on the new development, Nicolas Zibell, CEO of TCL Communication said;
“At TCL Communication, we are committed to creating the best portfolio solutions, while ensuring the quality support to consumers and enterprise users who trust the integrity of the BlackBerry device and the brand’s security leadership, coupled with the Android platform. Together with BlackBerry’s smartphone software platform, this partnership will strengthen our position in the global mobile market.”
With the exception of Bangladesh, India, Indonesia (BB Merah Putih) Nepal, and Sri Lanka, TCL will be the exclusive global manufacturer and distributor for all BlackBerry-branded phones. Other hardware companies may have a hard time getting the same agreement as TCL and may be limited to only software and security suite.
Source: MarketWired
