Blackberry developer Research in Motion (RIM) has been on a shopping spree lately: today it announced the acquisition of Munich-based Ubitexx, a smartphone security software developer (deal terms not disclosed). This is RIM’s third acquisition this year, according to data from Signal Hill.
Mobile security is moving into the spotlight as smartphone adoption and mobile app download growth continues and increasing threats to mobile devices catch the attention of consumers. Last year, for example, security super-power McAfee acquired mobile security provider Trust Digital (deal value also undisclosed), while Lookout, another provider of security services for smartphones, raised $19.5 million from Index Ventures, Accel Partners and Khosla Ventures. Ubitexx has raised about $4 million in funding from investors including Target Partners and BayBG.
For RIM, Ubitexx’s new technology will allow it to launch a solution for managing and securing mobile devices for enterprises and government organizations. The single web-based console will provide IT administrators with a way to distribute software and manage policies, inventory, security and services across a multitude of devices, not only for RIM’s BlackBerry devices. This is an interesting step, as other devices (including the iPhone and Android) slowly become more accepted in corporate culture.
RIM Acquisitions Since 2008
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