BlackBerry today launched its Internet of Things (IoT) platform, initially targeting the automotive and asset tracking industries. The company also announced that BBM will be available on Android Wear smartwatches. The BlackBerry IoT Platform combines technology from QNX Software Systems, a BlackBerry company whose software powers mission-critical embedded systems in cars, industrial applications, and medical devices, with BlackBerry’s network infrastructure and device lifecycle management software.

"By combining the BlackBerry global network and device lifecycle management proficiency with the embedded software experience of QNX, we have built a modular, cloud-based platform that gives customers the chance to build IoT applications in a secure, efficient and scalable way. Looking ahead, we will extend the platform with other BlackBerry technologies to give developers additional control over the flow of information to devices on the network’s edge," said Matt Hoffman, VP of Strategy and Marketing, BlackBerry Technology Solutions

A scalable messaging system forms the foundation of the BlackBerry IoT Platform. The system serves as the message bus for additional platform modules by delivering reusable services including: BlackBerry’s gold standard security; instantaneous data indexing and storage for real-time intelligence; integrated analytics for data visualization; and permissions that enable every action, message and data object to be validated.

The BlackBerry IoT modules provide functionality for data collection, including time-of-service and maintenance records, and device lifecycle management. The lifecycle management module comprises three main elements — over the air (OTA) software update, application enablement and log collection — designed to accelerate device deployment and extend the longevity of in-field devices. Blackberry hopes that organizations will use the platform and these pre-built modules to create customized IoT solutions.

The BlackBerry IoT Platform is initially targeted at industries that manage highly mobile, high-value resources, including the shipping and automotive markets. But Blackberry hopes that it the platform will eventually be extended into the smart energy sector and the healthcare field.

Blackberry also announced at CES that BBM will be available on wearable technologies for a wide range of Android Wear smartwatches to enable BBM users to communicate on-the-go.

Through Android smartwatches, this active BBM community will be able to access their BBM messages directly on their smartwatch without the need to reach for their smartphone.

BBM for Android Wear will enable BBM users to:

• Receive alerts on the watch when new BBM messages come in, see the sender and discreetly preview messages.
• Read BBM messages in their entirety, navigate among messages and dismiss notifications with a simple swipe.
• Respond to messages hands-free with Google Now or choose from pre-defined messages to quickly send a response.
• Accept BBM invites from the watch without the need to access their smartphone.

With BBM installed on an Android smartphone, BBM for Android Wear features will become available on the watch automatically.

BBM support for Google Android Wear Platform will be available in early 2015.