Category: Mobile Commerce

The turnaround strategy for the struggling Canadian handset maker is now aiming toward cyber-protection.

BlackBerry has tried virtually everything to try to recover its floundering handset business, but the area in which it has remained strong – and where its future may lie – is in mobile security.

The company has underscored that belief in the recent acquisition of Encription, a company based in the U.K.

Encription is a consultancy that is based in cyber and mobile security. The importance of digital security has been increasing in virtually every industry around the world, particularly in the growth in of the Internet of Things (IoT). As the dependence on connected technology increases, so does the demand for security software and related consultancy services. BlackBerry has always been strong in this area and will likely be playing to that strength in order to recover from its suffering hardware business as it recreates itself.

The details regarding the acquisition of the cyber and mobile security firm have yet to be released.

That said, by acquiring this company, BlackBerry will gain access to a large new customer base, in addition to the talent of about 40 professionals in the cyber security industry. These experts have already assisted in testing network vulnerabilities for a wealth of large corporations as well as government agencies.

The head of corporate development at BlackBerry, James Mackey, explained that acquiring Encription was a natural decision for the company and will seamlessly extend BlackBerry to allow it to offer a broader range of cyber security services than it ever has. Moreover, as it solidifies its customer base with the newest additions, it will now become possible for the Canadian tech company to cross-sell its own software products.

Protecting device users against mobile security threats, as well as the creation and implementation of strategies to mitigate those threats and the enhancement of vital IT security standards are some of the areas in which BlackBerry has held considerable appeal among consumers and business customers, alike. Many industry analysts have been predicting this path for the company for well over a year, as the hardware side of the company continues a downward stumble.

Retailers are falling behind when it comes to engaging mobile consumers

Australian retailers are struggling to embrace mobile commerce. Episerver has released a new report that scores 20 of Australia’s major retailers in terms of their mobile offerings. These retailers have become heavily involved in the mobile space, providing consumers with the ability to shop online with their mobile devices. Consumers can also use their devices in physical stores to research and purchase products that they are interested in. While retailers have become involved in the mobile space, they are finding it difficult to effectively engage consumers in meaningful ways.

Consumers enjoy the mobile experience provided by top retailers

According to the report, The Iconic, one of Australia’s largest retailers, has the best mobile experience. Approximately 66% of consumers said that they enjoyed their shopping experience through the retailer’s mobile platform. Kogan, another retailer, came in second in terms of customer satisfaction, with 64% noting that they enjoy the retailer’s mobile efforts. While Kogan is second overall, the majority of consumers appreciate the company’s mobile website. Approximately 73% of consumers say that Kogan has the best mobile website of all retailers in the mobile field.

Australian retailers are falling behind those in other countries

While some of Australia’s top retailers have found some success in the mobile space, these companies are lagging behind those in other countries. The report shows that Australian retailers are performing 34% worse than retailers in other countries, as they are finding more success in the mobile commerce space. The mobile space has proven to be a competitive market, with consumers unwilling to use platforms that they do not enjoy.

Mobile consumers are still worried about the security of mobile payments

Mobile commerce has become a very powerful force in the retail space. In Australia, banks have been supporting mobile payments aggressively, finding some success among consumers that rely heavily on their smartphones and tablets. Consumers are somewhat wary of mobile payment platforms, however, due to security concerns. This is something that retailers have had to overcome over the past few years.