BlackBerry Limited announced on Wednesday that the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has awarded Secure Work Space for Android and iOS (pdf) the Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) approval.
Secure Work Space is a multi-platform containerization solution managed by BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10, or BES10. The company defines it as "a containerization, application-wrapping and secure connectivity option that delivers a higher level of control and security to iOS and Android devices, all managed through the BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 administration console."
BlackBerry's press release stated that customers in the U.S. Department of Defense can now use Android and iOS tablets and smartphones when connected to the BES10 platform, in addition to BlackBerry 10 smartphones. With the STIG approval, government agencies can now consider "a more open mobile environment" that could include different operating systems and devices.
BlackBerry points out in its press release that it has received more than 50 government certifications. The company also boasts that its BlackBerry 10 platform is still the only mobile operating system that has received the Full Operational Capability (FOC) certification, allowing the platform to run on networks owned by the Department of Defense.
"The approval solidifies BlackBerry's security capabilities for the transfer of sensitive data on third-party devices," the press release said. "With Secure Work Space, BES10 protocols for data-at-rest and data-in-transit are extended to iOS and Android devices, including smartphones and tablets. This means sensitive data remains protected and secure while being transmitted through vulnerable channels."
Wednesday's announcement is seemingly good news for a company that's struggling to find its place in a market dominated by Android and iOS devices. The company has no intentions of leaving the smartphone sector, but it is branching out into other avenues in order to boost its revenues and return to profitability.
Just recently, BlackBerry stated in an internal memo seen by Reuters that the company's restructuring process has concluded, and that BlackBerry can now move forward in growing the company. The layoffs that began three years ago, which have reduced the company by around 60 percent, are now over.
"More importantly, barring any unexpected downturns in the market, we will be adding headcount in certain areas such as product development, sales and customer service, beginning in modest numbers," BlackBerry's Chief Executive John Chen wrote in the memo.
Follow Kevin Parrish @exfileme. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.
