BlackBerry has acquired virtual SIM startup Movirtu

A couple of months back a leaked memo from BlackBerry revealed that the company is now on growth footing once again. Since then it has made a couple of acquisitions, including the one it announced today, of a virtual SIM startup called Movirtu. This startup, which is based in London, works on technology that enables a single device to have multiple phone numbers. BlackBerry sees this purchase as a valuable addition to its BYOD offering. Since BlackBerry’s hold over the enterprise market has diminished over the past few years that company now offers software that caters to enterprise customers with a BYOD or bring your own device environment. This technology would enable those users to use one device for business and personal contact number, without having to swap SIMs or data from one device to another.

BlackBerry Ltd. BB.T Thursday said it agreed to acquire Movirtu Ltd., a U.K. startup whose software enables companies to avoid paying costs incurred by employees using their devices for personal use. Terms weren’t disclosed. The transaction underscores BlackBerry’s focus on finding new sources of revenue to revive growth after suffering through years of contraction. At the end of July, the company acquired Germany’s Secusmart GmbH for an undisclosed amount to bolster its security offerings for its target enterprise and government market. A few days later, Chief Executive John Chen told the Canadian company’s employees that it was embarking on a growth phase after three years of painful restructuring, in part by targeting strategic acquisitions. Movirtu wouldn’t disclose revenue figures or how many customers it has, except to say it has several. But BlackBerry, which has business relationships with more than 675 carriers globally, is betting it can take advantage of that installed base to quickly boost the London-based company’s sales. Movirtu’s technology allows smartphone users to have a separate personal and work phone number attached to one device. Its product makes it easier for employers to be billed for work-related calls, messaging and data traffic while not assuming costs related to personal use of the device by the employee.