BlackBerry is acquiring privately-held AtHoc, a provider of secure, networked crisis communications, as it aims to broaden its software offering and generate revenue from its (BlackBerry Messenger) BBM messaging service.

At present, California-based AtHoc's has a strong base of clients including the US Department of Defense, Homeland Security and leading corporates. AtHoc's software services allow organisaions to reach staff through their smartphones, or through digital displays, radios, and even sirens, in times of crisis and help organisations and people share information during business continuity and rescue efforts.

BlackBerry expects to complete the acquisition of AtHoc by November 2015. Both the companies have not disclosed the terms of the transaction.