BlackBerry CEO: Media Reports About Handset Biz Are Exaggerated

Updated on

It is no secret BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) has been struggling in the smartphone market for years now, but the company has no plans of exiting the market anytime soon.

John Chen opens up

BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB)’s chief executive officer John Chen recently told Bloomberg he doesn’t plan on exiting the handset business. He also mentioned his plans not to rely on smartphones, but rather to put more of a focus on software and services instead.

Late last year, Chen signed a deal with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) supplier Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd. (TPE:2354) to manufacture certain devices. He wants to transform the company to return back to the success it once enjoyed. CNET explained, “Chen dropped by during a reporter roundtable to further clarify the position. He said that his comment was an answer to the question of what would happen if the phone business wouldn’t be able to turn a profit. But he said that during the interview he stressed he was confident that he could make a profit.”

BlackBerry remains in the smartphone market

The company is looking for new ways to trim the budget and create a more even distribution channel. BlackBerry is still creating new phones. The Canadian tech giant introduced the Q20 and Z3 phones during the Mobile World Congress.

If Chen considered selling BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB)’s phone business, it wouldn’t be too surprising, especially since most CEOs tend to either let the business go or sell it to another company. Given his software background, it seems like he wants to focus where his strengths are, which is a good thing.

The leader for BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB)’s enterprise unit, John Sims, recently spoke during a company event in New York. He said, “We have created an intense focus in the company on the enterprise and regulatory space, focusing on productivity, collaboration, and doing it securely. We want to be the best in class.”

Leave a Comment