BlackBerry boosts file-sharing security by buying WatchDox

BlackBerry Ltd. says it has a definitive agreement to buy WatchDox Ltd., a company that improves security for shared documents.

It did not disclose what it paid for the Palo Alto, Calif., company.

The purchase is part of BlackBerry's effort to improve its suite of services for enterprises, seen as a promising growth area. WatchDox technology will be offered with BlackBerry's enterprise server software.

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"BlackBerry is constantly expanding the potential of data security so that it enables more collaboration and sharing rather than creating limitations," said BlackBerry CEO John Chen in a news release.

BlackBerry also takes over a WatchDox research centre in Israel, which is expected to remain focused on security.

WatchDox products give corporations control over how files are edited, copied, printed or forwarded from mobile anddesktop devices.

One of the functions is the ability for administrators to lock or remove access to files compromised in a data breach.

Chen said BlackBerry now has enhanced security on communications via voice, text, messaging, data and enterprise file-sharing.

Last year it bought Secusmart, a German firm that provides provides high-level voice and data encryption. Earlier this year, that company unveiled a newhigh-security tablet.