BlackBerry unveils new software development kit for connected vehicles and IoT systems

BlackBerry Ltd is giving internet of things (IoT) system developers early access to its QNX Software Development Platform (SDP) 8.0 that provides them with the tools and resources they need to create secure embedded systems for connected cars.

QNX Software Development Platform (SDP) is a software development kit (SDK) while embedded systems are microprocessor-based systems designed to perform specific tasks. For instance, in cars embedded systems are used to control engine, transmission systems while in medical devices they are used in devices such as pacemakers. They are also used in routers and switches to transmit data and to control and monitor industrial equipment.

Embedded systems are becoming more and more important due to the growing interest in IoT at home, workplace and in transit. 

Blackberry said that the new SDK platform supports multi-core processors that are now being used in connected vehicles and IoT systems for better performance. It also offers security features, such as secure boot and secure updates. 

IoT security has been a major concern for enterprises as they are often not designed with security in mind, which makes them more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

SDP 8.0 also supports development tools, such as the QNX Momentics IDE and the QNX DevCentral website, which Blackberry claims will make it easier to develop and debug applications.

QNX SDP is a widely used platform for high-performance developing embedded systems for multiple industries, including automotive, industrial, medical, and networking. 

"The automotive industry is redefining software in the vehicle. Automotive architectures are transitioning to zonal, central compute and ultimately software defined vehicles," said John Wall, Senior Vice President and Head of BlackBerry QNX.  

BlackBerry is also working with chip maker Nvidia to integrate BlackBerry's QNX OS microkernel into Nvidia’s Drive Thor computing platform that delivers 2,000 teraflops of compute power while combining automated driving and AI cockpit capabilities onto a single centralized platform.

"The combination of our Drive Thor centralized computer and the new QNX OS will serve as a powerful foundation on which OEMs can build next-generation automotive systems that offer the highest levels of safety and security," said Ali Kani, Vice President of Automotive at Nvidia.

Alex Oyler, a director at SBD Automotive, an automotive technology research and consulting firm, pointed out that more than 300 million vehicles capable of over-the-air (OTA) software updates are expected to be on the road globally by 2032.

“Automakers are clamoring for better tools to help them develop compelling technology features in the software-defined vehicle,” he added.

Blackberry said the early access release is evaluation and product development. SDP 8.0 will be made generally available in late 2023.