AtHoc

AtHoc, now a key component of BlackBerry's software and services portfolio, operates as a specialized provider of critical event management (CEM) solutions. The firm was founded in 1999 by Guy Miasnik and Aviv Siegel and established its headquarters in San Mateo, California. Miasnik, who served as President and CEO, brought a background in electrical engineering from the Technion and an MBA from Harvard Business School, complemented by experience from a previous startup venture in Israel. His technical and business acumen, along with nine patents in crisis communication, shaped the company's trajectory in the public safety and security sectors. Siegel acted as the Co-Founder and VP of Technology.

The company's journey includes securing approximately $15.6 million in funding over four rounds from notable investors such as Intel Capital, Greylock, Adams Street Partners, and Weston Presidio. A significant milestone occurred on September 23, 2015, when BlackBerry acquired AtHoc for an estimated $250 million. This acquisition was a strategic move for BlackBerry to deepen its capabilities in secure communications and expand its enterprise offerings, particularly for government and regulated industries. Post-acquisition, AtHoc's platform was integrated into BlackBerry's broader enterprise portfolio, which includes solutions like WatchDox and Good Technology, eventually becoming part of the BlackBerry Secure platform. Miasnik transitioned into roles at BlackBerry as a Division President and later as Chief Strategy Officer.

AtHoc's business centers on a cloud-based, networked crisis communication platform designed for large-scale enterprises and government agencies. Its primary clients include a substantial portion of the U.S. federal government, such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as commercial entities in healthcare and industrial markets. The business model is predicated on providing a comprehensive suite of tools for preparing for, responding to, and recovering from critical events like natural disasters, cyberattacks, and operational disruptions. The platform's revenue is generated through the sale of its software and services, which are designed to ensure operational resiliency.

The core of AtHoc's offering is a platform with several modules: AtHoc Alert, AtHoc Account, AtHoc Situation Response, and AtHoc Connect. AtHoc Alert facilitates secure mass notifications across a multitude of channels, including email, text, voice calls, mobile apps, and desktop alerts, ensuring messages reach personnel on any device. A key feature is its two-way communication capability, which allows recipients to respond to alerts, providing organizations with real-time status updates and enhancing situational awareness. The system supports location-based targeting, multi-language capabilities, and integrates with existing enterprise systems like Microsoft Teams and ServiceNow to streamline workflows. AtHoc Account focuses on personnel accountability, while Situation Response aids in managing step-by-step incident plans. The platform is noted for its security, holding certifications like FedRAMP and StateRAMP authorization, making it a trusted choice for mission-critical operations.

Keywords: critical event management, emergency notification system, mass communication, incident response, public safety technology, enterprise security, personnel accountability, crisis communication platform, BlackBerry AtHoc, government communication solutions, defense sector technology, secure messaging, situational awareness, disaster recovery, business continuity, force protection, physical security alerting, network-centric communication, FedRAMP authorized, Guy Miasnik