BlackBerry Unveils the QNX OS for Safety 8.0, a Game Changer for Embedded Systems
On August 20, 2025, BlackBerry Limited, through its division QNX, announced the launch of the QNX® Operating System for Safety (QOS) 8.0. This innovative real-time operating system is built upon the advanced microkernel architecture of QNX® SDP 8.0 and is already certified for safety. It is designed to streamline development and certification processes across industries that require high safety and security standards, such as automotive, industrial machinery, robotics, medical devices, and defense.
The QOS 8.0 serves as a pre-certified foundational software solution that can be implemented instantly. It allows developers to integrate safety and security requirements directly into their products while offering clear design guidance to achieve those objectives. Manufacturers can leverage this robust foundation to focus their engineering resources on developing and certifying components that distinguish them in competitive markets, all while ensuring the foundational software they use meets stringent safety and security standards.
As embedded systems evolve with growing intelligence and interconnectedness, the transition to software-defined architectures is accelerating. Technologies like autonomous systems, edge computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are proliferating. Developers must ensure real-time performance while adhering strictly to evolving functional safety and cybersecurity standards. Simultaneously, there is increasing pressure to reduce time-to-market and optimize costs, forcing development teams to seek foundational software that meets complex requirements while enabling rapid product delivery.
Designed in response to these industry needs, QOS 8.0 integrates performance, safety, and security at high levels. It aligns with global safety and security standards such as "ISO 26262 ASIL-D", "IEC 61508 SIL3", "IEC 62304 Class C", and "ISO/SAE 21434". Moreover, it has achieved safety certification as a Safety Element out of Context (SEooC), making seamless integration into safety-critical systems feasible and streamlining the certification process across various application contexts.
The latest version of QOS 8.0 has upgraded its microkernel to capitalize on advancements in silicon technology. This ensures high-speed and stable real-time performance, particularly in areas where safety and security are paramount. John Wall, QNX's Chief Operating Officer and Head of Product Engineering Services, emphasized: “Through QOS 8.0, QNX provides an essential foundational platform necessary for developing next-generation embedded systems that are safety and security-critical. Our product balances safety, security, and performance at an elevated standard to serve as the ideal platform for developers.”
Chris Rommel, Executive Vice President at VDC Research, stated: “Today's software-defined systems demand a robust development platform that supports safety, security, and innovation. QOS 8.0 delivers reliable solutions that align with the latest safety and security standards while enhancing the speed and efficiency of development across complex industry requirements.”
QNX has established itself as a trusted foundation for software across various embedded industries, serving major automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers such as Toyota, Honda, BMW, Bosch, Continental, Dongfeng Motor, Geely, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Volvo. By pursuing innovation and safety, QNX continues to drive the future of embedded technology, seamlessly integrating high performance in mission-critical environments that demand exceptional safety standards.
For further details, visit QNX.com and follow @QNX News.
BlackBerry provides intelligent software and services to enterprises and government institutions worldwide. Through its high-performance foundational software, leading automotive manufacturers and major industrial companies can develop innovative applications and transform business models without compromising safety, security, or reliability. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, BlackBerry excels in secure communications, providing comprehensive security solutions bolstered by a broad certification portfolio. Additionally, it pioneers advanced cybersecurity solutions leveraging AI and machine learning to deliver innovative results across cybersecurity, safety, and data privacy solutions.
QNX, a division of BlackBerry Limited, enriches experience and expands the potential of technology-driven industries, providing a trusted foundation for software-defined companies to grow. This division leads the industry in delivering safe and secure operating systems, hypervisors, middleware, solutions, and development tools and offers support and services from trusted embedded software experts. QNX technologies are used in more than 255 million vehicles globally, including critical embedded systems. Founded in 1980, the company is based in Ottawa, Canada. Additional information can be found at qnx.com.
Addressing Complex Embedded Applications
The QOS 8.0 serves as a pre-certified foundational software solution that can be implemented instantly. It allows developers to integrate safety and security requirements directly into their products while offering clear design guidance to achieve those objectives. Manufacturers can leverage this robust foundation to focus their engineering resources on developing and certifying components that distinguish them in competitive markets, all while ensuring the foundational software they use meets stringent safety and security standards.
Market Context and Industry Needs
As embedded systems evolve with growing intelligence and interconnectedness, the transition to software-defined architectures is accelerating. Technologies like autonomous systems, edge computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are proliferating. Developers must ensure real-time performance while adhering strictly to evolving functional safety and cybersecurity standards. Simultaneously, there is increasing pressure to reduce time-to-market and optimize costs, forcing development teams to seek foundational software that meets complex requirements while enabling rapid product delivery.
Designed in response to these industry needs, QOS 8.0 integrates performance, safety, and security at high levels. It aligns with global safety and security standards such as "ISO 26262 ASIL-D", "IEC 61508 SIL3", "IEC 62304 Class C", and "ISO/SAE 21434". Moreover, it has achieved safety certification as a Safety Element out of Context (SEooC), making seamless integration into safety-critical systems feasible and streamlining the certification process across various application contexts.
Enhanced Performance with Modern Architecture
The latest version of QOS 8.0 has upgraded its microkernel to capitalize on advancements in silicon technology. This ensures high-speed and stable real-time performance, particularly in areas where safety and security are paramount. John Wall, QNX's Chief Operating Officer and Head of Product Engineering Services, emphasized: “Through QOS 8.0, QNX provides an essential foundational platform necessary for developing next-generation embedded systems that are safety and security-critical. Our product balances safety, security, and performance at an elevated standard to serve as the ideal platform for developers.”
Key Features of QOS 8.0
- - A fully functional hard real-time OS based on QNX Software Development Platform 8.0
- - A C/C++ toolchain compliant with "ISO 26262 TCL3" and "IEC 61508 TL3"
- - Development and certification artifacts that eliminate waste for safety and security-critical systems
Chris Rommel, Executive Vice President at VDC Research, stated: “Today's software-defined systems demand a robust development platform that supports safety, security, and innovation. QOS 8.0 delivers reliable solutions that align with the latest safety and security standards while enhancing the speed and efficiency of development across complex industry requirements.”
QNX has established itself as a trusted foundation for software across various embedded industries, serving major automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers such as Toyota, Honda, BMW, Bosch, Continental, Dongfeng Motor, Geely, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Volvo. By pursuing innovation and safety, QNX continues to drive the future of embedded technology, seamlessly integrating high performance in mission-critical environments that demand exceptional safety standards.
For further details, visit QNX.com and follow @QNX News.
About BlackBerry
BlackBerry provides intelligent software and services to enterprises and government institutions worldwide. Through its high-performance foundational software, leading automotive manufacturers and major industrial companies can develop innovative applications and transform business models without compromising safety, security, or reliability. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, BlackBerry excels in secure communications, providing comprehensive security solutions bolstered by a broad certification portfolio. Additionally, it pioneers advanced cybersecurity solutions leveraging AI and machine learning to deliver innovative results across cybersecurity, safety, and data privacy solutions.
About QNX
QNX, a division of BlackBerry Limited, enriches experience and expands the potential of technology-driven industries, providing a trusted foundation for software-defined companies to grow. This division leads the industry in delivering safe and secure operating systems, hypervisors, middleware, solutions, and development tools and offers support and services from trusted embedded software experts. QNX technologies are used in more than 255 million vehicles globally, including critical embedded systems. Founded in 1980, the company is based in Ottawa, Canada. Additional information can be found at qnx.com.
Topics Consumer Technology）
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