BlackBerry said that its BBM app is used by “more than 85 per cent of BlackBerry Enterprise Server-enabled organisations running BlackBerry smartphones”, as it looks to highlight the link between the messaging app and its core enterprise business.

While BlackBerry announced plans earlier this year to double-down on its focus on the enterprise and prosumer markets, it has simultaneously been looking to grow its consumer-focused BBM messaging service, including making it available to devices powered by Android and iOS.

This has led to a deal that will see it preinstalled on devices from LG Electronics, as well as a number of tier-three vendors and distributors focused on emerging markets.

But BBM has seemed to sit somewhat uneasily with the enterprise focus of BlackBerry, and indeed there has been speculation that the unit could be sold or spun-out – although the ailing Canadian vendor has never officially commented along these lines.

In a statement yesterday, Andrew Bocking, EVP of BBM, said: “While BBM among business customers may have started organically, we know organisations choose BBM today to improve communications and collaboration. Employees get an amazing messaging experience that gives them immediate, active conversations with their peers, which helps drive better communications and collaboration, and improves mobile productivity.”

“Organisations in regulated industries that need to meet compliance requirements can use BBM on BlackBerry smartphones with BES, which provides them with the ability to track and log BBM communications,” he continued.