BlackBerry has bought UK mobile technology startup Movirtu, whose software enables users to have multiple phone numbers on the same device.

The acquisition is aimed at helping BlackBerry strengthen its portfolio of services that cater to corporate and government clients, who have become its core base. The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Movirtus Virtual SIM platform enables both a business and personal number to be used on a single mobile device, with separate billing for voice, data and messaging usage on each number. As a result, businesses where employees bring their own devices (BYOD), or use corporate owned, personally enabled (COPE) devices can more easily ensure appropriate billing without employees having to carry multiple devices or SIM cards.

“In a BYOD and COPE world, there remain a number of efficiency and convenience challenges facing enterprises, employees and mobile operators alike,” said John Chen, executive chairman and CEO of BlackBerry. “The acquisition of Movirtu complements our core strategy of providing additional value added services, and it will leverage our key assets, including our BES platform, along with our existing global infrastructure which is connected to a large number of mobile operators around the world.”

“BlackBerry is the best partner to help us carry forward our vision of redefining the mobile experience by introducing virtual identities,” said Carsten Brinkschulte, CEO of Movirtu. “We address the challenges of BYOD and COPE by providing our unique and innovative technology solution through BlackBerrys existing relationships with mobile operators and customers around the world.”