BlackBerry and TCL Communication Technology Holdings have entered into a long-term licensing agreement, providing acceleration to BlackBerry's transition into a security software and services company, according to a statement from the companies.

Under the terms of the agreement, BlackBerry will license its security software and service suite, as well as related brand assets to TCL who will design, manufacture, sell and provide customer support for BlackBerry-branded mobile devices.

BlackBerry will continue to control and develop its security and software solutions, serve its customers and maintain trusted BlackBerry security software, while TCL will manage all sales and distribution and serve as a global distributor of new BlackBerry-branded mobile devices.

The agreement with TCL is BlackBerry's first global licensing agreement and expands on its existing relationship, which led to the introduction of the Android-based DTEK50 and DTEK60 handsets.

TCL will be the exclusive global manufacturer and distributor for all BlackBerry-branded smartphones with the exception of the following countries: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Indonesia, said the statement.