Back in March, we shared an introduction to Google’s new Android-based initiative called Android for Work. Given high consumer demand for Android-based devices, Google had hoped to infiltrate the workplace with this system that promised increased mobile device productivity without sacrificing data security in the process. Recently, Google announced a new set of plans for wooing additional enterprise customers to this platform that has some businesses taking note.
Previously, Android for Work consisted primarily of four key technology components: Google Play at Work, the Android for Work app, Work profiles, and built-in productivity tools of all kinds. Our EMM partners such as AirWatch and MaaS360 offered integration with these tools in various capacities. As of Nov. 4, the first 3,000 businesses that deploy enterprise mobility management services and set up Android for Work would also receive a free Nexus 5X phone that can be used to test all of the mobility management features in Google’s operating system.
Will it catch on?
According to Andrew Toy, Android for Work’s product management director, the company chose a Nexus phone because it will have access to the latest version of Google’s operating system and current updates. Yet that may pose a problem given that Google currently has no dedicated plan for deploying its Nexus smartphones at the enterprise level.
However, BlackBerry, Samsung and Silent Circle have all agreed to provide monthly security updates and timely hot fixes to its Android devices as they continue to proliferate within the workforce. The reliability of these security measures will be critical as Google continues to make headway into more security-conscious business environments.
What next?
In May, Google released its Marshmallow version of its mobile operating system, which allowed features like easier single-use deployment to be available for users. Moving forward, Google will work to promote these features more extensively to increase adoption.
In Google’s latest Apps for Work update, it recommended a series of partner apps that integrate with its online productivity suite, in addition to inherent app updates that continue to focus on worker productivity and collaboration. Expect no sign of slowing as Google continues its push to appeal to business users in 2016.
