05 Mar Securing BYO Devices with Android for Work
Google has launched Android for Work with the recent release of Android Lollipop. The focus is on attracting more Android devices to the enterprise environment. Key features for the IT manager include secure app distribution, fleet-wide IT policies and a single console for device management.
“Together with a wide range of management, application and device makers, we believe the Android for Work program provides businesses and workers with the choice and flexibility they need to get things done at work”. Rajen Sheth, Director of Product Management, Android and Chrome for Work.
This addresses the ongoing challenge for enterprise IT in securing Bring Your Own (BYO) devices and facilitating consistent IT policies across mobile device fleets. Most importantly, the platform allows users to separate work use and personal use on the device, safely enabling them to bring their own Android devices into the business.
Google has built an infrastructure that allows Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) providers to develop Android for Work solutions. These providers specialise in mobile device management (MDM), mobile application management and mobile expense management. Customers of Android for Work are delivered the solution through one of the EMM providers, allowing control of applications, business information and mobile devices through a dashboard designed by the provider. Whilst the Android for Work platform remains the same, the pricing and features differ across EMM providers.
Features of Android for Work
The four main features of Android for Work focus on allowing Android devices to integrate easily into the enterprise environment, these include;
Work Profiles
Separating personal and work data access on the device level keeps business applications and information secure from personal applications installed on the device. Work profiles provide secure work instances of popular apps for mail, cloud storage and communication.
Android for Work App
For those devices running versions older than Android Lollipop, a full suite of business tools can be managed by IT through the Android for Work app. This includes email, web browsing, contacts and calendar, and documents.
Google Play for Work
Allows EMM providers to securely deliver applications to all users employing Android for Work. This empowers the IT team to allow only approved applications and distribute safely through the Google Play store.
Built-in productivity tools
Simplifies business processes and boosts productivity company wide with a set of apps for documents, calendar and contacts, presentations and for email.
Android for Work Partners
Source: Android Official Blog
- Enterprise mobility management providers utilize one console to allow control and management of all Android devices across the fleet.
- Custom applications can be delivered securely through the Google Play app without additional changes or wrapping.
- IT policies can be implemented on the app level.
Android for Work is a powerful new platform by Google enabling easy integration of Android devices into the enterprise fleet. It has been implemented to encourage Android use for business and offers a secure method for separating work and play on the same device.
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