Google and Android OEMs have shipped Android to 2 billion active devices around the world. That’s made it a big target when it comes to vulnerabilities, which is a headache for enterprise. Keeping company data safe and secure is a top priority for businesses, and it’s a big reason why Google pushes out monthly security updates and why it recently increased its bug bounties. To coincide with those efforts, Google’s launching a new program: Android Enterprise Recommended program.
With the Android Enterprise Recommended program, Google wants to make it easy for enterprise customers to determine which devices are best for them. This program isn’t fully controlled by Google, but it’s a global initiative that aims to identify devices that receive frequent security updates and offer a reliable and consistent software experience.
Smartphones and tablets that are a part of the program vetted by Google and must meet a certain number of requirements. As part of the validation process, OEMs receive technical support and training from Google.
We’ve included a few of the Android Enterprise Recommended criteria below, but you can find a full list here:
- Minimum hardware specifications for Android 7.0+ devices
- Support for bulk deployment of Android devices including zero-touch enrollment
- Delivery of Android security updates within 90 days of release from Google, for a minimum of three years
- Availability of unlocked devices, direct from manufacturer or reseller
- Consistent application experience in managed profiles and on managed devices
And here are some of the devices in the Android Enterprise Recommended program:
- Google Pixel and Pixel XL
- Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
- Sony Xperia XZ1
- Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact
- Sony Xperia XZ Premium
- Sony Xperia XA2
- Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra
- Nokia 8
- Huawei Mate 10 Pro
- Huawei Mate 10 Pro
- Huawei P10
- Huawei P10 Plus
- Huawei P10 Lite
- Huawei P smart
- LG V30
- LG G6
- Moto X4
- Moto Z2
- BlackBerry KEYone
- BlackBerry Motion
Google says that more are on the way, and that throughout this year, it’ll be applying the Android Enterprise Recommended framework to additional partners, including OEMs of “rugged” devices, mobile carriers, enterprise mobility management (EMM) providers, and systems integrators.
The Android Enterprise Recommended program is Google’s latest B2B foray. A couple of years ago, the company launched a dedicated website for its various corporate programs. The new version of Google Glass is specifically designed for enterprise customers, and the company recently funded startup company Neverware to bring Chrome OS to corporate environments.
Source: The Keyword