Android is in the workplace. There has been recent news of organizations testing iPhones, iPads and Androids in the corporate environment, with many IT departments realizing that either employees are buying these preferred devices and feel more productive on them, or for some situations, there may be upside in having more open platforms with easy-to-use inputs and interfaces. In general, Android provides a more open platform, giving IT departments the ability to integrate their own apps more easily.
Enterprises want control
Security of data and networks is top priority. With a robust enterprise mobility platform and client for the Android, organizations can control which networks are offered, whether vendor-defined or their own. Directory updates should be pushed out automatically taking advantage of OTA functionality. A connection manager client should run in the background, and depending on the prioritization of networks for the device profile, can notify a user when an appropriate and safe Wi-Fi hotspot is available.
Connectivity can be managed and controlled for those networks. A good reporting tool can provide reports showing the number of sessions, usage statistics and service quality information for improved help desk response. With a connection manager set up for dealing with multiple screens and logins with free Wi-Fi vendors, users can connect seamlessly to these "free" hotspots that have been vetted and approved, ensuring a quality connection.
Enterprises want to support what's easy
With enterprise mobility services, IT departments can provision, deploy and manage the Android phone, like the laptops. An Android client profile, controlled through the cloud services, should contain information on what networks the user will be able to connect to as well as information on how users should connect. An organization can ensure that its unique policies and procedures are followed before accessing Wi-Fi networks and be more proactive in moving users to lower-cost networks.
If an enterprise works with a good network connection aggregator, then Android users will have access to thousands of Wi-Fi locations across the globe, as well as in-flight access. All access is consolidated into a single relationship, meaning that organizations don't have to manage multiple carrier relationships or deal with individual users charging back service expenses whenever they travel.
Enterprises want cost reduction
Controlled access to Wi-Fi can help prevent unintentional roaming costs or data downloads from the more expensive 3G networks. Not only can Wi-Fi have higher connectivity, but it's also more available in places for business travel - airports, hotels, convention centers, areas that often have weaker 3G signals. Moving users to Wi-Fi networks can provide a cost savings advantage as more carriers move away from unlimited data access.
Enterprises want end-user productivity
Android, like the iPhone and iPad, has become a "people's choice." New devices, OS updates and apps are coming out constantly. Users have voted with their time and usage, connecting more often and downloading more data (link to Android data stats). As smartphone shipments overtake PCs, mobile devices move to become the dominant computing platform for mobile workers.
Mobile workers want to use a device that helps them be more productive; not necessarily the device that IT is offering and they are willing to pay for it. With a robust connection management tool, users can connect more quickly and easily, resulting in a better, more consistent experience.
There may be many instances where the connection quality and throughput offered by 3G does not match the needs for the applications that enterprise organizations want to leverage on a smartphone (e.g. VoIP). Leveraging Wi-Fi as an alternative may be an easy way to get the throughput and latency required for high bandwidth applications. Wi-Fi can also improve productivity when users are downloading email, trying to get caught up as quickly as possible.
The Android smartphone is predicted to be a dominant player in the smartphone market and has started to make inroads as a mobile workforce device. Corporate IT departments can now find solutions in the market to manage Android as an enterprise-ready device.
See how easy it is to manage the Android smartphone in the workplace: http://www3.ipass.com/mobile-employees/android/
iPass Inc. changes the economics of enterprise mobility for your organization and radically improves the connectivity experience for internet users. We give IT more visibility and control to contain and reduce mobility costs, maintain security and get your mobile workers online faster and easier - anywhere. Find more trend information on enterprise mobility, mobile device and smartphone cost reports at: http://www3.ipass.com/about/news-room/mobile-workforce-report/
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