14 DAY TRIAL // Back in February, we told you that Google launched Android for Work in order to create an ecosystem meant to allow business users to bring their smartphones/tablets into the work environment.
Android for Work revolves around four important key aspects. First off, the service includes the so-called “work profiles” which enable built-in encryption, enhanced SELinux security enforcement, and multi-user support in Android 5.0 Lollipop.
This translates into the fact that users will be able to set up a secure working profile, which will be managed by the employer. The work profile will be utterly separate from their personal profile, which their employer cannot access.
Google partnered up with BlackBerry for this endeavor, so the Canadian company is offering BES12 in Android for Work, but also BBM Meetings, BBM Protected, VPN Authentication by BlackBerry, and WorkLife by BlackBerry for Android.
Android for Work takes up residence in the Play store
This week, Google has released Android for Work in the Google Play Store, and the app is also compatible with devices running Ice Cream Sandwich and KitKat.
Since Android for Work’s features are built into Android 5.0, Lollipop users don’t need to worry about installing the app, but those rocking older devices will need to download the application.
Still, it’s quite nice to see that Google is thinking of those who haven’t joined the Lollipop family just yet and maybe never will.
However, not everybody will be able to tap into the goodness of Android for Work. The app is available only to those partners who have implemented the enterprise mobility management solution. Apart from that, the app is free for download in Google Play.
With the IT administrator’s support, the Android for Work app goes on to isolate and encrypt work data, including productivity, third-party and internally developed applications.
This way, network admins have greater control over app distribution and can manage the app via partner management solutions.
Android for Work is still in its infancy, so its reach might be limited for the time being. However, it’s still nice to see Google is moving forward with the program it talked about for the first time back at its I/O 2014 conference last summer.
