Some time ago, BlackBerry was the de facto company offering companies enterprise-level mobile solutions. We all know what happened to BlackBerry. Rather than adopt or develop a fresh, modern operating system like iOS or Android, they stuck it out with an older platform and steadily, their users just went elsewhere. Now, according to an IDG report from 2014, around 66% of smartphone users have used their device for some sort of work-related task. Now, the market for business users is split mostly between Apple and Android, with Apple take the lion’s share of around 70% while Android takes around 25%. Of course, this could all change shortly.
Android for Work was launched some time ago and while it doesn’t appear that Google is putting too much weight behind it now, it could definitely sneak up from behind Apple and take the lead in the coming years. Android for Work was unveiled earlier this year, and it’s essentially the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program that many have been waiting for. Leveraging the powerful sync system that Google has with Google Docs as well as hooks into other platforms like SAP, Android for Work allows people to use whichever device they like and access their work stuff securely, without making changes to their everyday activities.
Android for Work is backed up by SELinux, and anyone who doesn’t think Google takes security serious is delusional. Not only is Linux, the platform Android is built upon, secure by nature but Google have been beefing up the Play Store’s walls and with innovative software like Lollipop, Google have created experiences that are flexible and secure. Google has got things started well with the Android for Work initiative, but there’s more to come and we’re sure the internet giant will have more features for business users in their upcoming Android 6.0 Marshmallow upgrade, too.
One thing’s for certain, if Apple rest on their laurels, Google’s fast advances into the enterprise field could leave them for dead. Apple has the consumer market and the business market right now with the iPhone, but if Google can efficiently communicate their strong features to users, Apple could end up going the way of BlackBerry.