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Android Enterprise

What is Android Enterprise?

Android Enterprise is a Google-led initiative that aims to enable the use of Android devices and applications in the workplace. Launched in 2014, it provides a set of consistent APIs for managing and securing Android devices for corporate usage. Android Enterprise is designed to be a powerful, open platform that can be used across various industries, allowing for more device choices, custom app creation, and benefiting from Google's innovations.

Some key features of Android Enterprise include:

  • Device management: Android Enterprise provides tools and APIs for managing Android devices used in the workplace. This includes the ability to enforce security policies, remotely lock or wipe devices, and manage app installations (developers.google.com).
  • Security updates: Devices that are part of the Android Enterprise Recommended program meet Google's highest requirements and are guaranteed to receive regular security updates (android.com).
  • Wide range of devices: Android Enterprise supports a variety of devices, from affordable smartphones to ruggedized tablets, ensuring that there's a suitable device for every enterprise environment (support.google.com).
  • Custom app creation: Android Enterprise enables organizations to create their own custom apps for their specific business needs (android.com).

In summary, Android Enterprise is a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to leverage Android devices and applications in their work environment. It offers tools for device management, security, and customization, ensuring a seamless integration of Android technology in the workplace.

When should I use Android Enterprise?

Android Enterprise is a program that is designed to help organizations of all sizes to manage and secure their mobile devices running the Android operating system. You should consider using Android Enterprise if you have a large fleet of Android devices that are used for business purposes, and you want to ensure that they are secure, manageable, and compliant with your organization's policies.

Here are some situations where you might want to consider using Android Enterprise:

  1. You have a large number of Android devices: If your organization has a large fleet of Android devices, it can be challenging to manage and secure them all manually. Android Enterprise provides a set of tools and services to help you manage and secure these devices at scale.
  2. You have sensitive data on your devices: If your Android devices contain sensitive data, such as customer information, financial data, or confidential company information, you need to ensure that this data is protected from unauthorized access. Android Enterprise provides a range of security features to help you protect your data.
  3. You want to enforce device policies: If you need to enforce specific policies on your Android devices, such as password policies, app restrictions, or data sharing policies, Android Enterprise provides a range of tools to help you enforce these policies.
  4. You want to enable BYOD: If you allow employees to bring their own Android devices to work, you need to ensure that these devices are secure and compliant with your organization's policies. Android Enterprise provides a range of tools to help you manage and secure these devices while respecting the privacy of employees.

In summary, if you have a large fleet of Android devices that are used for business purposes, and you want to ensure that they are secure, manageable, and compliant with your organization's policies, you should consider using Android Enterprise.

What is the difference between Adnroid enterprise and a MDM like SOTI?

Android Enterprise is a Google-led initiative that provides a set of APIs, tools, and features for managing and securing Android devices in a corporate environment. It offers device management, security updates, and custom app creation. Android Enterprise Recommended MDM tools use Android Enterprise APIs to support features like account management and work profile separation.

On the other hand, SOTI is a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution that helps organizations manage their mobile devices and IoT endpoints (soti.net). SOTI MobiControl, part of the SOTI ONE Platform, is an Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solution that has earned the Android Enterprise Recommended badge, meaning it is validated against Android Enterprise Recommended requirements (soti.net).

The main difference between Android Enterprise and an MDM solution like SOTI is their scope and functionality. Android Enterprise provides the underlying APIs, tools, and features for managing Android devices, while SOTI MobiControl is an EMM solution that leverages Android Enterprise APIs to provide device management, security, and other features.

In summary, Android Enterprise provides the foundation for device management and security, while MDM solutions like SOTI MobiControl build upon these capabilities to offer a comprehensive management platform for organizations. If you are looking for a solution to manage your Android devices in a corporate environment, you would typically use an MDM solution like SOTI that incorporates Android Enterprise features.