Android is the dominant choice for smartphones worldwide, except in North America and Oceania. This means that businesses in many regions are likely to provide Android devices to employees as their primary mobile devices. Even in areas where the iPhone is popular, businesses are still likely to offer Android devices as a secondary option.
Google offers a certification known as Android Enterprise Recommended, which focuses on enterprise needs such as performance, device management, bulk device enrollment, and security updates. Google provides a tool to help IT professionals identify devices that meet these standards in different regions, along with information on supported Android versions and security update end dates.
However, it’s important to note that the Google enterprise compliance checker may not always be up to date, and Google’s enforcement of compliance after certification is unclear. In essence, Android Enterprise Recommended serves as a starting point for narrowing down options rather than a definitive filter.
Apple maintains tight control over the iPhone and its iOS operating system, offering IT professionals confidence in software updates, security patches, device capabilities, and manageability. In contrast, the Android ecosystem is diverse, with numerous manufacturers using the platform but providing varying levels of quality and support, along with inconsistent OS and security updates. This diversity requires more effort from IT when selecting and supporting Android devices.
As a result, iPhones are often the preferred choice for official business platforms (corporate-liable devices) that enterprises provide to employees, even in regions where Android is popular. However, companies commonly allow employees to use their personal devices for work (employee-liable devices or bring-your-own devices [BYOD]), granting access to work email, calendars, and web-based services.
Given these considerations, how should IT professionals decide which Android devices to purchase and support for users? This article offers guidance to help you make informed decisions.
2024-07-11 15:15:02
Post from www.computerworld.com