As Android devices gain market share in the mobile device market, more users are requesting android devices as an alternative to the iPhone, or want to receive company communications on their personal devices. This presents a challenge to the IS Team to support the growing Android device ecosystem due to the open nature of the platform. The IS Team supports a BYOD environment, allowing users to select their own device for company communication. Recently, IS partnered with AirWatch to bring Mobile Device Management to Android.

What does this mean for you, the customer? AirWatch gives us the ability to manage android on the same level as iOS. This is accomplished 2 ways; one is through the NitroDesk Touchdown email client. Enrolling a device to use this app will require the user to purchase a license for $19.99 through the Google Play store. This applies to all devices that are not manufactured by Samsung, including HTC, Motorola, LG, Sony, and Huawei.

An alternative is Samsung Approved for Enterprise (SAFE) devices. Samsung has made their entire line of Galaxy branded products Enterprise ready, including API’s in the software specifically with MDM in mind. This solution allows corporate communications to sync with native Android software without purchasing third party applications. This applies only to Samsung Galaxy devices.