Had robots taken over the office? Would I survive the invasion? It was 2010, but the voice speaking to me was one I had only heard in sci-fi movies.
My workspace had been infiltrated, but no humanoids were present. From where was the sound emanating? The imposing voice spoke again. I leapt from my seat to survey the situation. Just then, my colleague held up his mobile phone, waving me over to check out a joke his buddy just texted him. As I approached him, I heard the voice again. This time, I also saw his phone light up, signalling that another text had arrived.
Android usage has been on the rise for several years. As these devices became popular, consumers started bringing them to the workplace. First they wanted to access the basics - their professional email, contacts and calendar. Then they started asking for more such as corporate apps that could boost their productivity and enable them to get their job done better. However, the much beloved diversity and choice associated with the Android OS also became a challenge for corporate IT managers and security professional tasked with safeguarding corporate data. And frankly, even when these workers brought their own devices to the job, they didn’t want IT controlling their personal data.
Things are about to change. Recently, Google formally announced Android for Work, a program that brings together equipment manafacturers (OEMs) and other technology partners to harness the power of Android for enterprise, and to support mobile adoption in the workplace. It’s all about enhanced security with a dedicated and managed work profile that is isolated from personal apps, simplified management and an open platform for innovation. In the above video, Rick Costanzo, SAP’s executive vice-president and general manager, telco industry and mobility solutions and Rajen Sheth, Google’s director of product management discuss Android for Work and the value that SAP and Google are delivering to the enterprise.
SAP is excited to partner with Google on this initiative, which fulfils the needs of our customers who are looking for a simple and secure way to support Android. With several hundred Android-based enterprise mobile apps, we’re already a leader in the space.
Through innovations in wearables, localisation, AR and more, we’re leveraging the advancements of this OS to power the worker of the future, today. Now, companies can use SAP Mobile Secure to safely manage and secure these amazing Android experiences for their employees and business partners.
Visit SAP Mobile Secure to sign up for a free trial.
Brent Cohler is director of mobile product marketing at SAP
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