BlackBerry partners with Google to make Android more secure for enterprise users
Hot on the heels of rumors of an Android-powered phone by BlackBerry, the Canadian smartphone manufacturer announces its partnership with Google to do something cool together. As part of the collaboration, BlackBerry -- known for its highly sophisticated and secure enterprise security suites -- will be working with Google to create a more enterprise-ready version of Android operating system.
The deal makes perfect sense for both of the companies. Google’s Android is the most popular mobile operating system on the planet. However, the infamous Edward Snowden revelations have affected Google's as well as other companies’ reputations. Moreover, Google has a long way to go to entice enterprise users to pick its operating system over others'. For BlackBerry, which once held a large market share but has lost most of it since, this partnership could help the company find a reliable revenue channel. But most importantly, enterprise users are the biggest winners here.
“New features are now available through Android and BES12 that enable organizations to further secure enterprise and personal data on Android devices, set new levels of hardware based encryption, and ensure tight integration with Google Play™ for Work, for increased application management, while delivering a consistent end-user and management experience across their Android fleet”, BlackBerry writes on its website.
The companies are working to integrate BlackBerry’s enterprise device deployment service into Android 5.0 Lollipop as well as Google Play for Work. BES12, the refresh, offers features including end-to-end security, and the ability to lock down select assets on corporate devices.
The partnership also unwittingly provides more credibility to the floating rumors of an Android phone by BlackBerry.