The latest enterprise mobility solution requires an easy-to-adaption and secure platform with advanced management capabilities. Android Enterprise has a rise with an additional resource for the company progressing in the deployment methods. Android Enterprise offers APIs and other tools that build up enterprise mobility management solutions that allow the enterprise features built on Android devices and Google Play.
What is Android Enterprise?
Android Enterprise is a Google-led program that legalizes Enterprise Mobility Management product contributions that provide advanced Android Enterprise features while at the same time providing business clients with established guidelines to protect a consistent, successful deployment. The program builds up best practices and essential requirements with rigorous testing so you can quickly deploy Android in your enterprise.
Android Enterprise debuted with 5.0 as an optional solution that manufacturers could integrate to provide standard device management APIs, it was no longer optional and has since been a mandatory component for all GMS-certified manufacturers. There are still some optional components for Android Enterprise today, and the occasional feature is released only for newer versions of Android. However, these have little impact on core management. Sometimes, these features even find their way into Google Play services, allowing them to be deployed without direct OEM support.
Android Enterprise (AE) offers a few things:
- A reliable EMM experience, knowing when a configuration is pushed, all AE devices will support and execute the relevant requests.
- A containerized work/life separation primarily aimed at BYOD referred to as a work profile, which in Android 11 also became the basis.
- A fully locked-down, managed mode for complete corporate ownership with no personal space, referred to as fully managed (previously work-managed).
- A single-use mode (Android Kiosk, but on a fully managed device) for Kiosk-like applications is referred to as dedicated (previously COSU - Corporately Owned, Single Use).
- A combined work/personal COPE use case for company-owned devices permitting personal use. Between 8-10, this was a work profile inflated within a fully managed device allowing absolute control and visibility of the entire device. Eleven, this transitioned to a variation of a work profile (BYOD) deployment with a little more visibility and control for IT than the work profile alone but offering far more privacy at a cost of management.
- Out of the box is zero-touch enrollment for Android 8.0 and above.
- A managed Google Play portal offering an application store for work devices containing only explicitly approved applications, the ability to rapidly deploy internal applications through a fast-track upload process, granular app track management, and web app support.
- Silent application installation without needing a user-provided Google account on the device.
- Managed configs, a way of deploying corporate settings to managed applications (think Exchange profiles, but configurable in Gmail directly.
- a means for OEMs to provide additional APIs over and above Android Enterprise efficiently managed directly through an EMM. Here's a breakdown of the management scenarios Android Enterprise supports:
As can be seen, there's a lot of flexibility for supporting most business requirements, with the additional - the most common - management scenario, where the organization owns the device but permits some personal usage, available with Android 8.0. These scenarios are available at no cost as soon as Android Enterprise has been bound with the EMM platform of choice.
Enabling Android Enterprise
There are two ways of enabling Android Enterprise. The first and the original is through a G Suite managed domain called managed Google accounts that require either an existing G Suite subscription or a free single-user account used for little more than initial setup, optionally, managed app approval. Suppose domain verification still needs to be done through G Suite. In that case, the business will need to undertake a couple of tasks to prove they own the domain they're setting AE up against, followed by a bit of integration work with the EMM platform of choice.
No domain verification is required, takes practically minutes to set up and the EMM manages the individual Android Enterprise accounts on the managed devices, meaning there's no need for additional Google accounts or G Suite user management. Furthermore, because the EMM manages account provisioning, Google doesn't associate the accounts with any particular user, and privacy is enhanced.
Whichever method is used, it's possible (but not necessarily required for managed Google accounts since G Suite has bundled EMM functionality) to link one of many existing EMM platforms that support AE and configure the corporate Play Store, Managed Google Play.
Why Choose Android Enterprise?
Customers embrace the flexible device management option available in Android Enterprise. It allows users to separate work and personal profiles on the same device. It administers corporate applications and data while maintaining employee privacy while assuring the security and confidentiality of valuable information. Also, it is adaptable because of rapid deployment methods, including zero-touch enrollment, QR codes, and configuration through NFC, which ease the process of encouraging your team up and working.
From Smartphones users to ruggedized tablets Android Enterprise App Development offers demanding environments and builds a solution for managing Android devices for every employee in any industry with APIs. Prices are the dominant factors that companies choose for the Android platform. Many organizations have already reduced their investment in terms of mobile hardware by one-fourth by merely shifting to Android.
What Benefits of Android Enterprise?
- Embracing device choice - With Android Enterprise, organizations can meet strict security requirements with rapid deployment features.
- Lower cost and rapid deployment - It reduces the total cost of ownership with devices that attain rigorous standards essential for an enterprise. Zero-touch enrollment for Android devices can deploy the corporate device in an actual figure without manual setup. Employees can get their equipment with apps and management settings configured.
- Finding a great device - From numerous methods, the companies choose Android-based approaches for running a legacy OS and management solution. Employees get a good user experience with extensive services.
Factors Determining Best Android Enterprise Solutions
- Knox Support
- Single Sign-On for Apps
- Mobile Expense Management
- Granular Selective Wipe
- Remote Wipe
- Remote Lock
- User Self Registration
- Blackberry version
- iOS App
- Android App
You can enable Android Enterprise in two ways; the first and fundamental is GSuite managed domain. It requires a GSuite subscription or single-user account. If the domain verification has yet to be accomplished through GSuite, the business will need to imply a couple of tasks to prove the ownership of the domain.
The newer method is Android Enterprise Accounts, which can collaborate with any Gmail account. No domain verification essential is required, and it practically takes a couple of minutes to set up. Google handles the individual Android Enterprise accounts without needing Gmail or GSuite user management.
Either method is used, and connecting one of the managing EMM platforms that support AE and layout the Play Store is possible. The significant benefit of appreciating the Enterprise Mobility Management development platform for app management is its configuration, proving it to be easy to customize applications to businesses for quick use on deployment. No other additional end-user configuration is required.
The combination of personal and work applications together on the BYOD handset exhibit a level of integration. For the end-user, they have felt like some additional apps are installed. However, an underlying profile configuration is employed to differentiate and secure corporate data from personal. The BYOD model needs to meet perfection; it needs additional authentication. Android device management explained. More than 80% of all mobile devices worldwide run Android, a mobile operating system created by Google. This higher percentage means company employees are more likely to use Android for work and personal use than other device types.
Android devices, if accessing critical business data, can threaten security if hacked, stolen, or lost. But with a single ADM platform, IT and security departments can manage a company's mobile devices, keeping them secure and the workforce flexible and productive. Android device management allows IT administrators to manage and secure Android devices. It provides system visibility, remote app management capabilities, automatic security updates and installs, kiosk mode, security alerts, geolocation, or geofencing that can auto-lock lost or stolen devices.
What Are Major Android Security Threats?
Android OS is the most widely used mobile operating system in the world, according to Statista.1 And logically, Android users encounter more security compromises than Apple iOS users. Two major Android security threats are malware and data leaks.
Malware
Mobile malware is undetected software created to damage, disrupt or gain illegitimate access to a client, computer server, or computer network. Malware can exploit OS vulnerabilities to steal data, change device configurations to allow it to introduce more malicious software with additional functionality, deliver pop-up ads, or trigger strings of premium SMS messages for monetization. Some malware can cripple devices, making them unusable for some time.
Data leaks
Data leaks are the unauthorized or unintentional transfer of sensitive information from a mobile device over the internet - sometimes because of malware. A leaking app is one of the most common mobile security risks. Unencrypted data makes data more readily available to a cybercriminal utilizing the same network as the device with a vulnerable app - a practice known as a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack.
Read More: What Customers can expect Android Enterprise Recommended EMMs?
Excessive app permissions
There are millions of Android apps available in the Google Play store. And while some are safe and treat personal data with the utmost care, many are unsafe. Apps can be compromised.
Compromised apps can lead to data leaks. Personal or corporate data can funnel to unscrupulous third parties from unsafe apps. One way data can leak is through excessive app permissions. App permissions determine what functions an app can access on a user's device. Some app permissions are riskier than others, so users need to pay attention to the permissions they grant. According to the study "Understanding the mobile threat landscape," 45% of the most requested permissions on Android are considered high-risk. But which permissions are high-risk, and how so?
Out-of-date operating systems
Per the study, "65% of organizations have at least one device with an out-of-date operating system." The data shows "57% of Android devices are running an OS at least two full versions behind the current one." Updated operating systems improve device performance and include critical security patches. So without OS updates, Android devices remain vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Sideloading Apps
Sideloading Android devices describes an app installation process outside the default Google Play store. While an Android OS default configuration doesn't allow sideloaded apps to be downloaded and installed from unofficial sources, it's possible to configure Android OS settings to allow third-party apps. So users can download application packages from websites or install apps from third-party app stores.
Research shows that around 20% of Android devices have this setting enabled, opening the device to threats. Users that sideload apps face increased security risks because it bypasses Apple and Google's application vetting process on their official app stores. Thus, the device has less protection against inadvertently installed. "35% of organizations have at least one device with one or more sideloaded apps installed," according to a study.
Rooting
Rooting is the process of allowing Android users to gain control over internal OS systems. And as the name implies, the technique provides root access to the device. Users of rooted Android devices can make drastic changes, including changing the device's operating system. Rooting an Android OS is similar to jailbreaking an Apple's iOS. Both are privilege escalation methods, but rooting provides more control to Android users than Apple users gain through jailbreaking.
Per the study, "6% of organizations have at least one jailbroken or rooted device." Although popular with users trying to free a device from carrier lock, these risky configurations allow them to install unauthorized software functions and applications. Some users might jailbreak or root their mobile devices to install security enhancements. But most look for a more straightforward method to customize the OS or install applications unavailable on the official app stores. Whatever the case, rooting opens up the device to cyber threats.
How does Android Device Management Work?
A successful ADM program works best with Android Enterprise. Android Enterprise is a Google-led initiative enabling the use of Android devices and apps in the workplace. It provides a fast, streamlined method for deploying corporate-owned Android devices, and it's the default management solution for Android devices running.
The program offers APIs and other developers' tools to integrate support for Android into their enterprise mobility management (EMM) solutions. For example, the unified endpoint management (UEM) platform integrates with Android Enterprise to support the Android EMM solution APIs. It brings a unified experience of management to the Android operating system.
An Android Enterprise integration allows an organization to:
- Gain insight into each device, including its OS system and version number, manufacturer details, and root detection.
- Perform actions to locate devices and lock or wipe (complete and selective) lost devices. And control apps with blocklist, allowlist, and auto-install or removal. Enforce geofencing on hardware features, such as the camera, to protect sensitive data.
- Set policies to enable access to corporate resources from email to Wi-Fi and VPN. Manage passcode updates and length to meet evolving corporate standards and enforce encryptions and kiosk mode.
- Disable hardware functions such as the camera, USB storage, and microphone. Protect data-level leaks with feature restrictions for the clipboard, cut-and-paste and screen-capture functions.
- Enforce OS updates to reduce vulnerabilities or pause updates until your corporate applications are vetted and ready for deployment.
- Zero-day support for new Android OS versions and devices.
- Zero-touch enrollment with out-of-the-box configuration and one-time setup for large-scale deployments.
Privacy and peace of mind are supported by BYOD - by shielding personal app information, device location, physical address, SSID, and browsing history. With an Android work profile, personal data can stay private while work data remains secure. The user can switch between work and personal profiles without sharing data.
Mobile devices such as phones and tablets are quickly becoming standard tools in the enterprise. Falling hardware costs and the arrival of 5G will make these devices even more valuable. For IT managers, the question will be: How do you manage those devices to maximize efficiency with minimal risk?
Read More: Google has released a new Android standard for enterprise mobility management (EMM) providers
Setting up a mobile device management (MDM) program is the answer. For a program to work, you need the right tools, such as an MDM software platform and staffing levels. For now, let's assume that your staff is knowledgeable and can see the gaps. You need to acquire an effective MDM software solution. To get that software business case approved, you must be savvy in explaining the benefits.
Key Benefits of Mobile Device Management Software
Reduce IT Administration
Most IT departments are drowning in service requests and project ideas. Then, you face the challenge of coming up with innovative ideas. It would be best to have the capacity and time to think about making all that happen. Mobile device management software helps because it reduces IT administration. Instead of manually configuring and testing each new mobile device, MDM software handles the repetitive tasks for you. That gives IT staff more time to work on challenging projects that improve productivity.
Improve End-user Productivity
Aside from die-hard technology fans who line up to buy new mobile devices, getting new technology isn't fun for most end users. This is a harsh truth for IT professionals to accept. Most business end users want to get on with their work.
Mobile device management helps end users become more productive because requesting new mobile devices can be cut down from days to hours. Once end users have the device, MDM helps them get set up on their corporate network much faster. That means less time waiting to access email, internal websites, and calendars. Add it all up; it means significant time savings for the business.
Resource: To achieve further productivity gains, consider implementing digital forms to gather and process information. Even better, Device Magic's enterprise form solution directly integrates into, databases, so data moves into workflows efficiently.
Reduce IT Risk
Mobile devices, especially if your organization allows "Bring Your Device" (BYOD), create increased risk exposures. Typically, IT managers respond to these risks in one of two ways, both of which help. First, you may say "no" to mobile device requests. That's a fast way to become unpopular. Second, you may take a manual approach to review and oversee each device.
Mobile device management software is the better way to reduce IT risk. For example, you can enforce your cybersecurity requirements systematically instead of relying upon users to manage updates manually. Further, you can track mobile device usage with employee status. That's valuable because you can track down devices from former employees. That means improved data loss prevention for the company and fewer angry phone calls from executives about lost confidential data or missing devices that have walked away.
Optimize Mobile Device Spending
Top-of-the-line iPhones cost over $1,000, and high-quality Android phones are far from cheap. Those costs add up quickly once you're buying hundreds or thousands of devices, and that's not all. You also have to consider the software licenses and the accessories employees need to be productive. Finally, you have the service charges from the telecom provider. Managing all these mobile device costs can be challenging.
As an IT leader, you must show finance and other executives that you're effectively managing corporate resources. Failure to show financial discipline will make you look unprofessional. There's a way to address all this.
With mobile device management software in place, you can cut costs. For example, you can limit the number of device purchases because MDM helps to identify unused or missing devices (e.g., older devices in cabinets) that employees may have forgotten.
Enable Enterprise Growth
Could IT handle the challenge if your enterprise added a thousand employees this quarter through hiring, acquisition, or other changes? If you're honest, you can imagine going through plenty of struggles and missing SLAs. That kind of disappointment and missed service expectations make end users respect IT less.
By using MDM thoroughly, you'll enable enterprise growth. You'll have the systems and processes to manage 100 or 10,000 users. That means IT will be perceived as enabling growth, not standing in the way. Now, which mobile device management software programs should you consider.
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Conclusion
Till now, you would have understood Android Application Development Enterprise and its advantages for implementation in your enterprise. Before the technology of Android Enterprise, the market faced the issue of inconsistent management capabilities among manufacturers and App developers. Android Enterprise provides consistent APIs for device management and application management.
Android Enterprise Management confidentially divides corporate and personal data at the same time enabling pure corporate-owned profiles without acquiring user space. There are more features to be developed in the future for additional capabilities and allowing remote provisioning.
As per the developers, Google considers this as a beginning. Their target is to feature parity between other functionalities provided by Samsung and Apple. In the long term, everyone must accept the Android Enterprise as a de facto choice for their enterprise device management. But in doing all these procedures, they expect the perception of Android safety improves.
