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Businesses should utilize corporate devices in the workplace. These must adhere to Unauthorized Access deployment plans and be easily managed and upgraded, providing employees with convenient connectivity while increasing productivity and experience.
In order to remain current and productive, smartphones designed specifically for businesses (or select OEMs) could prove advantageous.
Why is Android Enterprise Recommended?
Google's Android Enterprise Recommended Initiative helps users choose an Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solution suitable for deploying Android devices into enterprise environments.
EMM developers can utilize APIs, tools, and other resources provided through company-owned devices in this initiative while protecting corporate data at the same time.
Android Enterprise Recommended is an initiative from Google that recognizes devices manufactured by manufacturers who demonstrate commitment to simplifying device deployment, increasing security, and building trust among corporate customers.
Users can quickly select suitable Android phones for their corporate needs from this list; additionally, Google also provides technical support, training courses, and validation of these phones for further validation purposes.
Android Enterprise Recommended is Google's list of recommended enterprise-graded devices. It is an invaluable opportunity for organizations and OEMs with devices meeting enterprise-grade criteria to showcase them to Google for evaluation against best practices that include essential criteria.
The minimum Android requirement for devices is Android 7.0 or later with Zero Touch Enrollment support to facilitate bulk deployment of devices; Google must release security updates every 90 days, and unlocked phones should be readily available from manufacturers or retailers.
Devices should provide an intuitive experience across applications, profiles, and managed devices. Android Enterprise Recommended Program only accepts devices that meet Google's stringent compatibility standards for enterprise environments and ensure their proper functionality, with each device needing to be certified prior to qualifying for this program.
Android Enterprise Recommended was created explicitly with enterprise users in mind, not average users. It features enhanced management for enterprise apps through Google Play for Work as well as zero-touch enrollment with MDM's intuitive support for Android Enterprise Recommended, including creating work profiles without user involvement - this means isolating corporate apps from those owned or controlled by end users themselves.
Device Owner Control offers organizations complete oversight over any corporate-owned devices. With Google Play For Work and zero-touch certification from Android Enterprise Recommended, organizations are given increased control and certificate over corporate-owned devices with zero-touch enrollment technologies such as Android Zero-Touch Enrollment certification of support.
This gives organizations complete oversight over any corporate-owned device on which their employees use work devices or access company applications and content.
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What Is The Purpose Of Android Enterprise?
Android is quickly becoming the go-to operating system of choice among many organizations worldwide, thanks to its adaptable nature, form factor, and wide array of applications geared to improving employee productivity.
Android provides support in their work lives.
Android is more accessible to employees in lower-level roles within an organization than iOS; iOS tends to be reserved for senior executives and managers.
Some flagship models that compete directly with Apple products but at higher prices also serve middle and lower-end markets more effectively than their Apple counterparts.
What is the AER List?
Certified Google AER devices must comply with stringent security, UX, and hardware specifications; Google tests them rigorously to make sure that they live up to "established standards."
The list below can assist businesses in assessing which solutions may prove successful and which won't.
- Minimum hardware specifications for Android 7.0 devices and later.
- When enrolling multiple devices at once using Zero Touch profiles, their user experiences remain consistent across each one.
- Google releases security updates within 90 days from when an OS initially launches; manufacturers and retailers provide unlocked phones as options to consumers.
Benefits of AER to OEMs
Google AER Program members can utilize the badge in marketing materials to advertise devices. Furthermore, the AER program also offers enhanced training and support programs to address any challenges related to Android Enterprise or UX.
Google can educate OEMs and train them on how to solve issues before devices reach customers. At the same time, AER participation enables OEMs to remain aware of emerging standards and stay compliant.
AER certification applies per device and not per OEM; each AER list entry must be examined separately; therefore, an OEM cannot rely on one product alone to secure approval in one go for all their product lines.
What Are The Main Benefits Of AER For Businesses, And What Components Are Essential?
Android Enterprise Recommended was established to help businesses select and deploy the optimal smartphones from among a selection of manufacturers and partners for workplace deployment while maintaining security and being easily deployable.
In this article, we explore its benefits as well as which factors might compel businesses to utilize it.
An Easy Process for Device Selection:
AER's Approved Android list makes selecting devices easier for business use, all meeting Google standards. Check AER's Selected Devices here.
Maintain Consistency in Deployment:
AER provides IT administrators the power to deploy Android features without incurring excessive costs for support or device deployment.
Enrollment without touch offers the quickest method for setting up corporate-owned devices quickly.
Security Updates Are Regular: AER devices are regularly upgraded with Android's most cutting-edge features and security patches to provide optimal use and protect our clients from potential risks.
Add Rugged Devices:
Google now supports ruggedized devices running Android OS Version 7.0+, with specifications including 2GB RAM and 16GB storage; 1GHz processor speed; 32-bit architecture with bulk provisioning via QR codes bulk provisioning, as well as support for 4' (12M).
Each ruggedized device should feature unique user experience and service features that create the optimal experience.
Include EMM Solutions:
AER's Electronic Monitoring Modules (EMMs) can fit seamlessly into multiple deployment environments ranging from employee-owned backgrounds to corporate settings, with expert and professionally trained support provided by qualified specialists.
AER EMMs are easy to set up with advanced security and management features and adhere to best deployment practices for maximum effectiveness and convenience.
Google Authorized and Properly Trained Service Providers:
All providers vetted as Android Enterprise Recommended Managed Services providers have received training on mobile architecture, implementation, and technical support, as well as expertise in Android Enterprise deployment as well as its user's activity.
AER EMM providers may even offer additional training services.
The List Of Available Products Is Also Growing As AER Devices Continue To Increase
Google initially supported 22 devices when they originally announced Android Enterprise Recommended; as of January, that has increased rapidly with hardware releases and security patches being included on 70 new devices.
Since its inception, Android Enterprise Recommended has made rapid inroads into rugged devices, EMMs, and UEMs; its impact may eventually extend even further by taking on solution integrators as it matures further.
The History Of The World
EMM platforms rely heavily on APIs to monitor and interact with devices, including Bluetooth connectivity, camera functionality, and system settings.
EMM is compatible with many operating systems beyond just Android.
Android lacked Device Administrator APIs until Android 2.2 arrived with limited device administration functionality.
Unfortunately, these limitations restrict their potential application in other ways as well.
No need for concern; Android is an open OS that allows manufacturers to customize and personalize products accordingly, providing Zebra and Samsung an opportunity for success and investing significant funds to ensure it would succeed.
Samsung and Zebra have become the two top Android vendors for enterprise customers today, supported by EMM tools like Knox or MX.
LG, Sony, and Huawei all attempted to add APIs in an attempt to compete against these leaders; however, their efforts pale in comparison.
Samsung's API strategy has long been an issue. Samsung's more expensive devices tend to use the latest versions.
In contrast, budget or mid range models may still utilize older releases, leading to confusion (if these models exist, then why don't all share management features?) Samsung has historically needed help to coordinate its API deployment strategy effectively. Their more expensive models often use newer releases. In contrast, budget and midrange devices may still have older ones installed, leading to confusion (if these were models, why only some share similar management features?) This results in consistency across their ecosystem and product lines; although unifying system images across all devices has made a considerable improvement, this issue still needs to be addressed during Device Admin sessions.
EMMs require APIs for EMM Integration so as to be able to seamlessly transfer information from PIM directly into mobile apps like email, contacts, and calendars.
Without support for Exchange's APIs, it was almost impossible for non-Samsung devices other than Samsung to transmit information to Exchange servers, making management of Exchange issues complex. Google recognized Android security concerns even as recently as 2026.
Also Read: What is the best solution for enterprise Android Management?
Enter Android Enterprise
Android vs Android Enterprise
Android Enterprise should not be seen as an independent product. While TV, Auto, or Automotive solutions utilizing Android rely heavily on it for performance reasons, Enterprise works within this same ecosystem to be integrated seamlessly with them and performed effectively as part of them.
Enterprise isn't its management solution either - instead, it serves to represent APIs that require EMM to function optimally.
Android Enterprise was introduced with Android 5.0 Lollipop as an optional way for manufacturers to develop standardized APIs for managing devices.
Still, with Marshmallow, it has become mandatory, and certain features exclusive to Marshmallow provide management assistance without OEM support.
Android Enterprise (AE) brings various advantages. These benefits may include:
- Reliable EMM software that ensures all devices in your AE network will obey instructions and support any configuration requests sent will provide peace of mind and ensure successful outcomes for any configuration requests sent in.
- The containerized separation between personal and professional life is one of the critical benefits of BYOD. Android 11's "work profiles" serve as the basis of COPE. The fully managed mode provides a corporate-controlled environment without room for personal items or information to enter or leave the system.
- "Kiosk mode" refers to an application specifically tailored for Kiosks (Android Kiosk running on an Android device managed by your company, formerly COSU or Corporately Owned Single Use) running Android OS devices owned by them (COSU or Corporately Owned, Single Use).
- COPE for personal devices and company-owned work computers was an example of COPE that gave IT visibility and control, providing a heightened work profile on machines managed by IT that gave visibility and control; eventually, this evolved into BYOD with increased power, transparency, and privacy features.
- Enroll with zero-touch Android versions eight or later (Pixel 7). Google Play Portal provides an App Store with specifically approved apps, rapid upload of internal applications, tracking with fine-grained management features, and support web apps.
- Install apps silently without needing a Google Account and manage configurations with Gmail directly for corporate settings (see below). Also, OEMConfig provides OEMs the flexibility of offering other APIs besides Android Enterprise through EMM solutions.
Here is an overview of Android Enterprise scenarios.
Android Enterprise can meet many business requirements, one popular scenario being controlling devices while permitting restricted personal usage (COPE).
Once connected with their EMM of choice, Android Enterprise makes these scenarios available free of cost.
Enabling Android Enterprise
Android Developer can be enabled in two ways. One approach involves G Suite-managed domains (also referred to as Managed Google Accounts), which require either a G Suite subscription or a user account in order to initially set up and set management; otherwise, the domain must go through verification through some means within your organization to prove ownership.
BYOD and Work Profile
Google introduced user profiles into Android phones starting with version 5.0, and tablets already using this feature may benefit as well.
Android Enterprise goes further by giving users tools for protecting and managing both local profiles and disk encryption. With Android 7, the encryption keys have changed for work/personal apps.
Consider how this BYOD mixes work and personal apps; to the user, they appear as added apps despite settings designed to protect corporate data - for instance, DLP policies prevent enterprise information from migrating between work profiles or vice versa; personal details are unaffected by an enterprise wipe operation.
Google recently unveiled work profile verification as an enhancement of their work profile feature, giving users another password for corporate applications that form part of their profile.
Prior to Google's enhancements, this was only available via BlackBerry Good, MobileIron, or AirWatch Container devices.
An employee in countries with tight working hours will benefit significantly from being able to temporarily deactivate their work profile during weekends, evenings, and holidays - something greatly enhanced in Android 11 with Android Enterprise and Digital Wellbeing's revamp of this feature.
This feature has also been improved significantly through Android 11 Enterprise/Digital Wellbeing's changes.
BYOD can present certain limitations. From an administrator perspective, organizations are restricted in their ability to see beyond individual user profiles and implement basic policies like passcode restrictions on devices.
If your organization requires a more traditional implementation of device management, then fully managed device management would likely be your better bet.
Samsung provides Knox Workspace as an alternative option for work profiles, providing similar user experiences but with critical distinctions that should be kept in mind when choosing either option.
Knox Premium makes for an economical yet flexible management option suitable for Android Enterprise customers, with more APIs available to them for control than Android Enterprise offers.
Diving Devices That Are Fully Managed Allow You To Dive Deeper
Full-managed devices do not contain user usage restrictions; instead, they're configured with EMM administrator guidelines in mind in order to address both COPE and BYOD scenarios.
Android 8.0 managed devices were among the first managed devices that supported COPE scenarios.
Deprecation of Work Profiles on Fully Managed Devices:
Android 11 has introduced significant modifications to the COPE user experience. Android 11 has significantly changed this part of COPE.
Provisioning managed devices automatically turns off non-essential apps by default until approved; access is restricted to Google Play business apps. Before any app can be accessed via this method, its use of a camera must have also been approved, as system apps requiring said camera might require extra approval by your company; all system apps might then be activated once released to keep OEM/carrier clutter intact.
Any device that has been reset or newly purchased will undergo complete managed provisioning on initial boot up, including full managed provisioning of software updates and security patches.
Application designed to provision devices equipped with NFC tags that connect directly to EMM Server data. A Google Account Setup Screen Using a DPC Identifier offers simple enrollment without touching anything, while QR Codes offer touchless registration.
NFC Provisioning:
AirWatch's NFC Provisioning feature gives administrators the power to create additional accounts against which devices may be directly enrolled, making mass staging much simpler.
MobileIron and other providers follow Google's lead by provisioning devices in bulk staging situations.
Due to its requirement for NFC technology, this provisioning method may present certain restrictions and drawbacks.
Apple Configurator devices, NFC tags, and wireless sensors all communicate to one central point for connectivity and are used only to store environmental data; they cannot be moved or moved remotely by remote users. Should any wipeout take place, devices will revert to factory default settings and reset themselves automatically. Devices without NFC cannot interact, including those that were sold with this feature disabled from the factory.
QR Provisioning:
Android 7.0 introduced remote device provisioning via QR codes for OEMs who support it (which is most of them). When setting up Wi-Fi before enrolling into QR enrollment, Setup Wizard prompts users to enable Wi-Fi before initiating QR enrollment; once downloaded, they can scan MobileIron codes like those displayed below using either their camera or QR reader to complete registration.
Android Pie 9.0 features the QR package, enabling provisioning to take place more rapidly than in previous Android versions; Wi-Fi credentials can now be directly added onto QR codes for three times faster provisioning.
Zero-Touch Provisioning:
Android 8.0 offers zero-touch provisioning as an alternative to Apple DEP and Samsung KME. Once assigned to these consoles by authorized resellers, devices purchased then become fully managed once removed - learn more here about zero-touch.
App Management:
Google Play Store Enterprise Devices offers EMM administrators an alternative to using Google Play, which only enables administrators to install applications onto devices.
EMM administrators might already be familiar with its configuration, as shown above. Yet, apps like Chrome offer much more in terms of domain management and browser capabilities.
Android Enterprise utilizes EMM to manage Google Play Accounts on behalf of its users centrally, eliminating separate login accounts on every device.
Install apps without disrupting the work process: the EMM will organize and organize them all for you.
Internal support can provide fast and cost-free distribution of corporate apps. When uploading APKs to Google Play for testing purposes, users will experience faster downloading speeds as well as simultaneous testing capabilities.
Organizations have long requested Web App Support. This was especially evident following their migration from Android Enterprise Enterprise to Android Enterprise Enterprise without web clip policies being available to all devices.
Web app management through Managed Google Play now enables administrators to turn any website online into an installable app on devices.
Android Enterprise: What it is and Why It Matters
Enterprise mobility has emerged as an indispensable factor of business success in today's digital era, prompting companies to seek ways to manage and secure mobile devices at work.
Android Enterprise Recommended is here to assist businesses in selecting an Android device best suited to their company. This guide offers solutions.
Android Enterprise is highly recommended. Google thoroughly validates all devices listed as being part of this index to ensure they comply with enterprise mobility standards and meet them satisfactorily.
What Does Android Enterprise Recommended Device Mean for Business? Android Enterprise Recommended devices provide businesses with a way to ensure the optimal experience in terms of security, compatibility, and user experience for their data protection, applications running smoothly across services, and keeping employees productive all year long, no matter their location.
Android Enterprise Recommended Program devices prioritize security as one of their key benefits, with regular security updates and data encryption capabilities to protect corporate sensitive information even if lost or stolen devices.
Remote wiping capabilities also offer further assurance against theft or loss.
Android Enterprise Recommended provides companies with peace of mind by assuring both security and compatibility between EMM solutions, Android devices, and their enterprise mobility management (EMM) solution of choice - giving them confidence that both will meet their mobility management requirements without creating barriers for business mobility management (EMM) solutions to work as expected.
Companies using this program are free to choose their EMM of choice, knowing it will support both platforms seamlessly.
Android Enterprise Recommended devices offer employees an enjoyable user experience. Their sleek designs seamlessly integrate with services and apps for an exceptional working experience anywhere they may work.
Android Enterprise Recommended is an effective option for companies seeking to manage and secure mobile devices in the workplace.
Companies using these Android Enterprise Recommended devices can rest easy knowing their data will remain protected. At the same time, apps and services operate flawlessly - giving employees freedom of productivity anywhere on their journeys to work.
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Conclusion
Android Enterprise is an exceptional product.
We hope the benefits have been adequately discussed herein; to sum it all up:
- Android Enterprise is a new management platform unifying all its features into one cohesive experience. This platform includes consistent APIs for managing both devices and applications.
- Android Enterprise allows your company to establish an entity-owned profile without taking up user space on devices provisioned. After provisioning, machines do not require Google Accounts in order to install apps after provisioning is completed.
- Future additions and functionalities to our tools for management.
- Google Enterprise's short-term objective is feature parity; their long-term goal is to surpass other vendors such as Samsung and Apple and become the preferred enterprise device management solution worldwide - ultimately helping improve Android security reputation in doing so.
Android Enterprise is what your business needs to manage Android devices effectively and reliably or add extra features on corporate mobile devices.
Android Enterprise initially became popularized due to people purchasing devices without adequate APIs needed for reliable management; this phenomenon often applies to lesser-known brands.
