Google launches business version of Android

Google has announced Android For Work, an addition to its mobile operating system intended for business use. Among other things, the software makes it possible to keep work and private life separate and offers better security.

Android For Work will be available on version 5.0 and higher of the mobile OS, Google says on its weblog. The software uses the standard encryption technology built into the latest version of Android; with a stringent policy based on SELinux. Business content can be accessed via a special ‘work profile’ that is isolated from the rest of the content on the device. Business content can also be removed remotely by the employer, while personal data remains.

According to Google, it should also be possible to use Android For Work with older versions of Android. That works via a special app that has yet to be released. An app is used because the work profiles used in Android 5.0 and above are not present in lower versions of the mobile operating system.

In addition to separating work and private life, Android For Work includes a special version of Google Play that makes it easy to download business apps that are distributed by the employer. Furthermore, a number of business tools are built in as standard, mainly for e-mail, contacts and calendar.

Google claims to be working with several companies: most major smartphone manufacturers have rallied behind Android For Work. It is striking that BlackBerry is also mentioned. According to the internet giant, there is integration with the BlackBerry software, although no details have yet been given.

Google already announced last year that there would be more business features in Android. Then the internet giant announced a partnership with Samsung, which mainly concerned the integration of Android with Samsung’s security software Knox.