Google revealed an initiative yesterday to make smartphones running its Android software more appealing to corporations, a move that could help extend the Internet company's reach into workplaces.
Google said on its official blog that its Android for Work program will provide improved security and management features for corporations that want to give their employees Android smartphones.
Smartphones supported by the new initiative will be able to keep an employee's work and personal apps separate, and a special Android for Work app will allow businesses to oversee key tools such as e-mail, calendar and contacts.
Google said it is partnering with more than two-dozen companies including BlackBerry, Citrix Systems and Box.
Google's Android software is the world's most popular mobile operating system, but many corporations, which have significant security and device management requirements, give their employees smartphones made by BlackBerry or Apple.
BlackBerry tie-up
Meanwhile, BlackBerry said yesterday it is working with Google to enable its software to manage and secure some of Google's Android devices, a move that builds on BlackBerry's recent partnership with Samsung Electronics.
In November, BlackBerry entered partnerships with Samsung and other high-profile technology industry players, broadening the reach of its revamped mobile-device management and security platform.
BlackBerry said it is offering a "highly secure mobility solution" for Samsung's Android devices. The new system weds BlackBerry's security platform with the South Korean company's own security software for its line-up of Galaxy devices that are powered by Google's Android operating system.
Yesterday, BlackBerry outlined a similar tie-up directly with Google, to manage devices equipped with Android for Work - Google's own solution to securely separate business and personal data and applications.
BlackBerry shares rose 4.3% to $10.71 on the Nasdaq following the announcement.
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