The enterprise-grade device space is undergoing a major transformation. The market is expected to grow by over USD 1.7 billion between 2019 and 2023. Enterprise grade devices are the first choice in the healthcare, military, manufacturing and retail industry verticals. Not only is there improvement in their physical attributes but their internal software capabilities are also getting boosted. Likewise, Android has replaced Windows as the preferred OS for powering modern enterprise grade devices.

Let’s understand the reasons behind this steady but systematic shift towards Android.

End of Support
Firstly, lack of development and support for Windows CE by Microsoft puts an end to almost two decades of Windows availability in the enterprise grade devices space which has mainly triggered the migration to Google’s Android. Due to a lack of partners and support, OEMs who want to continue to use Windows will incur additional costs because they would need to develop their own apps from scratch.

Enterprise Focus
Android has increased its footprint in enterprise-grade device space by enhancing encryptions and adding device management framework and multi-user capabilities. Google has enhanced device administration support and improved device runtime security by sandboxing per application environment. IDC expects Android-based enterprise grade devices to grow at 23% CAGR over the next five years.

Google, specifically, added enterprise grade devices to its Android Enterprise Recommended program and mandated OEMs to offer 90-day security updates for five years to their customers. Google also made available mass enrollment option for OEMs for large scale Android deployments to provide seamless setup and deployment for corporate-owned devices. This move itself is a positive indication of Google’s long-term commitment to venturing into enterprise device vertical.

Flexibility and Usability
Many OEMs are transitioning to Android because of its ease of use and flexibility, which saves costs and reduces training time. The ease of development via the Android SDK platform and a vast ecosystem of partner apps, positions Android as a lucrative and sustainable long-term option for both small and large players.

Android OS offers an unparalleled level of customization, brings with it a mammoth community of developers, and supplies access to millions of applications. It has a vast open-source library code and stable kernel which allows developers and manufacturers to access them easily and saves application development costs.

Robust Security
Security of business-related data is critical and will continue to be a priority as more and more companies adopt mobile computing. Google releases security updates every month and mandates compliance of its security patches for enterprise grade devices. Recent upgrades of Android OS now allow users to separate personal and business data on devices. Android runs each application in individual sandbox containers ensuring data protection between processes. For OEMs that prioritize security, Android is quickly aligning to their needs.

Compatibility
Enterprise grade devices have to support various extensions such as high-quality scanners, sensor technology, high-resolution cameras, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Long-Term Evolution (LTE-A 4G wireless broadband technology). Android OS is capable of supporting multiple features and is also compatible with many wearable ring scanners that are commonly found in manufacturing and retail environments.

 Chipset Support
The lifespan of enterprise grade devices is more than five years which is significantly longer than devices designed for personal use. Many chipset manufacturers have moved to Android because of the lack of long-term roadmap for Windows OS for enterprise grade devices. Device security is compromised when chipset vendors don’t offer long term support chipsets.

Why Sasken
For over a decade, Sasken has been a trusted Android specialist for Tier-1 OEMs and semiconductor companies starting with Cupcake in 2009 to the latest Android Q. Sasken has leveraged its strategic positioning in the Android ecosystem to enable customers to launch more than 100+ million and 50+ upgrades on Android. Sasken has the unique advantage of providing complete hardware and software solutions with turnkey execution. It has successfully enabled first-time migration of Android for Tier-1 enterprise customers with full product portfolio from new product, upgrade, security patch and maintenance. Some of Sasken’s success stories include providing latest Android upgrade on discontinued platforms, enabling entry in North American operator networks like Verizon, ensuring device conformance to FIPs standard, meeting stringent rugged power and performance requirements for industrial, transportation, aerospace and retail customers.

Learn about Sasken's diverse experience in integrating Android for Enterprise Grade Devices.