Verizon, whose Droid line of smartphones based on Google’s Android operating system has proved popular among consumers, is doing more to appeal to enterprise users of Android handsets.
The No. 1 wireless carrier Sept. 16 selected Good Technology to provide security and remote data access software for corporate workers using the Motorola Droid, Droid 2, Droid X, HTC Droid Incredible and other smartphones running Android.
With 200,000 Android devices activated daily, the allure rallying around the Android is clear as the platform ascends up the ranks to challenge Apple and Research In Motion.
Good, a respected provider of mobile management software, has added more than 1,500 enterprise deployments since it began supporting Apple’s iPhone and Google Android smartphones in December.
Much of the growth stems from corporate road warriors purchasing the smartphones for themselves and using them as their business handsets, rather than lugging around a second phone, the company said.
Good for Enterprise-Android, as Verizon and Good call the software solution, is aimed at providing security and full device management for Android smartphones used by workers.
Specifically, the solution includes Good’s existing products, Good Mobile Control and Good Mobile Messaging.
Good Mobile Control provides over-the-air device management and on-device encryption of enterprise data. Good Mobile Messaging delivers mobile e-mail and personal information management of calendar and contacts for Android handsets.
Mark Bartolomeo, vice president of global enterprise marketing for Verizon, said customers in health care and financial services will find the solution especially suited to their businesses because of the security features.
However, any business where Android phone-using employees generate sensitive data would benefit from such software.
Businesses need to turn somewhere to secure the devices, and Good, along with RIM, Zenprise and Tangoe, offers such software relief.