Sprint, Samsung, Citrix Bring Android to the Enterprise

Google’s Android is headed for the enterprise.
Samsung, Sprint and Citrix Systems announced May 11 that the Samsung Moment smartphone is the first Android-running device to be Citrix Ready certified.
The Citrix program vets out third-party solutions that can be paired with the virtual desktop capabilities of the Citrix Receiver to extend virtualization, networking and cloud computing solutions to multiple platforms in a mobile environment. This essentially allows employees to access their desktops and files from the road or a remote office.
One such third-party is Ford, which offers several vans and pickup trucks, such as the F-150, with Ford Work Solutions deployed in the computers in their dashboards. The solution is powered by Sprint 3G mobile broadband and is said to be currently under consideration for a Citrix Receiver, so that mobile business tools can be accessed from the dash.
“By combining the strengths of Sprint and Samsung with Citrix, businesses can gain the ability to utilize mobile computing not only from a handheld device or PC/laptop/netbook perspective, but to extend the capability to the true road warrior environment,” the companies shared in a statement.
Samsung launched the Moment on the Sprint network in Nov. 2009. In addition to running Google’s popular OS, it features a 3.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen – Sprint’s first at the time – which is said to offer a particularly crisp image. Other features include a slide-out qwerty keypad, an optical joystick, as an additional navigation option, an 800MHz processor and built-in Google services, such as Gmail and Google Maps.
“The new solution is a prime example of how Samsung Mobile is working with other proven innovators to strengthen our efficient and flexible offerings to enterprise businesses and users,” Gavin Kim, Samsung Mobile’s vice president of content, data servies and enterprise mobility, said in a statement.
“Businesses and their workforces look to smartphones, including the Samsung Moment, to stay connected and productive while out of the office and the Citrix solution is an exciting way to extend that value proposition,” Kim continued.
Citrix vice president John Fanelli added that Citrix Ready makes it easier for enterprises to select the most suitable virtualization infrastructure products for their needs, and Sprint’s Tom Roberts said the solution was just once more way in which Sprint is leveraging its 3G network, as well its growing WiMax-based 4G network.
“This ensures a seamless experience between the desktop/laptop, mobile device and even a road warrior solution like Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer,” Roberts continued.
Sprint’s WiMax provider, Clearwire, announced May 5 that it additionally plans to offer a 4G-enabled smartphone from Samsung, as well as HTC, before the end of the year.
The Citrix Summit and Synergy event, currently underway through May 14 at San Francisco’s Moscone West convention center, will feature demonstrations of Citrix solutions, including with the Samsung Moment and the Ford Work Solutions F-150.