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Better Security
One of the biggest problems facing Android right now is the concern that it’s not as secure as other mobile operating systems. Google must work diligently on improving Android security and reassuring business customers that if they get an Android-based tablet, they won’t need to worry about sensitive information seeping out into the wild.
A Name Companies Know
The biggest issue facing Android tablets right now is that, with the exception of Cisco, no business-focused solution provider is ready to double down on tablets right now. Even worse, HP is focusing on tablets with its own operating system. Google needs to find a way to find other, Cisco-like companies and coax them into making enterprise-focused tablets of their own.
More Corporate-Focused Android Smartphones
Many believe that Android is for consumers. That's understandable. There are plenty of devices designed with consumers in mind in the Android market. Some may think the Motorola Droid Pro is the only suitable enterprise smartphone option. Maybe that's why Google needs to start encouraging vendors to create smartphones for business. If they catch on, companies might warm to the idea of bringing Android tablets to their operations.
Google’s Help
As mentioned in previous slides, Google is integral to the success or failure of Android tablets in the enterprise. The search giant should be working hard on determining what enterprise customers are after and bringing that to them as quickly as possible. The last thing Google will want to do is ignore the enterprise and watch as other firms, like RIM or HP, steal that lucrative space.
It’s All About Control
IT managers want to be able to control every aspect of a tablet before they put it in the hands of their employees. That’s precisely why Windows PCs are so popular. It’s also why Apple’s iOS platform isn’t such a bad choice for corporate customers. Google needs to keep IT staff’s desire for control in mind and deliver permissions that no other operating system can match. The more options available to IT staff, the better for Android.
Attracting More Enterprise Developers
The Android Market is integral to Google’s ability to appeal to business customers. Realizing that, developers should be courted. When business apps are offered, Google could go a long way in making business customers think again about adopting Android tablets.
Some Acknowledgment From Google
Speaking of Google, the tech giant must also be more public in its desire to appeal to corporate customers. For now, it seems focused on Android becoming a more popular platform. But at what point does it decide to target business customers? The sooner Google acknowledges the importance of bringing tablets to commercial accounts, the sooner it will be able to appeal to those customers.
4G
Wireless networking is extremely important in tablets. And the average firm would never buy a device that didn’t have 3G. But with the increasing importance of 4G playing into corporate decisions, Android tablet makers should include that technology in any device they plan to market to corporate customers. Such a move could pay off in a big way.
Some Help From Dell
Big-name enterprise-focused brands could do wonders for Android tablets in the enterprise. That’s precisely why Dell is so important. The PC maker has already developed Android tablets and it has made it clear that it’s focused on continuing that. The time has come for Dell to focus on business accounts and develop tablets that appeal to those customers. If it can do that, Android tablets might have a new lease on life in the corporate world.
A Focus On Productivity
Some IT executives may consider tablets a drain on productivity. That's why Android tablet makers should be doing everything they can to change that mentality. Their devices should double down on the productivity-related features enterprise customers are after, namely a USB port, enterprise-focused software features, and an included physical keyboard. Understanding productivity in the enterprise is extremely important for Android devices.
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