The Android that's taking over the world
14 Jul 2010
In the wake of the hype and bluster surrounding the launch of the iPhone back in 2007, and in a market already dominated by the iconic BlackBerry, the Google-backed Android operating system already faced stiff competition before anyone could even buy it. Yet in the space of two years, the Android system has gone from a world-wide market share of just 1.6% to over 10% and in the US has overtaken the iPhone in terms of sales. Neil Wilson looks at what an Android could do for your business.
Android is an operating system that provides push email, fast internet connectivity and all the regular features you’d expect from a smartphone. Its success is down to a number of factors, but perhaps the most compelling is that its platform is open source, and free from licensing. This means that developers are free to write for the platform with no added costs – unlike Windows Mobile, of which it is estimated that up to 15% of the handset cost consists of a licence fee. The kind of cost reduction expected, however, hasn’t materialised in quite the way the industry expected.
The handset issue is critical, as the Android interface has become almost synonymous with HTC – popularly considered to be the one of the most innovative and stylish handset manufacturers in the world. Motorola is also becoming a significant player on this platform and has built software propositions on top of the Android platform. Both companies make devices that are perhaps more consumer focused, yet they do have significant business capabilities.
Where the Android system really comes into it own is the amount of bespoke applications available and in the process of coming to market. Applications have grown from 25k to 50k in 4 months – and will continue to grow over the coming year. Again, thanks to the open source nature of Android, there is tremendous scope for really useful business applications – including mobilised CRM systems, access to specialised databases and asset tracking.
There are, of course, many considerations to take on board before opting for an Android solution. For business users, the Android – like the iPhone – might not be quite as secure as BlackBerry. These are, after all, solutions and devices that are aimed at the consumer market first and foremost. While BlackBerry has perhaps yet to be bettered, Android is a cost effective and flexible alternative.
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