Google share price up, to team up with BlackBerry on Android for Work

Google Inc launched its new work-related initiative on Wednesday and announced it had reached an agreement with Blackberry to improve security on Android devices.

Android for Work was officially released yesterday following its introduction last June at Google I/O. The software would allow companies, which provide Android phones to their employees, to keep an eye on important aspects of the workers everyday routine, including e-mails and contacts.

For employees, the new program by the Mountain View, California-based company would draw a solid line between their personal applications and the work-related software installed on their smartphones. Additionally, the program would provide a more secure work environment, Google said in its official blog.

The program would be fully compatible with Android 5.0, also known as Lollipop, or higher with some of the features also available for version 4.0 and newer.

However, the technology giant faces a serious obstacle in its push to reach office workers. Many of the big enterprises prefer handsets made by Blackberry and Apple when it comes to ensuring security.

Therefore, Google struck a series of deal with various companies, including smartphone makers Samsung, HTC and Motorola and application developers Box, Abode and Salesforce. Additionally, Google inked a deal with security expert BlackBerry, long-known as a preferred choice for businesses communications.

Under the deal, The Canadian Company agreed devices geared with Android for Work to be managed by its BES12 software, which is a cross-platform security software that allows enterprises to remotely control mobile devices in order to reduce the risk of a cyber attack or a information leak.

The agreement follows another similar deal between BlackBerry and Samsung, which enables the Waterloo, Ontario-based company to gain access to the South Korean giants corporate clients.

“BlackBerry is working with Google to provide customers with solutions they can confidently deploy on all major mobile platforms within their organization,” said Billy Ho, BlackBerrys executive vice president of enterprise products.

Google gained 1.45% on Wednesday and closed at $543.87 on the NASDAQ, marking a one-year decrease of 2.61%. The company is valued at $365.75 billion. Meanwhile, Blackberry gained 2.03% in Toronto and closed at C$13.07.

According to the Financial Times, the 40 analysts offering 12-month price forecasts for Google have a median target of $625.00, with a high estimate of $700.00 and a low estimate of $530.00. The median estimate represents a 14.92% increase from the last closing price.