When It Comes to Android vs iOS in the Enterprise, Android is the Boss

The battle between the titans has just got bigger with the finalization of the deal between IBM and Apple. Yes, the Android/iOS battle has been raging for a while now with both Google and Apple sparring at each other through definitive launches and newer versions of their platforms. However, though this deal between IBM and Apple does give Apple the edge in terms of enterprise business, it is not the end for Google by any stretch of imagination. It may at best be described a setback for Google and a nice synergistic partnership for IBM and Apple.  

What is the deal about?

We have to understand that this deal is a sales transaction and by no means presents Apple with an open field to acquire customers easily. Moreover, Apple has not exactly been too good managing the enterprise segment in the past and has not particularly worked well with other enterprise partners. Then you have Dell, Microsoft, HP and Google Apps fighting for the enterprise business and therefore it is not going to be a cakewalk for Apple. Then you have the flexibility of the Android system over the severely limiting iOS. The latter is also sold on very few devices. The strength of this partnership lies in the talent pool of employees who are not only hard working but very intelligent. But given IBM‘s penchant for stepping on its business partners time and again, its partners would not be very trustful of the company’s intentions.  

Inability of iOS to be flexible

iOS will also not customize as per needs of customers quickly. They share a philosophy with Apple that does not allow for swift customization of features just because a particular set of customers desire it. Apple too will do things at its pace but that does not mean Google can breathe easy or should take things lightly. Though it has proved it can be very flexible in the past and also has gadgets at various price points, it needs to tailor its communication to enterprise customers about its ability to provide what customers need and quickly. Indeed, it is this perception as well as the sure ability of Android to deliver according to the requirements of customers that has enabled it to retain that cutting edge over its competition. A simple example will help reinforce this perception. If one of the customers of IBM wishes to run an application that will make the screen only show that application and nothing else, then it is highly probable that Apple will not consider it or delete its other apps. But with the Android platform, you are not constricted or restricted by what icons you see on the home screen. You can get a home screen duly customized the way you want and replace your existing home screen. Another example is the Newsstand app on the iOS. You cannot wish it away or even hide it from view by moving it to a folder. Any customer wishing to do so by going for a customized iPad screen will not in all probability be able to get rid of this Newsstand app and will have to bear its presence. Android on the other hand will give enterprise customers what they want.