Samsung For Enterprise (SAFE) makes mobile devices safe for business

Samsung Electronics has launched Samsung For Enterprise (SAFE) in Europe ahead of global roll-out, a program of security standards that will help companies to find mobile devices that are safe to use. SAFE devices provide immediate business benefits such as advanced data features and device-based verification.

As more and more companies launch BYOD (Bring-Your-Own-Device) programs, and both employers and employees want to put the power of smartphones and tablets to full use, CIOs and IT departments are facing increasing challenges. In the past, questions were asked about the safety of generic Android devices, which is why Samsung has launched the SAFE program. SAFE devices meet Samsung’s own strict and comprehensive standards for reliability and security, while SAFE-approved applications for corporate data and email, on-device encryption, virtual private networks and mobile device management provide IT managers with industry-leading control and security. It makes mobile device administration easy, and ends worries about the fragmentation of the Android platform.

SAFE consists of three key pillars: SAFE Platform, SAFE Partner Program, and SAFE Quality Assurance.

SAFE Platform: SAFE smartphones and tablets provide stronger security on the device level to corporate employees using IT policy management through Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) and on device encryption (ODE). In addition, it provides the most extensive Software Development Kit (SDK) to Solution Partners, which allows them to develop differentiated solutions on Samsung devices. This security-oriented SDK support applies to horizontal and various vertical solutions.

SAFE Partner Program: The Solution Partners can provide solutions supporting various features such as VPN and MDM using Samsung’s B2B platform. Industry-leading VPN and MDM solution vendors are already developing solutions based on Samsung smartphones and tablets. Samsung is collaborating with its Solution Partners by providing the most extensive SDK as well as up-close technical support.

SAFE Quality Assurance: Many corporations find it difficult to select the right mobile devices for business, because they worry whether these devices – and the software solutions that work on them – have the right set of security features. Samsung provides in-house reviews of Partner’s solutions based on SAFE Program standards. That helps corporate IT departments to easily select devices that meet the reliability standards established by Samsung. Samsung will continue to expand the number of solutions reviewed for the SAFE Program (Samsung does not provide liability or guarantees regarding the functionality or performance of Partner’s solutions, but reviews whether the solutions meet Samsung’s security standards).

Samsung has developed a differentiated B2B platform, including its software development kit, which is used by SAFE Partners to develop new applications. Samsung tests the device and the apps in an integrated manner to meet its in-house standards. In addition, Samsung also provides the latest information, such as applicable regions and solutions, through the SAFE website. Consumers, meanwhile, will be able to check if an app or a device is supported by SAFE from the SAFE logo on the box of the device and app description page on the Appstore.

SAFE Members can only be registered by invitation. Among members of SEAP (Samsung Enterprise Alliance Program), only invited partners are able to develop and provide differentiated SAFE solutions. Samsung offers the solution review and joint marketing opportunities to SAFE participants.

In terms of partners’ solutions, the SAFE program is currently applicable only to VPN and MDM categories. The solution categories will continuously be expanded in order to satisfy the needs of customers in each region. Under the SAFE agreement between solution partners and Samsung, partners’ solutions that support the SAFE Platform will go through Samsung’s SAFE Quality Assurance Program.

SAFE is marked for a Samsung device which has been tested against Samsung’s own internal criteria for interoperability with certain third party security-related solutions for MDM and VPN. Devices are tested with the security solutions to see if the solutions work with the device as described by the third party security solution providers. The third party security solution providers who comply with Samsung’s Quality Assurance process will be provided with the “Samsung Quality Assurance Guidelines” that describe the required detailed testing activities.

For more information on Samsung Enterprise Mobility solutions, please visit http://www.samsungmobileb2b.com