Samsung Electronics today announced updates to Knox Suite, an all-in-one business solution package designed to manage and secure enterprise devices. Previously only available as one comprehensive package, Knox Suite now offers flexible plans — Base, Essentials and Enterprise — that cater to the diverse security and device management needs of businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises managing thousands of devices.¹

As a comprehensive security and management framework leveraged and trusted by over 35,000 businesses across 134 countries, Samsung Knox is essential for organizations using Samsung Galaxy devices as it unlocks their full operational potential. Built on Samsung’s industry-leading Samsung Knox security platform, Knox Suite delivers robust protection, simplifies IT workflows and provides actionable insights that drive efficiency and productivity.

“Enterprises of varying sizes and industries have diverse device management needs, but ultimately are looking toward the same end goal – enabling secure, productive mobile workspaces,” said Jerry Park, EVP and Head of B2B Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “That’s why we’re introducing flexible options within Knox Suite, designed to provide businesses with the tailored tools they need. Through these new scalable solutions, Knox Suite is now optimized for all types of operational use cases, empowering businesses to comprehensively and intelligently manage enterprise ecosystems.”

Scalable Solutions Enhance Device Management

With Knox Suite Plans, businesses can optimize and securely manage their Samsung Galaxy device ecosystems, enhancing IT efficiency and empowering employees to maximize productivity throughout the device lifecycle. With its presence in UEM market, Samsung was named a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Unified Endpoint Management Software 2024 Vendor Assessment (doc #US51234224, April 2024). Knox Suite is trusted by customers worldwide. Now more customizable than ever, Knox Suite is available in three plans:

• Knox Suite — Base Plan: Included with Samsung Galaxy device purchases at no additional cost, the Knox Suite — Base Plan is ideal for businesses seeking simple and secure set-up of managed business devices. IT administrators can add Samsung devices into their Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solutions without the hassle of manual enrollment, and ensure devices and data are protected with government-grade security.² The Base Plan includes access to Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME) and Knox Platform for Enterprise (KPE), with no additional license key requirement for use.
• Knox Suite — Essentials Plan: For those looking for more than just device setup, the Knox Suite – Essentials Plan transforms mobile devices into powerful and efficient assets. In addition to solutions found in the Base Plan, the Essentials Plan also features Knox Manage and Knox Remote Support — services designed to enable unified, cross-platform device management plus real-time troubleshooting support.
• Knox Suite — Enterprise Plan: As the most comprehensive Knox Suite package, the Enterprise Plan helps organizations get the most out of extensive device fleets through granular OS version control, intelligent insights and tailored features designed for the frontline. From large-scale enterprises to mid-market companies with dedicated IT support teams, this plan is best fit for those looking to fully optimize digital workspace experiences and improve productivity for frontline workers. In addition to solutions found in the Essentials Plan, the Enterprise Plan includes Knox E-FOTA, Knox Asset Intelligence, Knox Capture and Knox Authentication Manager.

For businesses investing in Galaxy Enterprise Edition, a comprehensive package of business-ready mobile devices and services, it now includes a one-year Knox Suite — Enterprise Plan license at no additional cost, providing even greater value.

Ongoing Innovation for Intelligent Device Management

These updates continue the evolution of Knox Suite for more intelligent device management. For businesses already using other EMM solutions, Knox Suite can be integrated seamlessly into existing operations to provide deeper insights and enhanced control over Samsung Galaxy devices, allowing IT teams to optimize device performance without disrupting existing workflows. Samsung’s ongoing collaboration with leading EMM providers also guarantees increased accessibility of Knox Suite through these partner platforms, ensuring that businesses can harness the full potential of Knox Suite’s powerful features, regardless of their current IT setup.

Looking ahead, Knox Suite will continue to evolve to be even more intelligent and intuitive, empowering IT administrators with advanced tools and actionable insights while enabling businesses to unlock the full potential of their Samsung Galaxy devices to create secure, efficient mobile workspaces of the future.

¹ Offers, features, services and availability may vary by market, third-party solution and/or device.
² Samsung Knox has successfully met the rigorous security requirements set by Governments and major enterprises around the world, providing business users with a robust mobile security solution. https://www.samsungknox.com/en/knox-platform/knox-certifications

Having protected the popes in the Vatican since 1506, the GSP is a Renaissance-era army performing their highly successful duties in the modern age. However, things have changed dramatically since the first Swiss citizens took up their halberds, a two-handed pole-type weapon, to stand in defense of the Pope.

Technological advancements have encouraged the GSP to modernize their tactics and technology to ensure the safety of Vatican City. To do this effectively, they required a robust solution allowing them to be mobile, smart and digital and to ensure their communications are as secure as the Vatican’s Apostolic archives. The importance of security and privacy cannot be overstated, and huge considerations around any technological integrations must be taken into account.

The GSP chose Knox Suite, Samsung Electronics’ powerful and adaptable mobile device management platform, due to the wide range of crucial benefits it provides. The platform is designed to help IT administrators easily secure, deploy and manage devices in ways that suit their business. Highly customizable and adaptable, Knox Suite is perfectly suited to handling the most diverse and complex needs.

For example, the platform allows system admins to remotely manage and monitor the location of every device used by the GSP and erase data in the event that a device is lost or stolen. It also enables the organization to customize the configuration and functionality of its devices in line with any changing requirements needed to aid the protection of the Vatican.

Knox Suite is also essential to the GSP in high-risk scenarios. Through the platform, the GSP can instantly share threat information across multiple devices while patrol leaders are able to view where all members of the GSP are deployed at any one time.

Knox Suite¹ consists of Knox Platform for Enterprise, Knox Mobile Enrollment, Knox Manage, Knox E-FOTA (Enterprise Firmware Over the Air) and Knox Asset Intelligence. Among them, the key solutions and functions used by the GSP are as follows:

• Knox Mobile Enrollment — Provides easier device enrollment for both IT admins and device users. Knox Mobile Enrollment allows for thousands of devices to be set up at once and configured easily. The ability to quickly initialize a batch of new devices means that they can be deployed quickly, helping to reduce any potential device downtime for the GSP. New devices can also be enrolled quickly and easily via Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth or QR code scans.
• Knox Manage — Allows the GSP to restrict the contents of devices remotely and disable certain features, such as cameras and microphones, at certain times. For instance, if a device is stolen or lost, it can be locked or wiped to ensure the contents are inaccessible to malicious parties.

Knox Manage also gives the GSP the ability to limit non-essential app use. This creates a highly simplified user experience and streamlines the apps that the guards need to perform their duties. Minimizing distractions and reducing time spent on devices allows the GSP to ensure maximum focus and productivity.

This feature also allows devices to be restricted in sensitive situations to ensure additional security. Knox Manage could be used during the next papal conclave, for example, to help safeguard information and communications while key decisions are made.

Galaxy Tab Active Series With Knox Suite

The Vatican is perhaps as synonymous with secrecy as it is with tradition. In order to ensure privacy amongst its members and staff, the guards have added cutting edge enterprise software to their security arsenal alongside halberds and swords. Complementing this are Samsung Galaxy ruggedized devices, such as the Galaxy XCover Pro and Galaxy Tab Active series, which have led the GSP to report fewer repairs and fewer devices needing replacement.

Although they are “the world’s smallest army,” the GSP shoulders an immense responsibility and therefore requires mobile devices with military specifications.² Accidents can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, yet Galaxy’s ruggedized devices are incredibly reliable and offer IP68-rated³ water and dust protection. Knowing that Galaxy XCover and Tab Active series devices can withstand tough conditions allows the guards to perform their duties confident in the reliability and longevity of their tools.

For example, the Galaxy Tab Active2 offers a wide range of features such as enhanced touch for use with gloves⁴ and a long-lasting and replaceable battery⁵ which minimizes downtime in the event of low power. The Galaxy Tab Active3 builds on these features with a clearer high-resolution display and a programmable key that provides instant access to critical apps, such as push-to-talk or emergency functions.

The Galaxy Tab Active3 also supports Samsung DeX,⁶ which provides a PC-like experience when plugged into a monitor or TV, for officers performing planning or administrative work. These various features make the Galaxy Tab Active series an ideal mobile device choice, backed up by Knox Suite, for a professional honor guard with hundreds of years of history.

End-to-End Support From Hardware to Software

Samsung also provides continuous support at every turn. The GSP can seek assistance if they have any queries or concerns regarding their devices, operating systems or functionalities, ensuring they consistently have the best tools available in the line of duty.

With the ideal management platform, ruggedized hardware and end-to-end support, Samsung provides the device security and productivity that the GSP needs to preserve tradition while transitioning into a new, digital era. The Knox Suite platform’s comprehensive offerings mean the Pontifical Swiss Guard can be confident that they are performing their duties with the best possible support. Armed with Samsung’s rugged, reliable and secure digital devices, the GSP can seamlessly focus on protecting the Pope and the Vatican as they have traditionally done for over 500 years.

¹ Requires separate license key (purchased separately).
² Galaxy Tab Active2 is compliant with MIL-STD-810G. Galaxy Tab Active3 is compliant with MIL-STD-810H. MIL-STD-810 is a standardized form of testing for altitude, humidity, immersion, salt fog, dust, vibration, drop, etc., designed by the US Military to accurately assess device limitations.
³ IP68 rating: Water resistance based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes and protected from dust, dirt and sand. Rinse residue/dry after wet. Not advised for beach or pool use.
⁴ Touch Sensitivity responsiveness may vary depending on the material and thickness of gloves as well as other environmental conditions.
⁵ Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors. Extra replaceable battery sold separately. In the case of extra replaceable batteries, only Samsung certified products are compatible for use.
⁶ Samsung DeX on Galaxy Tab Active3 is available on compatible external screens via wired or wireless connections. Compatible apps may vary.

At Samsung Electronics, we’re passionate about bringing game-changing innovation and value to our enterprise customers. And we’re proud to equip these companies with the best-in-class technology and services they need to increase mobility, offer seamless digital experiences, and keep their information safe.

Our new, landmark deal with Walmart is the latest example. Over the next few months, we’re putting Galaxy XCover Pro smartphones in the hands of 740,000 Walmart store associates across the U.S.—to use at work and at home. This is our largest mobile enterprise deal ever in the U.S., and we’re thrilled to help Walmart provide new and enhanced experiences for their associates and customers.

The Journey to Making Walmart’s Connected Associate Vision a Reality

This exciting deal is the culmination of a full year of planning and piloting. Walmart approached us in the spring of 2020 at a time when their stores were busier than ever, and associates were working hard to ensure a safe shopping experience during the pandemic.

Together, we discussed what they call the “Connected Associate” initiative—a vision to empower Walmart associates by putting everything they need in the palm of their hands. We learned Walmart Global Tech was building a new app in-house to help associates simplify daily tasks, serve customers and plan for life outside of work. Then, we took action, even shadowing associates to learn how they work, and what tools could help them work better. These insights revealed the need for an agile mobile device – with Walmart’s integrated custom application – to take employee engagement and customer care to new heights.

Enter the Galaxy XCover Pro.

A New Way to Work With the Galaxy XCover Pro

The Galaxy XCover Pro delivers a rugged and sleek, single device solution. It builds on Samsung’s legacy of high-powered smartphone features, including an immersive display, long-lasting battery, lightweight and durable design, and powerful camera. And, defense-grade security with the Samsung Knox platform, which protects you and your device from the chip level, up.

The Samsung Knox Suite includes tools to help enterprises like Walmart with the resources necessary to manage a deployment of this size. These include automated enrollment, firmware management, device and Wi-Fi network analytics, loss prevention and deep device customization. By leveraging our industry-leading platform, Walmart is ensuring that associates will have the tools they need to simplify daily tasks.

We’ve also customized the Galaxy XCover Pro so that Walmart associates can enjoy using their smartphone to improve their day—both in and outside of work. While they’re on the clock, the Galaxy XCover Pro will create new, convenient ways for them to work, from mobile clock-in and accessing schedules, to managing inventory and using Galaxy XCover Pro’s camera, which we’ve optimized to work seamlessly with Walmart’s barcode scanning process. During their work shift, Walmart associates can also tap a co-worker’s name and initiate a push-to-talk conversation straight from the Galaxy XCover Pro by squeezing the physical side key.

Until now, Walmart associates had to use different devices throughout their shift, from barcode scanners to walkie-talkies. The Galaxy XCover Pro will enable efficiency with entirely new workflows and additional options.

Security for Work Use, Privacy for Personal Use

Beyond its sheer scale and workflow innovation, another aspect that sets Samsung and, specifically the Galaxy XCover Pro, apart is Walmart’s decision to enable its associates to take their devices home, a great perk for employees. As Kellie Romack, Walmart’s vice president for associate experience and customer care, says, “We wanted our associates to use this device all day to serve customers, but then also use it as their personal device if they chose.”

To enable this, Samsung worked with the Walmart team to customize and configure the Galaxy XCover Pro devices. With Samsung Knox, we can create entirely separate work and personal profiles, allowing work applications to stay secure, and personal usage to stay private.

Better Experiences for All With One Device

Improving the employee experience leads to a better customer experience, too. This is something Samsung can help to deliver. Just as Walmart has spent the past decade designing a seamless experience between online and in-store to improve the customer journey, the company is now bridging gaps between work and home to improve the employee journey. That’s what Samsung mobile technology can do: create seamless connections and more efficient and enjoyable experiences.

This is just the beginning of how we can work with our enterprise customers to empower and delight employees, and to lead the industry in leveraging mobility to transform how retail stores operate.