In an effort to alleviate enterprises’ concerns about the suitability of its Android mobile platform for business users, Google LLC today launched a new recommendation program that establishes a set of best practices for smartphone makers.

The idea of Android Enterprise Recommended is to certify specific Android devices as being suitable for enterprise use. The program details several common requirements for smartphone devices and services that are backed by a rigorous testing process carried out by Google itself.

“Mobility has been critical to digital transformation for enterprises,” Google said in a blog post. “We have listened to our enterprise customers and partners, and believe that the Android Enterprise Recommended program will help simplify and add confidence to decision making, allowing IT [information technology] decision makers to focus more on their core business.”

All of the devices recommend by the new program are certified as meeting Google’s minimum enterprise specifications for hardware, security updates and user experience. Google said Android smartphones should deliver on these specifications in order to ensure enterprises can handle the most challenging business environments. Smartphone makers that join the program will receive enhanced technical support and training from Google to help them meet the standards.

Oddly enough, smartphone leader Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.’s devices aren’t on the list, but Google indicated more devices from manufacturers will be added later. Still, it’s a big omission in the meantime given the massive popularity of Samsung phones.

The Android Enterprise Recommended program requires that smartphones feature the minimum hardware specifications for Android 7.0 devices, as well as support for the bulk deployment of Android devices, including zero-touch enrollment. Other requirements include being able to deliver Android security updates within 90 days of their release by Google for a minimum of three years, plus a consistent application experience in managed profiles and on managed devices.

Google provides a full list of the Android Enterprise Recommended program requirements. Typical of Google, the company has already partnered with smartphone makers to ensure a number of devices meet the requirements at launch.

They include the BlackBerry KEYone and Motion handsets, Google’s Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, LG’s V30 and G6 models, Motorola’s X4 and Z2 phones, the Nokia 8, and Sony’s Xperia XZ1, XZ1 Compact, XZ Premium, XA2 and XA2 Ultra devices.

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