Google LLC today expanded its Android Enterprise Recommended program to so-called Enterprise Mobility Management providers that help large businesses manage and enable Android services at large scale.

The Android Enterprise Recommended program was opened to smartphone makers last year, detailing several common requirements for devices and services deemed essential for business users, which are backed by a testing process carried out by Google itself.

Google said the program would help organizations choose suitable devices for their employees to use, safe in the knowledge that they’ll receive timely security updates and at least one major operating system upgrade and be compatible with zero-touch enrollment. Companies including Sony Corp., Huawei Technologies Ltd., LG Electronics Inc. and BlackBerry Ltd. have all participated in the program.

Now, Google wants to broaden the program’s reach by including EMM providers who sell software that allows organizations to securely enable employee use of mobile devices and applications. The idea is to help enterprises find the best-equipped EMMs to deploy Android within their organizations, Google’s Head of Android Enterprise Partnerships Will Ro said in a blog post.

“We’ve collaborated closely with EMM partners over the years, and understand what it takes to demonstrate excellence in this area,” Ro said. “With this program, we’re recognizing partners who provide the most comprehensive technical solutions and have knowledgeable teams focused on modern Android security and management.”

Google’s recommended EMM partners include Blackberry, Google Cloud, I3 Systems Inc., IBM Corp., Microsoft Corp., MobileIron Inc., Softbank Corp., SOTI Inc. and VMware Inc. Those companies are all said to have “validated solutions” or will be launching such offerings later this year. The program is open for other EMM providers to join.

Enterprises that select one of Google’s partners listed above can expect to work with a company that has experience with multiple Android enterprise implementations and a proven ability to deliver advanced security and management features. In addition, Google’s EMM partners must also offer a consistent deployment experience, plus a commitment to staying current with the latest Android product features and training requirements.

“Similar to last year’s launch of the Android Enterprise Recommended program for devices, where we validated knowledge worker and rugged devices against an elevated set of requirements, we’re taking a similar approach to EMMs,” Ro said.

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