Google Inc. wants to help enterprise information technology administrators roll out its Android mobile platform in a more secure fashion with the launch of a new deployment method called Zero-Touch Enrollment.

James Nugent, a product manager at Google, said in a blog post that companies all over the world are using Android as their go-to platform for mobilizing employees. However, he noted, many companies face difficulties configuring devices to make them secure and getting them into the hands of their employees in a timely manner.

The idea behind zero-touch enrollment, then, is to make Android rollouts more seamless and secure. Companies can purchase Android devices in bulk and have them shipped out with all the necessary settings preconfigured for their specific needs, meaning employees can begin using them right out of the box.

Zero-touch enrollment means users no longer have to configure work devices themselves while ensuring that corporate policies are all in place. Google says it also makes support easier because all of their applications and data will be accessible from the moment users first sign in.

The service can also be used in tandem with mobility management services such as VMware Inc.’s AirWatch or BlackBerry Ltd.’s Enterprise Mobility Management platform. With these, users can specify the configurations and policies that will be applied to each device during its setup.

Google said it’s working with the majority of its device partners to offer the new service, including Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Sony Corp., LG Corp., HTC Corp. and BlackBerry smartphones.

It said the Huawei Mate 10, Sony Xperia XZ1 and XZ1 Compact will be among the first devices to support zero-touch enrollment. In addition, Google said, it has partnered with Verizon Wireless to bring the service to its Pixel phones starting today.

“For our business customers, deploying new devices and services securely with the ability to enforce device-specific policies is critical for protecting proprietary information and an organization’s brand,” said Ryan O’Shea, vice president of national business channels at Verizon Wireless. “The Android zero-touch enrollment program allows our business customers to get up and running seamlessly and securely.”

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