Google announced that it is buying Divide, a mobile-device-management startup, in order to help its Android business reach more customers in the workplace. 

Divide helps companies manage the increasing number of mobile devices used in corporate settings. Since the announcement, no purchase price was disclosed. Divide was founded by former information technology executives of Morgan Stanley. 

Like Us on Facebook

Android is one of the world's most popular mobile operating system. However, it is less-used at the workplace. 

Canada-based company BlackBerry used to command the market for mobile technology usage in corporate settings. Since it incurred losses and has failed to bounce back, Google and Microsoft are up and about on who will get the largest share in this market. 

These days, companies allow the Bring-Your-Own-Device practice or BYOD in which employees are permitted to connect their smartphones and tables in the companies' networks.  BYOD poses a challenge to corporate technology managers who need to make sure they have all places covered - securing the company's network and setting up personal mobile devices. 

According to Chris Jones, principal analyst at Canalys, which is a technology research company, corporate technology managers have a preference for Apple's iOS operating system than Android. For most of these managers, they see the iOS as something more manageable and easier to use. 

Jones cited the extensive tests Apple conducts for each app before it is made available for purchase at the App Store. In this regard, he said that most managers feel more safe and secure. 

On the other hand, Jones said that it's entirely a different story when it comes to Android. He said that Google has less control over the apps and some of which were found to have malware. 

However, Jones sees Google's acquisition of Divide as a good business move. He said with Divide around, Google will be able to build security and allow it to control Android's operating system. He said that Google should have taken this move a long time ago. 

TagsDivide, BYOD