The Business of Smartphones

Businesses have a wide range of options when it comes to smartphones powered by Google’s Android operating system. The Samsung Nexus S 4G, which runs on the Sprint network, adds high-speed Wi-MAX connectivity and tight integration with Google Voice to the mix.

The Nexus S 4G runs a version of Android known as Gingerbread, designed to be faster than previous incarnations of the OS and supporting near-field communication for capturing smart-tag information. The device includes access to Google applications, including search, Gmail, Google Maps with navigation, and syncing for Google Calendar.

Users also get Bluetooth 2.1, integrated Global Positioning System functionality, 16 gigabytes of internal memory, USB mass storage, USB tethering, Wi-Fi connectivity and the ability to use the device as a Wi-Fi hot spot. Additionally, the S 4G features two cameras: a 5-megapixel camera on the back and a front-facing VGA lens.

With built-in Google Voice, users can choose to have their Sprint numbers serve as their Google Voice numbers or vice versa. In either case, they get Google Voice features such as call forwarding and visual voicemail, as well as significantly reduced international call rates.

IT administrators can define and centrally manage security policies right out of the box. If a phone is lost, the help desk can wipe the device remotely by logging in to the Google Apps for Business account and using the Google Apps Device Policy application.

For tighter integration with a corporate network, the Nexus S 4G also supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, providing a universal inbox for corporate e-mail, voicemail and calendar requests, as well as central control of device access and security policies. Additionally, Information Rights Management helps protect sensitive information by letting administrators control who can access messages and attachments.