Samsung has announced that it will extend its reach into the enterprise space with when the next version of phones running Android is released. Makes sense since that market is huge and not as price sensitive as the consumer market. But what are the payments and commerce implications?
Enterprise payments and procurement executives should keep their eyes peeled for new offerings from Samsung, as the electronics giant is working to extend its reach into the enterprise business and commerce solutions space via its KNOX technology when phones running the next version of the Android are released.
KNOX is a set of mobile enterprise security solutions, and industry experts believe that the technology is going to be the key for Samsung to be attractive to the B2B market. Customized tablets and mobile devices that use the KNOX system could allow the data to be transferred in a secure way.
“Jointly (with Samsung Electronics) we are bringing enterprise-grade security and management capabilities to all manufacturers participating in the Android ecosystem,” Hiroshi Lockheimer, vice-president of engineering for Google’s Android unit, said at the Google conference, according to The Korea Herald.
Furthermore, Samsung recently launched a Business Solutions Center in the Philippines in an effort to reach out in the B2B world. As reported by the BusinessMirror, the Business Solutions Center has a total smart-device portfolio of Samsung with its integrated lineup of enterprise devices, as well as industry-specific vertical and information-technology horizontal solutions.
Samsung Electronics Philippines Co. (Sepco) Enterprise Business Director Ireen Catane told the news source that the new solutions center will help Samsung gain strength in the B2B market, which is worth $902 million as of 2013.
“That’s the market data from IDC that we use,” she said. “Of course, Samsung would like to be very present in the industry. That’s why we are doing a lot of collaborative efforts with our business partners to really be present in the enterprise space.”
According to Sepco’s Enterprise Business Team Business Development Leader Anton Co, the solutions center offerings address the specific needs of businesses in several industries, including health care, hospitality, retail, office, banking and education.
In the office, banking and finance sectors, Co explained to the BusinessMirror that Samsung KNOX integrates unique application container technology in support of BYOD and Corporate-Liable models. Additionally, Co said that the SecuThru Light solution ensures security of printed documents in the workplace.
Wearables For The B2B User
Secure mobile options are not the only new offering for the B2B market from Samsung. The electronics giant is working to have smartwatches become the new Bluetooth headset, according to Trusted Reviews.
Samsung’s UK head of enterprise marketing Phil Oldham spoke at his organization’s 2014 Future Scape showcase, and said that wearables are perfect in any scenario where users need two hands free to work.
“We are seeing a massive growth in this area, not just from the consumer side – you would expect the usual health benefits of using your Galaxy Gear, for monitoring your steps during the day or your heart rate – but we are seeing great applications being worked on now for the business space as well,” Oldham said, according to the news source.
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