Not content with record profits and smartphone marketshare, Samsung is continuing its efforts to rival RIM for a share of the corporate world after it brought its SAFE (Samsung for Enterprise) system to Europe, which it explains is the first step of its global rollout.
RIM’s BlackBerry devices have long been the smartphone series of choice for enterprise customers who seek a secure option for equipping workforces with company phones, but Samsung’s move heaps more pressure on RIM in one of its core global markets: Europe.
Admitting that security issues and fragmentation means “questions [are] asked about the safety of generic Android devices”, SAFE is Samsung’s response for corporations and enterprises wanting to break out of BlackBerry products, whilst retaining high levels of security.
The program — which includes the SAFE Platform, SAFE Partner Program, and SAFE Quality Assurance — supports a range of corporate functions, including for dedicated apps for data and email, on-device encryption, virtual private networks and mobile device management.
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“Mobility has become an essential driver of corporate productivity and profitability,” said Jae Shin, VP of Samsung’s B2B Alliance Division. “However, many IT departments find that when it comes to testing the security of mobile devices, it is extremely difficult to evaluate the various platforms and products available. SAFE provides clear security features. It allows users, IT departments and app developers to work to a common standard.”
Samsung launched SAFE back in June in the U.S. when it announced an enterprise-friendly version of the Galaxy S III. At the same time, the Korea-based giant also rolled out Safe2Switch, a trade-up program that helps business and corporate clients trade-in their devices for SAFE-compatible phones.
The enterprise world is among those waiting on the upcoming BlackBerry 10 device range which, originally scheduled for this year, has been pushed back to the first quarter 2013. RIM has, however, already released details of its new Enterprise Server 10 product and it officially began accepting BlackBerry 10 app submissions last month.
Related: It’s official: Samsung confirms 30 million Galaxy S III channel sales, 150 days after launch
Image via Jung Yeon Je / AFP / Getty
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