What is the Enterprise Devices Licensing Agreement (EDLA) ? It is a licensing program by Google, introduced in late 2022, to enhance the security and manageability of Android devices for enterprises. Through EDLA, companies can manufacture and sell devices with Google Mobile Services (GMS) pre-installed, enabling seamless access to essential Google apps and services such as the Google Play Store, Google Chrome, and Google Maps.
In addition to these built-in services, EDLA offers a comprehensive suite of advanced security and management tools tailored for enterprise environments. These features include:
- Enhanced Data Encryption: EDLA-compliant devices support sophisticated encryption protocols, ensuring data protection across both personal and work profiles.
- Device Management: IT administrators gain access to powerful device management options, enabling them to remotely configure, monitor, and secure devices. This allows companies to enforce corporate policies, manage app installations, and oversee device usage effectively.
- Privacy Controls: EDLA provides additional layers of privacy protection, giving organizations more control over device access and permissions, which is particularly useful for managing sensitive corporate data.
Through the EDLA program, Google aims to make Android devices more suitable for business use, offering features that help companies manage and secure their devices at scale.
What is Google Mobile Services (GMS)?
Google Mobile Services (GMS) is a collection of Google’s most popular applications and APIs, designed to enhance the functionality of Android devices. GMS includes widely used apps such as Google Search, Google Drive, Chrome, YouTube, and the Google Play Store, providing essential tools and services for users.
Historically, GMS was officially available only on select consumer devices, including smartphones, tablets, TVs, and wearables like smartwatches. However, with the introduction of the Enterprise Devices Licensing Agreement (EDLA), the range of devices eligible for GMS certification has expanded. Now, business-oriented devices, such as interactive smart boards and other corporate solutions, can also integrate GMS, bringing Google’s powerful ecosystem of apps and services to a broader variety of enterprise devices.
Why is having GMS on a smart board helpful?
There are three main reasons why GMS on a smart board is important:
Official Access to the Google Play Store
The biggest advantage is access to the official Google Play Store, allowing users to download and install apps directly on the interactive panel. Having Google Play on a large interactive screen opens up many possibilities for teaching and productivity, providing access to a vast library of educational games and productivity tools.
Seamless Integration with Google Tools
Previously, users couldn’t access Google’s education tools, like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, directly on interactive panels. Those wanting to use these tools had to either connect a laptop or open a web browser to access cloud versions on the panel. Now, users can install Google tools on the interactive panel for easy, local access anytime.
Enhanced Device Security
The Google Play Store also plays a crucial role in device security. Google Play Protect scans apps for suspicious behavior, preventing potentially harmful apps from being installed. It also continuously scans previously installed apps, removing any that show suspicious activity, thus ensuring a safer environment on your devices.
GMS or Google Play History on Interactive Touch Screens
In late 2022, Google made an important change by officially adding Google Play Services and Google Mobile Services (GMS) to interactive boards and panels. This was a big step for Google because it expanded their technology to include not just phones, tablets, and smart TVs, but also tools for businesses and schools. Before this change, interactive boards with Google apps were not officially recognized, which caused problems like apps not working properly and security risks. Now, with GMS, these boards meet Google’s safety rules and can use all of Google’s apps, making them more stable and reliable for professional environments.
Benefits of GMS on Interactive Boards
With GMS and the Google Play Store on interactive boards, users can enjoy a smooth and complete experience. Teachers, students, and business users can easily access popular Google applications like Google Classroom, Docs, Drive, and YouTube directly from the board. This makes it simple to use important tools for education and work, helping users to find and use digital resources easily. As a result, interactive boards have become even more effective for teaching and working together.