Google is improving the number of tools available to Google Apps administrators today, with new features to help control personal devices brought in by employees. Companies using Google Apps combined with BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) programs can now give administrators improved control over corporate data with less interference to personal data

Admins can now select to wipe devices clearing only the Google Apps data instead of having to wipe the entire device. Alternatively, if and when a full wipe is required the new policy can now force an SDcard wipe together with the internal storage, if deemed necessary.

There are also a couple of new improvements which will help the deployment of the Google Apps policies, one of which requires the latest version of the Device Policy to be installed to keep security policies up to date on every device. Admins will also now be able to set custom WiFi configurations for all devices with a Google Apps policy, this allows them to set it once and push to all other managed devices simultaneously.

From a consumer’s point of view, it’s not a side of Android that we would generally think about, but having easy access to tools for managing groups of Android devices with Google Apps and BYOD programs is a huge potential growth point for Google and is something that will draw the company a lot of positive exposure.

The full press release can be read below:

More than ever, people are bringing their own mobile phones and tablets to work. This “bring your own device” (BYOD) trend appeals to companies that want their employees to be productive on the go, with devices they enjoy using. As an admin, your role in a BYOD environment is to make sure users keep their mobile devices secure.

Comprehensive mobile device management is included with Google Apps for Business, Government and Education. Organizations large and small can manage smartphones and tablets – including Android and iOS – right from the Google Apps Admin console, with no need for special hardware or software.

Today we’re adding new Android device management features based on top requests from our customers.

1. Selective wipe – Remove Google Apps account data without wiping a user’s entire device.
2. SD card wipe – During a full device wipe, wipe SD cards in addition to the internal memory.
3. Device Policy app – Ensure that security policies are enforced across all devices by requiring the latest version of the Device Policy app.
4. Wi-Fi configuration – Enter wi-fi settings in the Admin console once — and they’ll be automatically pushed out to all managed Android devices.

Android users can stay connected on the go with mobile apps like Gmail, Drive and Hangouts. Admins can manage their domain with the new mobile Admin app. And admins can let employees bring their own devices to work while keeping those devices secure and saving their employees time with Google Apps device management.

• SourceGoogle Enterprise Blog