Microsoft Releases Work Folders App for Android Users

Microsoft understands we are deep in an era of BYOD and they are now providing the ability for users to access Work Folders on Android devices.

Richard Hay, Senior Content Producer

March 15, 2016

2 Min Read
Microsoft Releases Work Folders App for Android Users

If your organization or company is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) shop and you use Windows Server than you are likely aware of Work Folders.

When enabled for a user Work Folders allows them to store work related files on their work PC and personal computing devices. The company keeps control of business data and can enforce device policies such as encryption and device passwords.

According to Microsoft Work Folders allow administrators the following benefits:

  • Provide a single point of access to work files from a user’s work and personal computers and devices

  • Access work files while offline, and then sync with the central file server when the PC or device next has Internet or intranet connectivity

  • Deploy with existing deployments of Folder Redirection, Offline Files, and home folders

  • Use existing file server management technologies, such as file classification and folder quotas, to manage user data

  • Specify security policies to instruct user’s PCs and devices to encrypt Work Folders and use a lock screen password

  • Use Failover Clustering with Work Folders to provide a high-availability solution

They are compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8.1 (including RT) and Windows 10 as you might expect and since last Fall they have been compatible with iOS8 or higher when Microsoft released the Work Folders App for iPhone and iPad.

Microsoft has recently released the Work Folders App for Android to expand the mobile targets you can use to deploy Work Folders to your users for their BYOD hardware.

Work Folders on Android (Image via Google Play)

The Android app requires Android 4.4 or higher and has the following features:

  • Access your work files and folders on your devices.

  • Pin files so that you can view them while you're offline.

  • Files are encrypted and protected by an app passcode, keeping others out.

If Work Folders is a service you are using or considering then checking out this app (and the iOS one as well) is a good place to start testing.

But, wait...there's probably more so be sure to follow me on Twitter and Google+.

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About the Author

Richard Hay

Senior Content Producer, IT Pro Today (Informa Tech)

I served for 29 plus years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer in November 2011. My work background in the Navy was telecommunications related so my hobby of computers fit well with what I did for the Navy. I consider myself a tech geek and enjoy most things in that arena.

My first website – AnotherWin95.com – came online in 1995. Back then I used GeoCities Web Hosting for it and WindowsObserver.com is the result of the work I have done on that site since 1995.

In January 2010 my community contributions were recognized by Microsoft when I received my first Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for the Windows Operating System. Since then I have been renewed as a Microsoft MVP each subsequent year since that initial award. I am also a member of the inaugural group of Windows Insider MVPs which began in 2016.

I previously hosted the Observed Tech PODCAST for 10 years and 317 episodes and now host a new podcast called Faith, Tech, and Space. 

I began contributing to Penton Technology websites in January 2015 and in April 2017 I was hired as the Senior Content Producer for Penton Technology which is now Informa Tech. In that role, I contribute to ITPro Today and cover operating systems, enterprise technology, and productivity.

https://twitter.com/winobs

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