The Android OS, or Android Operating System, is an operating architecture for mobile devices. Within the Android OS are applications, an application framework, application libraries, the Linux Kernel and runtime information. Due, in part, to its open source technology, the Android operating system has seen four updates in a year, with one more already announced as on its way. Adding to the excitement for the business world is the fact that the latest version offers a provision for sharing multiple email accounts, and includes Microsoft Exchange support. Get great deals on hosted Exchange plans from Apps4Rent.

With each update, the Android OS has brought new or improved quality to mobile devices and better usability for the user. For example, the 1.5 Android operating system was the first major update, and mainly consisted of corrections for reported email and Bluetooth bugs. Android OS 1.5 (Cupcake) also added a few new features for developers, as well as widgets, folders and video recording.

The Android operating system 1.6 updated, known as “Donut”, offered a better Android Market experience, updated voice search, better support for CDMA/EVDO and VPN technology and a stronger developers’ framework. The 2.0 Android OS update brought the Google Android API for users to take advantage of. The API allows such things as account management and sync adapters, digital zoom and live wallpapers. Email support for MS Exchange and multiple Google email accounts were added, along with updated browser compatibility.

The latest update, released May 2010, was Froyo, or Android OS 2.2. Many in the tech world believe this newest release will result in the Android operating system and devices taking over the market. Microsoft Exchange support is stronger than ever, supporting security policies, auto-discovery, calendar synchronization, remote wipe and GAL look-up. Android OS 2.2 also offers USB tethering and WiFi hotspot abilities, as well as Adobe Flash 10.1 support. This update is setting the platform for the next Android operating system update (codename Gingerbread), which will hopefully come soon.

With the releases of Android OS 2.0 & 2.2, corporations can allow their employees even more versatility and choice. From Apple’s iPhone and Rim’s BlackBerry OS to Google’s Android operating system, employees can all connect with the corporate hosted Exchange account through the mobile device they want.

Several Android phones are currently on the market with the Android operating system 2.0 version or higher. These phones include the Motorola-Droid, Motorola Cliq, Samsung Behold II, HTC Hero, Samsung Moment, HTC EVO, Motorola Shadow, and, of course, the HTC Incredible. A few of the features that the Android OS 2.0+ offers include:

Faster Browser
Google Android API
Account Management
Sync Adapter
Social Network Ready
Enhanced Android Marketplace
Internet hot spot connection
Flash Support
HTML 5 Compatible
Support multiple email accounts (including exchange)

With all the improved technology from previous Android operating system releases, it’s easy to see how devices ran on Google’s Android OS are paving the way to top place in the market. Aimed more and more toward users at the enterprise level, corporations would do well to keep an eye on the ever-growing Android operating system.