Will Androids Land on Networx?

The trade press has been all abuzz about Google's Linux-based mobile operating system, dubbed Android: Which manufacturers will offer the application? Will it give the proprietary iPhone system a run for its money?

For the federal market, the question is whether or not Android will be available through Networx, the government's acquisition vehicle for telecommunications products and services.

"The availability of this capability to the government through the network services contract would [depend upon] the carriers offering the compatible devices," said GSA spokesman Bob Lesino.

Google is in the software business, and therefore has no plans to manufacture a cell phone that would run Android, which is is simply an operating system that can be run on compatible cell phones.

"Cell phone makers build devices capable of running the application and sign varying agreements with Google regarding the loading of the OS on their phones," Lesino said.

Whether those manufacturers will bring such a package to the federal market through Networx has yet to be determined. GSA's current plans are to include both Android devices and the Palm Pre in the next refresh of the contract, "if we can get all the details worked out in a timely manner," Lesino said. He added that GSA will be doing contract modifications with various carriers soon.

Among Android's top competitors are Microsoft's mobile version of Windows; Apple's proprietary iPhone system; the BlackBerry platform; the Palm Pre's new operating system called WebOS; Symbian, which is primarily available on Nokia phones; and a host of Linux-based systems.