Most commercial devices do not have the level of security, access protocols and other security features required by the U.S. military.

RIM’s BlackBerry has long been the default device where security is key, but its dominance has been eroded in recent years as popular consumer devices such as Apple’s iPhone have their security credentials bolstered by third-party software. The Pentagon remains RIM’s single biggest customer.

Fixmo Inc, one third party software provider, said the Pentagon had recently announced support for its first Android device -- a Dell Streak running a hardened version of Android with Fixmo and Good Technology providing security and ensuring compliance.

At the same time, RIM has moved to counter the threat to its market dominance, unveiling its Mobile Fusion product earlier this year that can manage rival devices as well as BlackBerry products. The Canadian company is planning to extend BlackBerry-like security to those devices later this year.