Now that Microsoft has ended the extended support for Windows Embedded CE 6.0 and is phasing out all its Embedded operating systems, many businesses need to rethink their mobile OS strategy.
Running a non-supported Windows OS is not recommended because Microsoft will no longer issue security updates. This will leave anyone running a legacy Windows OS at serious risk, so migration to a new OS is a necessity.
Microsoft now offers Windows 10 IoT for next-generation devices and enterprise apps, but it poses several challenges and difficulties for businesses looking to migrate. One is that migrating to Windows 10 IoT requires most developers and device makers to rewrite their apps. This is because earlier versions are not compatible with the latest version. Even Windows 10 IoT has an end-of-life announcement making it not appropriate for investing in new development.
Many enterprise mobile computer manufacturers, such as Zebra and Honeywell, have skipped Windows Embedded 7 and 8 to stick with Windows Embedded CE version 6, which was still powering an estimated 99 percent of devices just two years ago.
Many businesses are now facing the prospect of high costs and long delays in development to rewrite their apps to stay with the latest Windows platform that may not be supported for long.
Fortunately, there's a potentially better alternative that the entire mobile computer industry and many top organizations are embracing. Along with all the industry's top hardware manufacturers, these players have made the mobile OS switch to Android for several key reasons.
Why Android Is a Great Choice
- Its Development is Faster and Easier. Android has a large base of development resources that makes it much faster and easier to migrate to a more modern OS and rewrite or create new apps. These include a massive global developer community and access to helpful resources, sample code, and app store apps.
- It's Easier to Use. Since it was designed from the ground up for intuitive simplicity, Android is extremely easy for workers to use. Staff may already use Android on their own smartphones and tablets, so it's an easy transition to use it in the workplace. The simple interface makes it easy for them to learn how to use upgraded or new enterprise apps.
- It's Now a Secure Enterprise OS. Thanks to mobile device environment tools developed by Zebra Technologies and available on the latest Zebra handheld computers, Android is a highly secure enterprise OS on par with Windows. Zebra's Mobility Extensions (mx) and Mobility DNA bring all the power and capabilities of the device into easy control. Combined with mobile device management platforms, you can completely control each device and application, including over-the-air updates to make it easy to apply the latest security patches and keep your devices secure.
Evaluating Android for Your Mobility Needs
To find out if Android is the right fit for your business, contact our Solid Product Specialist. We have a software development group that has already migrated many applications from Windows to Android and has worked with leading industry customers in managing Android deployments. We can help you choose the correct OS strategy and recommend the best mobile devices, software and management solutions for your future upgrade.