The news that Microsoft is ending support for Windows Embedded Handheld operating systems is not new, however many enterprises are still relying on the outdated legacy OS.
Organizations that take a proactive approach to the transition will be better-equipped to handle new challenges and needs that arise as the industry evolves.
Those that wait until they have to transition will likely be faced with serious downtime and logistical issues that slow productivity, which is why it’s important to have a strategy in place.
Windows End of Life is Among Us
You may be asking yourself: Why is my Windows device running so slow? Why have I stopped getting updates?
As of January 14, 2020, Windows End of Life went into effect for Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5. Anyone still running Windows 6.5 will be experiencing slow service, no OS updates, service outages, and more by now.
While slow operations and no new updates are serious issues in and of themselves, there are several additional risks to take into consideration. The threat of a security breach alone is enough to motivate enterprises to make the switch.
Frequent security patches and software updates prevent cyber criminals from accessing your data or infecting your system with malware, however the elimination of these patches and updates makes it easier for data to be compromised.
Another threat also looms—without updates, many companies will fall short of mission-critical requirements. Updates often provide enterprises with the tools and capabilities they need to combat increasing and evolving demands.
Transitioning Smoothly from Windows
Enterprises are going to have to transition eventually, and it is much better transition sooner rather than later. It’s critical that you plan your transition from Windows to a more reliable OS, like Android.
The first step is to take inventory of your devices, and which OS they are currently running. That way, you can see just how many devices you will need to migrate.
The next step is simple: Research, research, research. Learn everything you can about the new systems that are available, and determine which best suits your operation. Look for a reputable provider that can help you ease into this transition.
Set a budget and a timeframe with your mobile solutions provider. Tell them what your needs are and discuss a strategy with them to minimize potential downtime and create a seamless deployment. Also discuss the best possible options for any new devices you may have to purchase.
Transitioning to Android from Windows CE
Android has quickly surpassed Windows CE as the dominant platform on which many operations depend. Because it is an open-source platform, it offers additional flexibility for developers to innovate.
In the past, Android has been widely seen as a consumer-grade OS, but thanks to its open platform, developers have been able to address these issues by building enterprise-ready capabilities into the OS. Now knows as the Android Enterprise platform, users can easily integrate their mobile device management (MDM) and enterprise mobility management (EMM) software solutions.
Android’s flexibility also offers major benefits in the way of device compatibility. Hardware developers are able to create a better variety of form factors, and many devices currently being used today are compatible with the OS.
Honeywell Devices Recommended by Google and Android OS:
A Match Made in Heaven
Honeywell, an industry-leading developer of mission-critical hardware, has been working with Android since 2011 and has made investments in Android engineering. For nearly the last decade, Honeywell has been developing enterprise hardware that works seamlessly with Android OS.
In fact, Honeywell is one of the only hardware manufacturers that delivers both Android Enterprises-recommended and Google-recommended mobile devices and managed services. Here is where you can view a list of the Honeywell devices that Google has recommended.
What is Honeywell Mobility Edge Platform?
In order to optimize enterprise mobile devices for maximum performance and longevity, Honeywell designed its Mobility Edge platform. This unified hardware and software platform is designed to provide the longest security lifecycle in the industry, reducing the total cost of ownership for businesses.
With Mobility Edge, enterprises can accelerate deployments easily and at a lower cost. Not only can deployments be made faster, but solutions can be deployed out-of-the-box, and can be developed, certified, set up, and trained on.
Beyond that, the platform can optimize business performance, boosting productivity with embedded tools that allow data to captured faster and workers to communicate more efficiently. Security is also a major factor in what makes the Mobility Edge platform such an ideal option for enterprises, as it removes the obstacles associated with fragmented mobile computing.
Conclusion:
There are serious risks for enterprises still operating on outdated Windows systems. Not only will you be unable to keep up with evolving industry needs, you put your own security at risk. It’s critical for enterprises to migrate to a dependable, reliable, and secure OS so they can continue to operate at maximum productivity.
Informs offers a range of solutions on Honeywell’s Mobility Edge platform to ensure a seamless migration. For more information on Windows End of Life and how you can migrate to a better OS, contact Informs today.
Recent Comments