In case you’ve missed the news or you’ve been too busy to follow the developments closer, now is the time to plan a migration away from Windows for your handheld mobile computers. Microsoft is pulling the plug on CE/Windows Mobile in 2020, leaving 15 million handheld mobile computers and 90% of the current market without support. This means there will be no future security patches, so thousands of businesses will be vulnerable to potential threats. It also means there will be no Windows-based mobile operating system to run future applications. Microsoft is getting out of the handheld market entirely, so businesses have no choice but to migrate to an alternative.
Some have chosen to delay their move to a new OS, but doing so delays the upgrade cycle for devices and creates added costs and headaches. In fact, there’s an 8% average rate of return for devices that reach four years of age, and there’s a 5% increase in total cost of ownership for each percentage point that the return rate increases. This is why our team at TPI strongly recommends upgrading to the latest mobile computers from Zebra Technologies and migrating to the Android OS. Android offers a great way to avoid the headaches, ensure device security, and migrate to an easier-to-use and more modern OS while improving your mobile workflows in the process.
Why Android?
One of the biggest advantages of Android is its open architecture, app store access, and broad community of ISVs and developers who share code and tips. Android makes it faster and easier to migrate and update your applications or create new solutions. You can even leverage Google Play app store apps to tap into entirely new productivity and efficiency for your business.
Android is easier to use because of its simple and highly intuitive interface. Usability is bolstered by the fact that Android is also familiar to many workers who already use it on their smartphones and tablets at home.
Android is also a powerfully secure enterprise-grade operating system when it’s combined with mobile device and application management from our partners at Zebra Technologies. You can completely control your devices, apps, and access to your networks and data, while Android’s over-the-air updates make it easy to apply the latest security patches and OS updates.
Upgrading to Zebra Android Mobile Computers
Zebra’s latest mobile computers come equipped with Android for easy migration while delivering phenomenal improvements in mobile computing power, battery life, and scanning performance. For example, Zebra’s new TC8000 Android touch mobile computer is helping businesses achieve 14% increases in per-shift worker productivity and 40% faster data entry with 60% fewer errors.
Android is also available on Zebra’s other mobile computers, including the TC70/75 mobile touch computer and ET50/55 enterprise tablets, as well as its wearable and vehicle-mounted solutions.
All of these devices offer unique opportunities to turn a necessary migration into a major win for your business. At TPI, our Strategic Account team is ready to help you identify the best options for your specific use case. We will help you upgrade to a future-forward OS that’s easier for your workers to use while Zebra’s advanced barcode scanning capabilities, industry-leading battery life, and processing power blow away the performance you’ve been getting from your older devices.
Choosing Your Strategy
If you haven’t developed your migration plan or you recently invested in other technology, contact our TPI Strategic Account team for a free assessment and recommendation to help you choose the right strategy for your post-Windows future. Call 614-227-7000, visit www.tpi1.com/Android, or email Sales@tpi1.com.