A few years ago, Microsoft announced it would no longer be supporting Windows Embedded, their Operating System (OS), for handheld devices. This was a huge development as devices running that OS would be defenceless and archaic, due to the lack of updated software patches and upgrades, with no easy fix. As expected, this caused arguably the biggest platform shift ever seen in the rugged industry as many businesses frantically migrated to Android, a popular OS due to its flexibility and vast capability, producing a seamless transition. Here are a few handy tips to keep in mind when switching to Android OS for your rugged devices:

SWITCH NOW, NO MORE LEGACY

Of course, spending is a particularly important consideration for the public sector. Any business implementing a mobile computing strategy needs to understand how much it is going to cost and what are the most appropriate devices that will improve efficiency and productivity. Whilst the purchase price is one of the critical factors, the decision to select and customise a consumer device against going for more purpose-built enterprise devices will need to be considered. Much will depend on where the device is going to be used, at least its primary use. Selecting a consumer device for harsh working environments or for multi-users in a public location is likely to be a false economy. These devices are more prone to breakages and failure. There are plenty of ruggedized alternatives for laptops, tablets and smartphones that are better suited. Studies by analysts VDC and Gartner have shown that the costs of deploying consumer mobile devices that are customised for enterprise mobility are always almost higher than those purpose-built. VDC estimate it could be at least 51% higher for the consumer device.

CONNECTIVITY AND COMMUNICATION

Plan your switch immediately, don’t prolong it! Most rugged devices have a life span of 5-7 years, and with support for any Windows, Embedded device ceased earlier this year, buying legacy OS devices should be a massive no-no for your business unless they are to be used as a stop-gap short-term solution. Ruggedized equipment is often independent of the company’s network; thus, they are unlikely to be connected to the internet for periods, which is necessary for most updates to occur.

VARY YOUR RUGGED PORTFOLIO

As simple as it sounds, many businesses are guilty of putting all their eggs in one basket so to speak, standardising their OS with a singular vendor in an attempt to take advantage of the wealth of versatility in today’s market. This, however, can be counter-productive and hinder your business operations and performance.
To optimize performance and reap the full benefits, you must create a portfolio using different devices with different specific tasks, think of it as the ingredients to a cake. Every machinery should have individual qualities but work in tandem to produce the best results.

GUARANTEED RUGGEDNESS

While working in tough environments with fluctuating weather conditions and changing seasons you want your hardware to be as durable as you are. Luckily with a rugged computer at hand, in a holster, or perhaps docked in your vehicle you won’t have to worry if your rugged computer can take the heat, or the cold, or the water, or sand… you get the point. Large sunlight durable screens and heavy-duty specifications along with long-lasting batteries make ultra-rugged PDAs and tablets the ideal hardware for field service.

Contact CID now to take advantage of our expertise and proven history of excellent service to the public sector! The perfect solution for you is just a phone call away. 

BE METICULOUS WITH YOUR BUSINESS CASE

When performing a business case for Rugged Devices you have to factor the traits that distinguish it from standard devices, such as the harsh environment they are frequently used. The total cost of ownership (TCO) should especially be accounted for as Rugged Devices are known to have lower TCO on occasion, due to factors such as: 

•   Ruggedised equipment usually has double the life span.

•   Ruggedised equipment sales cycles are longer and update cycles less.

•   Ruggedised equipment is specialised to be used in mission-critical situations, improving productivity and reducing downtime with supreme battery life-span and lower failure rates.

APPLICATION VIRTUALISATION TECHNOLOGY

Migrating your OS to Android will involve a full rewrite of your applications. your vendor or solutions provider will usually take care of that for you. However, virtualisation options are available to enable you to virtualise an application for Android at a cheaper price than a rewrite, which can be costly. 
An incredibly worthwhile solution as it does not affect the back-end of your suite, and is ideal for applications scheduled to be decommissioned within a few years, whilst the migration process is underway.

If all of this sounds a bit confusing don’t worry, that’s why CI Distribution exists! We aim to better your business operation with the best-rugged solutions on the market, delivering to you the perfect experience every step of the way.
Contact us now, we have a surplus of specialists on-hand to answer any Android OS migration questions you have!
 

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