5 Reasons Why Companies Should Switch from Windows® Handheld to Android™

Across the enterprise mobile computing industry, thousands of companies are upgrading their mobile devices and migrating from Windows Embedded Handheld to Android. In this article, we’ll explain why this switch is happening and the five key reasons your company should do the same.

1. By 2020, the last version of Windows Embedded Handheld will reach the end of extended support.  Most versions of Windows Embedded Handheld have already reached end of life, and the rest will do so by 2020. This means there will be no more OS updates or security patches. To avoid the potential of being the next hacking victim, it’s critical to upgrade to a supported OS.Android provides an easy way to do this while avoiding the headaches of Microsoft’s waning support for enterprise mobility. Windows 10 IoT is the latest Microsoft mobile OS, but you can’t upgrade from Windows Embedded Handheld 7 or 6.5 to this version. You can only upgrade from Windows Embedded Handheld 8, but nearly everyone in the industry avoided this version because it didn’t support many enterprise mobile screen sizes and form factors.This means migrating from version 7 or 6.5 to Windows 10 IoT will be costly and time-consuming. You’ll have to redevelop all your apps and databases. It will be an expensive hassle to stay with Windows, especially when Microsoft has largely abandoned the enterprise mobile market.
2. The mobile industry is shifting away from Windows for handheld mobile computers.  Only 4% of enterprise handheld computers come with Windows 10 IoT today, and all major hardware developers have made Android their OS of choice.Enterprise app developers are also moving to Android in droves. If you want to avoid running an OS that most of the industry no longer supports, migrating to Android is the right choice. Many organizations such Home Depot, Best Buy, Whirlpool, and the United States Air Force have already done the same, so you’ll be in good company.

3. Android is easier to use and makes migrating to a new OS easier.  Android’s simplicity reduces worker training requirements; many workers already use it on their personal devices, so it’s an easy transition.  Android is also an open source OS with an app store, a global network of developers, and endless online resources offering sample code. This makes migrating apps to Android much easier and less costly.
4. Android is a powerfully secure enterprise-grade OS, thanks to Zebra Android devices.  Zebra’s Android devices come with a complete set of Mobility Extensions (Mx) and utilities that give you complete control over your devices, apps, users, and connections. You can achieve a level of security on par with anything Microsoft provides, with support for single sign-on, application and browser lock-downs, and even a customized company home screen.As an added bonus, Android’s over-the-air OS and security updates make it much easier for your IT team or solution provider to update your devices and protected them with the latest patches.
5. You can upgrade to Android and save up to $300 per device.  Migrating to Android will almost certainly mean investing in new hardware, but you can save big now by upgrading to Zebra Android devices. For a limited time, Zebra is offering rebates up to $300 per device when you trade in your old hardware for the latest Zebra Android mobile computers.You can even trade in non-Zebra devices, so it’s an absolute no-brainer.

Want to learn more about migrating to Android? Learn more here or contact us today to determine your rebate amount.

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