Enterprises everywhere are thinking about how they will navigate the upcoming OS migration. Support is coming to an end Jan 13th 2020 on Windows embedded devices, so it’s time to start planning how you will migrate to other operating systems and which mobile computers to choose.

Are you ready? End of life for Windows Embedded OS.

Dates to be aware of:

  • June 10, 2018 – Windows Embedded CE 6.0 will be End of Life
  • June 9th, 2019 – Windows Embedded 8.1 Handheld will be End of Life
  • January 14th, 2020 – Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 will be End of Life

Here is how to get started:

Choose a Provider

A service provider is an incredibly important piece of the Enterprise technology puzzle. The right service provider will be instrumental in helping you achieve easier, faster deployments and get the most out of your investment.

Look for someone that can do more than provide you with just the hardware you need. Your provider should be an industry expert that understands both the technology and your industry, so they can guide you on what solutions will best address your needs.

Your provider should recommend a long-term, future-proof solution—otherwise you will have wasted time and resources investing in a solution that will soon be obsolete.

Hardware and advice aren’t the only things that providers offer, however. A good provider will have a range of valuable services that make for smart business investments, like mobile device management, and onsite repair. These added services are great for helping to protect your investment.

Choose an Operating System

Once you are confident that you have the right provider, have them or your IT department assess the state of your operation’s readiness for migration. Are your devices working and capable of migrating to the new OS, or do you need to purchase devices? How many devices will you need to upgrade? And what OS will offer the highest performance?

Hardware manufacturers are beginning to point to Android OS as the dominant OS for enterprises using mobile computers. Rugged device manufacturers like Honeywell have begun tailoring their devices to Android, and three of Honeywell’s rugged devices, which run on the Mobility Edge platform, have been validated as Android Enterprise Recommended. This program makes it easier for organizations to select, deploy, and manage enterprise devices and services.

Choose a Device

Rely on your provider to help you with selecting the devices that are best suited for your application and your needs. They will likely point you towards a rugged device manufacturer like Honeywell, who is forward-thinking in their product design. Some of the devices Honeywell offers are:

Dolphin CT60 mobile computer—a rugged touchscreen device with an extended battery life. This device offers high-performance scanning and protection against dust and moisture.

Dolphin CN80 mobile computer—an ultra-rugged device built to withstand the rigors of harsh environments. The CN80 features both a traditional keypad and a large touchscreen interface for quick, efficient data entry options.

What’s Your Plan?

Have you struggled to nail down a solid OS migration plan? Even though this transition can be complicated and intimidating, you need not worry. Our team at Informs, Inc. can help you find the right strategy and device for the transition from Windows to Android.