Windows to Android Migration

January 14th, 2020
What better day than Halloween to acknowledge this ominous date creeping closer and closer. All mobile devices users will eventually have to face it. When it arrives, Microsoft will end all support for Windows ruggedized environments.
Why does that matter?
There are a handful of reasons why the end of life for Windows mobile devices should matter to companies using Windows devices.
End of Life for Windows Ruggedized Environments
First it is important to know what end of life means. In this case, it means that Microsoft will no longer provide security patches, support, nor software updates to fix bugs etc. to any mobile device running Windows OS. In other words, your devices will become a hole in the wall that makes up your security barrier, technical support will no longer be able to provide assistance when you need it, and system hiccups will go unaddressed.
Company Security
Now that EoL has been addressed, we can focus on the weak spot in your security wall. Moving to Android devices before January means that you can bypass all of the security threats that come with an unsupported device. Once a device is no longer supported, security patches stop. While you could decide to stay with your current Windows mobile device, that creates a weak spot. Essentially it becomes a target in your security barrier for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities. If you’re thinking that your devices don’t apply because they only connect to the company Wi-Fi, think again. Devices that use wireless LAN, cellular, or Wi-Fi will be affected, and can be a source of malware to any network it connects to.
Employee User Experience
This change gives you the opportunity to increase operational efficiencies and adopt newer, more intuitive technology creating user friendly experiences for your employees. Transitioning allows your workforce to use modern mobile devices and make the most of their new capabilities. Not to mention that they will be able to run the latest operating system, allowing installation of applications they need to be productive. Additionally, they will benefit from an intuitive and user friendly experience. Without these things, productivity takes a hit.
The “Savings” Don’t Add Up
It is common to think that sticking with the current system instead of putting money into new technology is saving your business money. The data, however, tells a different story. A 2016 survey found that U.S. businesses lose up to $1.8 billion each year in wasted productivity due to obsolete technology. Combined with the security threat and the hindrances to the employees using the hardware, the “savings” just don’t add up.

So what now?
Now that we’ve painted this scary picture, we have some good news. You are not alone. Over 10 million devices will be affected and we are not going to let you fall behind like the unlucky victim in scary movies. There are options to help you swiftly navigate the OS transition.
Why Android?
Before we dive into the transition assistance options, let’s talk about the platform you’ll transition onto. Android is the #1 Platform of Choice for Legacy Windows OS Users. Of all the reasons to choose Android, these three are among the top:

It is an open source platform, which means that developers are able to quickly address user’s needs for new functionality.
Android is the most used mobile operating system in the world. The familiarity among users means that the transition is likely to be much easier for employees.
A wide range of products are Android compatible – and are designed for rugged environments.

Mobility Solutions
You can go it alone in your transition, but you don’t have to! There are solutions built specifically to help you transition. Honeywell’s Mobility Edge, for example, includes hardware and software to help your organization easily roll-out and update mobile devices across your organization. It offers premium features, including Android OS, security updates, extended lifecycle, performance management and more. Check out the video to learn more.

Other solutions, like Mobility DNA, are also available.

Our team can help you smoothly transition to the Android OS before your Windows mobile workforce turns into a zombie device nightmare. Give us a call to figure out which solution, which devices, and what timeline to transition is best for your business.

Have questions? Give us a call!
800-281-3056

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2018/11/15/outdated-technology-costs-businesses-more-than-it.html