In the past, it was common for enterprise clients to use Microsoft’s mobile operating system, Windows 10 Mobile. for things like Handhelds, Scanning, and Mobile Computing in-store and in the warehouse. Unfortunately, Microsoft decided to call it quits and ended all support for this OS on January 14, 2020.

What does that mean?

It means that you can keep using your current Windows mobile device, however you will never again receive updates or patches – which translates into no new features, no new security measures put in place, no new apps (even the current apps will probably fade away), no new anything!

What should you do?

Consider moving your enterprise’s mobile operating system to Android. By 2016, Android controlled over 86% of smartphone sales. It’s also one of the most popular mobile OS for enterprises. If you’re worried that your terminal services or other apps won’t work with Android. There are tools like Ivanti’s Wavelink Velocity application modernization platform that we can help you deploy and configure.

There are several reasons why Android is a great option, and some of them are:

Android offers a great level of customizability to retailers. Whether you are a large or small retailer, you can choose mobile devices within your budget. And more options with the actual devices also means more options with features, functions, and services. Android also supports a large variety of OEMs and hardware form factors which translates into a better chance that retailers can find a device that meets their needs and cost constraints.

Android devices offer better “retail hardened” hardware than other OS’. Certain devices have faster processors, more RAM, increased battery capacity, and better screen resolution than other competing operating systems such as Apple. Plus an iPhone is much more expensive to replace and will never survive the 4 foot drop test. Moreover, its also much more likely to walk away.

Android devices allow users to choose from a multitude of apps, not just those created by Android. You can certainly shop at the Android Play Store, but you can also browse places like Amazon for your apps. This ensures that you find the right application for your needs.

Android has responded to threats to security in the recent years by introducing Potentially Harmful Apps (PHA), monthly security patches, PIN verification, encryption, daily scans of the entire device, and more.

Android enterprise understands that some small- and medium- sized businesses are encouraging their staff to use their own devices at work. That’s why devices with this OS have the ability to create 2 separate profiles – one for business and one for personal use. At the end of the day, you can simply turn off the business profile and continue using the device for personal use.

Now that Microsoft’s mobile OS is no longer an option, it is time to switch to another operating system. Although you can probably still use Microsoft for a while yet, we suggest making the switch sooner than later. Your Microsoft devices can fail at any time, and you don’t want to be caught without support during a busy work day!

Contact your Helios experts today to discuss how we can assist you on your journey through this OS transition. We are your “one-stop shop” and can assist by identifying your unique requirements, mapping/formalizing your business process, assessing which vendors are the best option for your organization, building a pragmatic business case that makes sense, and completing the implementation.