The clock is ticking! - Windows Embedded end of life support
Portech
Due to Microsoft's announcement for end of support for Windows Embedded, industries are having to look to an alternative OS for their enterprise Apps and the most suitable option today is Android. As a result, businesses will need to have their apps rewritten for a new OS before the deadline. This can be critical since there are so many devices used in regulated environments.
Here are the scheduled dates for “End of Life”:
- April 10, 2018 – Windows Embedded CE 6.0 will be End of Life
- July 9, 2019 – Windows Embedded 8.1 Handheld will be End of Life
- January 14, 2020 – Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 will be End of Life
“End of support” means that Microsoft will stop issuing security patches and software updates. Any company still running Windows software on its devices will be left with no easy solution to defend their system from viruses, fix software bugs, or add new apps.
The clock is ticking for Windows Embedded
If you are running Windows Embedded systems today, it’s time to start planning the move to other platforms as you begin to replace your older handhelds.
Depending on the number of devices in your organisation, you’ll want to get your upgrade strategy in place sooner rather than later to ensure there is a smooth roll-out, as the final deadline in 2020 isn’t that far off, and the closest is less than six months away.
When you switch away from Windows Embedded, your apps will need to be rewritten in order for them to work on Android. It is here that the clock is really ticking, your apps may have taken years to develop, design, and test, and technical teams will need enough time to reproduce them.
Should you switch to Android?
Android is likely to be a frontrunner when planning your upgrade strategy as most users are familiar with Android’s UI on mobile phones. Most operators can intuitively use an Android enabled device with little additional instruction.
Leading hardware manufacturers are undertaking a major push towards enterprise grade Android rugged devices – many resemble a robust Android Smartphone.
Enterprise-grade Android for rugged devices
Rugged device manufacturers have historically used Windows based OS (Windows CE and Windows Embedded) to power their devices, but with the end of life approaching, it’s worth looking at what Android is offering to business and rugged systems users. Nearly all handheld devices run on the Windows operating system, Fortunately, a new OS, the right devices and modernizing your apps before the 2020 end of extended support date will offer many productivity and cost advantages.
Why Portech for your Windows to Android migration?
25 years of experience in mobile enterprise app and software development means that our clients are confident in our ability to deliver a wide range of projects, from logistics, warehousing, retail, merchandising to field service and much more.
Contact us to get help selecting the best hardware and software to meet your needs, budget and future requirements.
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