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Google’s Android platform has rapidly taken enterprise applications by storm. The flexible, open operating system (OS) has snagged more than one-third of the rugged enterprise mobile device market, and it already dominates the smartphone segment. And the platform’s impact is only going to expand as Microsoft ends support for its existing rugged mobile operating systems over the next few years.

Android is also transforming workforce mobility in a number of ways, — here are some of Android’s advantages:

Diverse form factors and ergonomic designs: Android is available in a wide array of form factors, including smartphones (both consumer-grade and rugged/semi-rugged), tablets, rugged handhelds, and wearables. With these highly portable devices, companies can reduce worker fatigue by offering them an ergonomic device that is tailor-made for their work processes. With access to a multiple form factors on the same platform, companies can also increase worker productivity and decrease downtime.

Enterprise-Ready solutions: While the OS was originally designed for consumer smartphones, Android has evolved over the years so that it can be easily integrated into enterprise environments. New features and functions in Android have optimized the platform for business applications. The Android Enterprise platform (formerly Android for Work) can help enterprise users better manage and secure these devices in line-of-business applications.

Mobile Device Management Compatible: Another important evolution for Android has been support for mobile device management (MDM) platforms. With MDM solutions, IT staff can push out new applications and updates from a central location without recalling the devices. Support staff also have remote control, troubleshooting, and repair capabilities. If a device is lost or stolen, it can be remotely locked or wiped. These capabilities increase the security of the mobile solution, and lower the total cost of ownership by reducing the need for additional IT support resources. MDM support (along with new features provided by rugged hardware manufacturers) have also greatly improved the platform’s security.

Future-Proof Protection from Honeywell: In the case of Honeywell’s Android-based fleet of rugged mobile devices, end users can future-proof their mobility investments via the Mobility Edge Platform. Mobility Edge provides a common platform across device types that can help extend device lifecycles and simplify management and support. Honeywell can provide years of additional OS and security support, providing valuable protection for this frequently updated operating platform. Even when the OS evolves, rugged devices (which have a much longer lifecycle than their consumer counterparts) can be maintained and updated because Mobility Edge provides support for multiple versions of the platform.

Windows End of Life: As Windows ends support for its legacy mobile platforms over the next two years,  companies that have already invested in Windows-based systems must incur cost to move to newer Windows platforms because they are not backward-compatible — or change to a different OS.  Android has a proven track record when it comes to enterprise mobility installations, and while transitioning to a new OS will require recoding some existing applications, those costs aren’t any greater than would be the case for new Windows apps – and Android also provides all of the benefits outlined above.

Imprint Enterprises can help companies make that transition with OS migration support services and tools, including help with redeveloping apps, upgrading devices, and creating an upgrade strategy.

As more rugged hardware companies invest in developing Android-based devices and Windows gradually phases out of enterprise deployments, Android is becoming the platform of choice for line-of-business applications. Let Imprint Enterprises help you select the right devices for your application, leveraging an operating system that will provide years of productivity and flexibility.