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Rugged mobile device users are nearing a critical crossroads when it comes to their mobile operating system platform – and the end of an era. For decades, Windows has been the de facto standard as the best mobile computer option in the rugged space, but that will officially come to an end on Jan. 13, 2020, when Microsoft ends all support for Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5, followed closely by the sunsetting of support services for Windows Embedded Compact 7 and Embedded 8.

Maintaining legacy systems won’t be an option anymore, so companies will need to have a plan in place for their rugged mobile OS migration. This won’t just ensure that the solutions remain supported and updated, but can also provide additional advantages like an improved interface, increased productivity, and better performance.

How can you select the best mobile computer platform? Compare options:

Windows 8/10/IoT: Transitioning to one of Microsoft’s new platforms will provide some degree of consistency, but legacy applications will still need to be rewritten for any of these platforms. Users will also have to learn the new interface. What’s more, the mobile industry is transitioning away from Windows – just 4% of mobile devices run Windows IoT, for example.

iOS: Apple has made a number of inroads into business applications as corporate users and some field service staff now rely on iPhones for mobile access. However, Apple’s devices have poor battery life and are not rugged enough for most line-of-business applications (warehousing, manufacturing, etc.) and environments. Apple’s closed ecosystem also limits the types of available devices and application compatibility.

Android: Rugged hardware manufacturers are increasingly betting on Android as the next best mobile computer option. The open-source platform has a big developer base and a high number of available applications. Manufacturers like Zebra have also tailored their offerings to make Android a better fit for these applications. Zebra’s Mobility Extensions, for example, provide enterprise-level control over the OS, applications, and hardware. Zebra’s TC70/TC75 touch computer series are a good example of the type types of Android devices that are now available for enterprise use.

With a transition plan in place and a new OS selected, the next step would be narrow down your device selection. There are a number of factors to keep in mind when you’re looking for the best mobile computer:

Flexible migration: Android is flexible, customizable, and is backed by a large amount of developer resources. Find a device and solution provider that can help you transition from legacy platforms to Android.

Total cost of ownership (TCO): Rugged mobile devices provide the durability you need to ensure the computers can stay in operation for years, even in harsh conditions. Select a device that has the IP and/or MIL-STD ratings required for your operating environment.

Data capture: You can future-proof your device investment by selecting mobile computers that support both linear (1D) and 2D barcodes/part marks. If you think you may need to read RFID tags in the future, there are devices on the market offer the option of upgrading to RFID later without buying all new hardware.

Battery life and continuous power: Mobile devices have to work for a full shift, or you will degrade productivity as workers travel back and forth to the charging station for a new battery. Look for high battery life, smart battery management options, and hot-swappable batteries.

Security: Android is now just as secure as Windows. Make sure your device supports enterprise mobility management features/solutions and over-the-air updates for security patches.

Intuitive interface: Most of your employees are already carrying smartphones, and the best mobile computers will have an interface that mimics the consumer experience. This will reduce training and make it easier for employees to successfully adapt to the new hardware.

While deploying a new mobile platform is never painless, upgrading to Android-based rugged mobile computers can reduce the complexity of the migration while also enabling new productivity and efficiency benefits.