Windows CE was launched in 1996 to run what were then called handheld PCs. It has since undergone a few name changes such as “Windows Embedded CE” and “Windows Embedded Compact” but remains popularly referred to as “Windows CE.” Throughout its history, it has become a subfamily of operating systems developed by Microsoft and optimized for small devices.
Windows CE had a good run but Microsoft has announced the end of life for this line of operating system with Version 6.0 deemed unsupported as of April 2018. Windows CE Version 7.0 is slated to become unsupported April 2021. This means services that have relied on Windows CE devices face a major decision point. One thing’s for sure, unsupported legacy devices are vulnerable to security breaches. It’s imperative that organizations have a plan in place to mitigate against the threats posed by legacy technologies. Switching to a different OS is usually the top consideration along with hardware refresh. Android is the best option. Here are 3 reasons why.
Android is ubiquitous and widely used for all the right reasons
Let me count the ways. Data as of January 2021 shows Android having 71.93% of the global mobile operating system market share (Source: link). Traditionally, rugged devices that use Windows CE powered frontline work and associated verticals. Android has changed all of that. In a way, it has ushered in the mobile revolution and made possible remote work in various industries such as agriculture, logistics, hospitality, education, manufacturing, and so on. There’s no current indication that its presence would waver in the near future.
Android is built on an open source platform. This means industry experts constantly scrutinize the operating system for vulnerabilities and there’s an entire community of developers that can patch any flaws. Migrating into the Android ecosystem affords the benefits of multi-layered security built in by default.
Simplified means of enrolling, securing, and managing devices
Don’t get overwhelmed with the thought of enrolling your devices. Android Enterprise makes it possible for developers to use APIs and make life for IT admins a lot easier. You also get to leverage cutting edge technologies such as Zero Touch, QR Code, or NFC. New models of Android devices support these technologies so enrollment should just be a breeze.
Securing and managing Android devices need not be a complicated process either. As the admin, you have the ability to set the following policies:
- Enable/disable bluetooth
- Enforce PIN lock
- Enable/disable phone camera
- Allow/disallow sideloading of applications
- Reset PIN passcode remotely
- Remotely reset devices
When it comes to managing applications, you have access to Google Play. You can hand pick apps and easily deploy them to your fleet of devices. You can remotely install apps as well. Google Play Protect comes built in to offer 24×7 monitoring for malware. All these possibilities at the tip of your fingers.
Painless migration from CE Devices via Mobile Device Management for Android
Switching to a new OS with a new set of devices can be daunting. The great news is you can partner with Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) providers to pave the way for your success. WizyEMM, a leading Android Device Management solution, has been the EMM of choice for frontline workers. It’s built on Android Management API (AMAPI) and offers the following features:
- User friendly console that is 100% in the cloud
- Works with state of the art technologies for easy device enrollment such as Zero Touch, QR Code, NFC
- Works as an EMM solution to secure your devices and applications management
- Ease of setup for company owned devices, BYOD, and kiosk mode
If you need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out via this link.
WizyEMM offers a free plan as an introductory experience in enrolling and managing 2 devices. Sign up here!
