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Legacy Operating Systems

As the end of support dates for legacy operating systems approach, customers need to make decisions and plans to move forward, as application development can require considerable time and effort.

Customers currently running applications that require a legacy Microsoft operating system (Windows CE 6 or Windows Mobile/ Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5) will soon face the end of support for their platform. Mainstream support, which includes regular updates, has ended for both legacy systems. Microsoft extended support (security fixes) will end for Windows CE 6 in early 2018 and for Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 in early 2020. After those dates, vendors will be unable to provide patches should a vulnerability or error be found in Microsoft code. For this and other reasons, many customers have begun planning a transition to new applications running under a modern operating system.

As the end of support dates for legacy operating systems approach, customers need to make decisions and plans to move forward, as application development can require considerable time and effort. One way to provide more time to make decisions is to select a hardware offering that can support multiple operating systems. The Honeywell CN75 and CK75 Series mobile computers, along with the Honeywell CN51 mobile computer, offer a choice of Windows Embedded Handheld or Android. In addition, customers purchasing Windows Embedded Handheld can convert their devices to Android at a future date. This allows existing legacy applications to continue running until the organization is ready to move to Android, at which time a simple field-based software conversion is performed. Only a small investment in software is required; no changes are required to the hardware.

Android’s large market presence supports a broad variety of OEMs and hardware form factors, making it more likely that a device is available to meet the customer’s use case and cost requirements, including devices that offer integrated physical keypads.

*Content Provided By Honeywell

Contact us today to learn more.

 

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Zebra et50 and et55: Enterprise-Grade Tablets That Make the Grade

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There’s no doubt we rely on smartphones for a variety of computing tasks. The phone is likely one of the lesser used functions. As smartphones became more convenient and functional, they drifted into the workplace. Then came tablets, and workers appreciated the increased landscape of the larger screen, without the unwieldy size of a laptop. With enterprise-grade tablets, workers could access enterprise systems for updates and communicate across the network with more ease than ever before.

Yet, in demanding conditions, like a warehouse or manufacturing facility, consumer devices just don’t last. Drop that tablet on the concrete floor and it’s either headed for repair or replacement—which means downtime and cost. You might also be compromising your data security by using a consumer-grade tablet or limiting the computing power.

Zebra ET50 and ET55 Enterprise-Grade Tablets
Zebra ET50 and ET55 Enterprise-Grade Tablets

Avalon Integration is focused on serving the technology needs of today’s warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturers. We recognized that consumer devices just don’t deliver value in a tough, enterprise environment. So, we looked toward Zebra, a leader in this space, and found the answer.

The Zebra ET50 and ET55 enterprise tablets are purpose-built for the workplace. These enterprise-grade tablets make the grade—with a higher level of security, data capture, connectivity, and durability. Use these powerful mobile computing devices to:

  • Access real-time reports
  • Transmit work orders
  • Check equipment status
  • Track orders
  • Review and adjust workflows
  • Trigger replenishment
  • Place supply orders
  • Locate people and inventory
  • Capture and send high-quality photos or videos
  • View schematics
  • Record inspections with the date and time stamps
  • Use voice and messaging functions to communicate with the workforce

The Zebra ET50/ET55 enterprise tablet is designed to handle all of these functions with ease and reliability. With the sleek design of a consumer tablet, the ET50/ET55 is unquestionably rugged. Drop the tablet from three feet without worry. Add the rugged frame and the device will handle a drop from more than six feet. The ET50/ET55 will also withstand rain, snow, and dust. The IP65 sealing protects it from even a heavy spray from a hose.

This high-powered, intuitive, and rugged tablet also comes pre-installed with Zebra’s Mobility Extensions (Mx), a suite of features that elevate your operating system to enterprise-class Android. The result is more streamlined and effective device management, security, Wi-Fi performance, and application access. You can do more, better.

Zebra ET50 and ET55 Tablets Are Built to Work for You
Zebra ET50 and ET55 Tablets Are Built to Work for You

Data capture is also enhanced with the enterprise-level ET50/ET55 tablet. Scan 1D and 2D barcodes easily and quickly from a printed paper or electronic screen. Even damaged barcodes can be read. The tablet is also equipped with an integrated 8MP rear camera for image capture and a 2MP front camera for video conferencing.

You can add a hot-swappable battery to keep working without missing a beat. Or keep your ET50/ET55 powered up on the mobile-powered cart.

The ET50 is configured for robust connectivity within your facility’s existing WLAN infrastructure. If you need an enterprise tablet that hits the road with you, the ET55 supports 4G LTE.

Avalon Integration proudly partners with Zebra to provide our customers with the most advanced technology solutions for their business. Ask us about the ET50/ET55 enterprise tablets and other enterprise-grade mobile devices that increase operational efficiency.

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The Business Professional’s Choice: Apple or Android?

Apple and Android Devices Stacked

My Device photo c/o Kristine Moser

In life, sometimes you just have to pick between A and B. Chocolate or vanilla? Cat or dog? Walk or run? The list goes on indefinitely and gains new additions each year. One subject that most consumers have a hard answer to is the debate between Apple or Android as their phone designer of choice. But, how does the Apple/Android debate carry over into the business and technology world, is it even a debate at all?

Zebra and Android Collaboration

With recent collaborations between Zebra Technologies and Android, the two companies have brought together their software and user interface to create the new “My Devices” mobile aid for Target stores nationwide. You may have already seen employees using the devices when searching store stock or checking the status of an item online, as the product was debuted in Summer 2017. While the company did not cite a reason for the switch, Target employees have leaked on various social media platforms that they were unhappy with the frequent errors and inability to change the device’s batteries.

However, Apple still remains a worthy partner for businesses selling directly to consumers and looking to keep familiarity. Both Nordstrom and makeup giant, Sephora, utilize iPhones in stores for point of sale purchases to avoid long wait times for customers and efficient check out times. Using Apple products allows both retailers to create a seamless experience for the vast majority of their shoppers since Apple is still holding on to the number one spot for consumer phones. This allows customers to take advantage of the new technology available, without forcing retailers to deal with the stress of teaching them how to use the items, etc.

It is logical to assume, that the debate between Apple and Android will be one that continues for the years to come. As technology advances, so does the need for all platforms to grow along with that advancement. We are already beginning to see BIG changes coming to Apple’s interface and IOS Operating Systems with virtual reality capability expected to launch at any moment. We are also seeing Windows become an outdated operating system, and slowly being phased out by many companies to be replaced by Android. 2018 is certainly an exciting time in the technology industry and we surely are in for a few surprises before the year runs out!

Contact us today to learn more.

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