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Maximum Mobility Takes The Zebra TC52 Outside the Four Walls

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Your mobile workforce needs to be well equipped to handle the demands of working remotely. They should have rugged devices that can handle the rigors of road work, like bouncing around inside a dusty service vehicle and handling snow, ice, rain, and extreme temperatures. But rugged isn’t the only feature for efficiency. Zebra recently launched a new generation of the TC56 and Avalon Integration took a look. The new Zebra TC52 touch computer takes maximum mobility outside the four walls and far into the field.

Familiar Smartphone Appearance for Maximum Mobility
The Zebra TC52 has a Familiar Appearance for Maximum Mobility

When we first unboxed the TC52, it was obvious that the sleek smartphone styling had been continued into the new version. The comfort, familiarity, and ease of use are important when sending workers into the field with new technology for maximum mobility. Unlike a smartphone though, your workers can enter data on the touchscreen with a gloved finger, in addition to a stylus or finger.

More Secure Android for the Enterprise and Maximum Mobility

The TC52 comes pre-loaded with Zebra’s fortified Android—basically, a powered-up version of the operating system with enterprise-class features. You don’t have the worries of the open platform because Zebra’s Mobility Extensions (Mx) use AES-256 encryption, the high level demanded government use.

Ready for Tough Stuff
The TC52 is Ready For The Tuff Stuff

Zebra designed and built this rugged handheld like its many others, with the ability to hit a hard floor or surface without breaking. All those tumbles off the dashboard or into the snow won’t stop the TC52 from doing its job. The Corning Gorilla Glass protects the display and image window from shattering and scratches.

Robust Connectivity

When your work takes you to remote places, you need technology that can grab a cellular network connection without hesitation. This handheld computer allows for increased data capacity and speeds up to 2 Mbps, as well as supporting the Public Safety LTE network for first responders. The TC52’s technology also supports Visible Light Communication (VLC), Bluetooth 5.0 BLE, and Wi-Fi for maximum mobility. The WorryFree WiFi feature finds the strongest Wi-Fi connection and delivers outstanding roaming performance.

Better Cameras
The TC52 has Better Camera for any environment

For recording data—whether it’s a signature or a video—the TC52’s two cameras are designed to handle every task. The front-facing camera is 5 MP, a great tool for video conferencing. The rear-facing 13 MP camera provides the high-resolution imaging you need for documenting damaged materials and proof of delivery. A field service person can get support from the field by zooming in on a repair challenge and sharing it with the office tech staff.

14-Hour Battery Life
The Zebra TC52 has a 14-Hour Battery Life for Maximum Mobility

Zebra installs the PowerPrecision+ battery in the TC52 mobile computer. Even on a long shift, the device keeps working. If it does run out, you don’t have to power down the handheld, because the Warm Swap feature lets you make the exchange while it’s still running—eliminating the interruption in workflow.

When you’re sending out your mobile workforce with expectations to do their best work with the utmost accuracy and efficiency, give them the tools to do it. Rugged handhelds that are purpose-built, like the Zebra TC52, represent a smart investment with a solid return.

If you’d like to look more closely at this mobile computer, watch this video. Better yet, contact Avalon Integration to arrange a free demo.

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OS Migration: The Logistics of Making the Transition

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In the last post, we talked about the security issues of converting to Android from Windows Embedded Handheld and Windows CE. With Microsoft no longer offering support for these mobile operating systems, businesses are facing a difficult decision. Where to go with their enterprise OS and the logistics of making the transition.

With this shift, you’re faced with several options:

  1. Continue with Windows, without security updates.
  2. Rewrite your apps to fit another version of Windows.
  3. Move to a different operating system, like Android or iOS.

MX Logistics for the Android Family

At Avalon Integration, we looked at these choices. The first leaves you wide open to security breaches, so let’s not even consider it. The second is doable if you’re a loyal Microsoft user. However, Microsoft has already proven that it’s not committed to the enterprise user. Perhaps now is the right time to transfer your loyalty.

Zebra and Android Mobile Computer Family

Rather than commit resources to rewrite apps, allocate them to managing the transition to a strong operating system that is designed to work at this heightened level? Yes, Apple has a closed platform that is renowned for tight security, but it also has a limited developer community.

Transition to Android with 78% Mobile Devices Currently in Use

Android Mobile Devices Currently Used

Android, on the other hand, is already running on 78% of the mobile devices currently in use (compared to 15% with iOS). Among the rugged device users, 54% of newly introduced devices come installed with Android. This OS has a robust developer ecosystem, giving you a broader choice of apps and development opportunities. With Zebra’s Mobility Extensions (Mx), Android is now an enterprise-class operating system. Mx Security strengthens the security with government-grade AES-256 data encryption and a host of other security features not available on consumer-grade Android. More importantly, as you approach the end of life for your current Windows OS, you need to look at the ease of transitioning to a different operating system. How complicated is it? Will you need additional IT staff hours? What do you do with your legacy devices?

Transition to Android for the Most Developer Resources

Android Most Developer Resources Working on a Zebra Tablet

First of all, Android has the most extensive app and developer resources out there. App developers are plentiful, and Avalon Integration specializes in systems integration, so we can guide you through this step.

Android Transition Made Simple

Android OS Made Simple

Zebra’s Mx also incorporates device and app management tools that simplify the deployment. Mx MDM works with your current mobile device management system to deliver the compatibility that eases the transition. Mx MDM makes it easy to remotely stage, update, troubleshoot, lock, wipe, and monitor the Android-based Zebra devices in your network. These services are always running in the background of the devices, so your IT team stays connected with the activity.

Mx Mam Gives You Full Control

Android OS Gives You Full Control

Mx MAM enables silent install, remotely, from your central console. You don’t need to disrupt workflow. In the long-term, Mx MAM provides lockdown features that allow you to develop a list of authorized apps that can be downloaded and run on your devices. You can exclude personal apps and avoid malware—which are even bigger disruptions to the workflow!

Zebra’s purpose-built rugged mobile devices come pre-installed with Mx. Avalon Integration is ready to help you move through the OS migration to arrive at a long-term solution. Talk to us to get started.

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OS Migration: Android Conversion and the Security Debate

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Two years ago, users of Windows Embedded Handheld and Windows CE learned that Microsoft was going to pull the plug on these operating systems. No more security patches. No more updates. The end of life has already begun, with support for Windows Embedded CE 6.0 coming to a close on June 10, 2018. The remainder will fade into history over the next two years. The OS migration began as soon as the announcement was made. Those considering the options have looked at Android conversion. The security debate, however, concerned some potential users.

Android is an open-source platform, while the alternative, iOS, is closed. Skeptics worry about the security of Android. Encryption was an issue. It was slow, even on business-grade, high-end devices. Malware risk concerned decision-makers as well. The file-sharing left Android users open to phishing attacks and more.

Mobility throughout the workplace with Zebra Handheld Mobile Computers

These are valid points. But here’s another consideration: Of the 1.2 billion mobile devices currently in use, Android runs on 78% of them. Apple’s iOS runs on 15% of devices, with the minuscule 7% split primarily between BlackBerry and Microsoft. Android dominates here, but enterprise users have still been hesitant about its value as a business operating system. Clearly, Android is the dominant OS. If only these nagging issues could be resolved.

Extensions Zebra Mobile Handheld Computers

Then, Zebra stepped in. The manufacturer of some of the industry’s most rugged, user-friendly, and high-performance enterprise mobile computers recognized the need to overcome Android’s barriers to broader acceptance by business users across industries. Zebra developed Mobility Extensions (Mx), which resulted in what they call “fortified Android”. Mx has strengthened Android in a variety of ways:

  • Security
  • Mobile device management (MDM)
  • Mobile application management (MAM)
  • Data capture
  • Wireless connectivity

Government-Grade Encryption Maximizes Security

Mobility Extensions Government Grade Security

From the security standpoint, this fortified Android uses a government-grade, AES-256 encryption. Mx lets you select the data you want to encrypt—like sensitive data. The result is that encryption doesn’t slow down the device’s performance since it’s not encrypting every bit of information.

Transferrable Encryption Keys Ensures Security

Mobility Extensions Encryption for all Zebra Handheld Mobile Computers

Standard Android generates and secures the encryption keys on the device. But if you need to swap the device or give data to another user, the key doesn’t go along with the SD card. With Mx, the encryption keys are generated and stored in a centralized location. IT has control and can remotely provision another device with the encryption keys necessary to gain access.

Expanded Lockdown

Mobility Extensions Lockdown Security

Mx enables the lockdown of users from a device, an app, or even just a feature. You can limit users to one line-of-business application. When they turn it on, the device automatically launches and locks into that specific application from an enterprise home screen. You protect the network from unauthorized access while enhancing productivity by eliminating distractions. You can also lock down specific features and peripherals, like disabling the USB port so sensitive information can’t be downloaded to a thumb drive—or unauthorized apps can’t be uploaded in the same way.

Reliable Security Updates

Mobility Extensions - Reliable Security Updates

When Microsoft ended support for Windows CE/Embedded security patches, it effectively ended the enterprise use. Without ongoing patches to protect the network, you’re open to all sorts of breach risks. Zebra is staying on top of the security updates, with an internal team that monitors all reported Android security issues. DARN (Discover, Assessment, Remediation, Notification) alerts the Zebra Mx users whenever a patch is available. A link makes the upgrade instantly downloadable and IT can deploy it to all enterprise mobile devices with Mx’s MDM application.

MX comes pre-installed on all Zebra mobile devices. They’re ready to run right out of the box. Avalon Integration sees this fortified Android as a secure solution as you ponder OS migration. Stay tuned to learn more about the logistics challenges and solutions for the move to a different operating system.

Talk to us at Avalon Integration to get a better understanding of how you can get the most out of Mobility Extensions (Mx) today!

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