In 2020, Microsoft announced end of life for several of its handheld and embedded software programs, including Windows® Mobile 6.5, Windows® CE, and Windows® Embedded Standard 7. This is in addition to the end of life announcements issued in 2018 and 2019 for a variety of other mobile and handheld devices. End of support doesn’t just mean fewer upgrades and reduced assistance from Windows, it also poses problems for your operation’s security, uptime, and product development.
If your devices are dependent on Windows® Embedded software, your program has become obsolete, and it is time to consider alternatives that will help keep your operation running safely and efficiently. In this article, we will explain which Windows® operating systems have become obsolete, what it means for your organization, and how changing to an Android OS, such as Android™ Industrial+, can benefit your organization.
What Versions of Windows® CE and Mobile are at End of Life?
Windows® has discontinued support for a number of their Mobile and CE versions. If your operations use any of the following Windows programs, your system may be vulnerable:
- Windows® Embedded Standard 7 – End of Life October 13, 2020
- Windows® Embedded Handheld 6.5 – End of Life January 14, 2020
- Windows® 10 Mobile – End of Life December 10, 2019
- Windows® Embedded 8.1 Handheld – End of Life June 9, 2019
- Windows® Embedded CE 6.0 – End of Life June 10, 2018
Why You Should be Concerned About Windows® End of Life
So, what does end of life for Windows® Mobile 6.5 and Windows CE mean for you? The discontinuation of Windows support for your program will affect three aspects of your organization: Security, Development, and Uptime/Efficiency.
Security
Using Windows® systems past their end of life date can place your organization at great risk of security threats. Without regular security updates and patches, your Windows® Mobile systems can be manipulated and damaged by parties operating remotely. Security breaches can place sensitive customer and company information at risk, and they can put you out of compliance with federal privacy regulations. What’s more, hackers may be able to access critical equipment, such as ventilation systems, phones, and office hardware.
Development
For organizations with Windows®-based operating systems, end of life could also mean reduced effectiveness for proprietary software. Without regular upgrades, your internal programs will become difficult, if not impossible to operate. Emergency development and internal patching will become increasingly expensive, and your system will eventually no longer serve its purpose.
Uptime and Efficiency
Devices that use end of life Windows® technology are more likely to fail over time. If your system is heavily dependent on Windows® technology, your manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and retail operations will have to resort to increasingly labor-intensive operations. Your IT department will be swamped with system errors, and labor-intensive workarounds will become the norm. You will have to deal with a greater number of equipment failures, which will affect your operational efficiency and increase downtime.
Does Android™ OS Work on Windows® Devices?
With the potential for more handheld and mobile migrations as more Windows® versions are released, many businesses are considering switching their operations to iOS/Android™ operating systems. Android™-based devices are designed to be intuitive and easy to operate. Unfortunately, most handheld devices that use outdated Windows® systems are unable to migrate to Android™ OS. Although it may seem like an unwelcome investment, switching to an Android™-based system sooner rather than later will save you time and money in the long run.
At ACD Group, we are pleased to offer a variety of mobile solutions for our customers in a wide range of industries. Our Mobile Handheld Computer M260TE features state-of-the-art Android™ Industrial+ technology. With the M260TE and Android™ Industrial+, you gain:
- Extended Support Timeline
- Enhanced System Security
- No Disclosure of Data to Third Parties
- Quick and Direct Developer Contact
- Integration with Vehicle Mount Terminals and Pick by Voice with Voxter® Elite+
- Award Winning Effectiveness as Recognized by the 2021 German Innovation Awards
Quality Solutions From Industry Experts at ACD Group
As more Windows® CE and Mobile programs reach end of life, the security and reliability of your operation may be compromised. Instead of trying to work around the updates, consider switching to a more modern Android system. Contact the experts at ACD Group to learn more about our handheld devices, Android™ Industrial+ solutions, vehicle mount terminals, and pick by voice clients.