Rugged mobile computers have a ubiquitous presence in the business landscape – be it production facilities or supply-chain management organizations – every industry vertical demands a robust performance and dynamic anytime accessibility to bump up employee productivity. And the rugged computer industry (producing devices that can endure dust, pollution, shock, or vibrations) is adapting beautifully to this demand. Cost reductions, processor speed improvements, and reliable wireless networks lead to this unmatched popularity and use of rugged mobile computers.
It’s here that you require drawing comparisons between the three most crucial Operating Systems that drive rugged mobile computers for industrial use. Before diving deep into the discussion, let’s take a look at what makes these Operating systems so important for rugged mobile computers.
Unraveling the secret
Mobile computers should communicate with backend business systems and that too in real-time. It’s the Operating Systems or OS playing a crucial role in this context. Mobile OS can successfully integrate the applications with existing IT infrastructure, which makes the Operating System highly important.
When it comes to Operating systems, users come across three crucial options. Apple’s iOS, Google’s Android, and Microsoft Windows are the most popular choices. However, the ever-increasing demand for highly interactive and effective OS has led to the emergence of numerous Operating systems.
Factors affecting the business architecture
The choice of the Operating System or OS is important. Do you wish to know why? Well, a lot of things depend on it. Other than the ‘Total cost of device Ownership,' your choice of the OS can affect your business in ways more than one. Some of the important and common factors include:
- Device development Costs
- Business system security
- Business productivity
What to do
While deploying such mobile computing technologies, businesses and top app developers should keep the security, productivity, and IT infrastructure in mind. Adopting careful and effective approaches will result in the dynamic development of business processes. Most importantly, the TCO or ‘Total Cost of Ownership’ of mobile business systems will also decrease thus increasing profit margins for businesses.
On that note, it’s high time we identify the key differentiators creating demarcations between these three popular Operating Systems.
- The Windows platform
Quite recently, Microsoft came up with an innovative and interactive solution for rugged mobile computers. Popularly known as Windows Embedded 8 Handheld or WE8H, this unique touch-oriented UX is developed on highly powerful and dynamic processor architecture. A closer look at market trends will unravel some of the highly crucial facts in this context.
If market stats and reliable reports are anything to go by, Windows CE accounts for a whopping 58% of market share for small, form-factor, and rugged devices. Smooth integrations, ease of operations, and ubiquity of the platform are the prime reasons for its popularity. In a nutshell, leveraging the Windows platform will help you reap the following benefits. Take a look!
Built-in tools and features including Excel, Viewer, Wordpad, and Internet Explorer (mobile)
- A combination of Flash and ‘RAM Object Store’
- Successful device customizations to suit specific user needs
- Tailored Operating Systems ensures speed, swift boot times, and reduced space usage
Since you know what the Windows OS has to offer, let’s take a look at the other options.
- What about Androids?
When it comes to identifying Linux-based open-source entries in the Mobile OS arena, Android emerges as the most popular option. Although the Android technology predominantly finds application in the app development arena, it is slowly venturing into the rugged mobile computer space.
One of the major benefits associated with Android is its usage. Since they have a license and support 3rd party OEMs, it becomes quite easier to develop purpose-built devices. The Android OS ensures that these devices have built-in rugged features like high-speed and high-performance scanners. Since these devices are not for end-users, developers don’t have the overbearing pressure to create sleek and stunning designs.
- Assessing possibilities of iOS
When it comes to comparing the three most crucial Operating Systems for rugged mobile computers, you simply can’t miss out on the iOS platform. Apple’s iOS concentrates more on user convenience and experience than anything else. Since the platform only supports vendor’s devices such as iPhones, IPads, and iPods, there’s an unrelenting focus towards creating amazing user interface.
The iOS platform could have been a highly innovative support for rugged mobile computers. But, it’s Apple-exclusive hardware limits possibilities and opportunities to a great extent. When it comes to delivering performance in rugged environments, Apple seems to be trying too hard.
To conclude
If the present market scenario is anything to go by, mobile computers aren’t fads or choices for enterprises. They are integral parts of enterprise functioning, process automation's, and workforce management.
Quite naturally, skilled and top mobile app developers are trying their best to choose the right OS for successful developments in the rugged mobile computing space.
