Microsoft has announced their plan to end service for several of their widely-used mobile operating systems. Here’s the timeline:

• Windows Embedded CE 6.0 is scheduled to end service on 6/10/2018
• Windows Embedded 8.1 Handheld is scheduled to end service on 6/9/2019
• Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 is scheduled to end service on 1/14/2020

What about Windows 10 Mobile, the versatile OS that supports ruggedized mobile devices for many organizations? Since Windows 10 follows the Windows as a Service lifecycle, it depends on the version of your device. That means your devices may end support on 1/9/2018, or may be supported until 12/10/2019.

By 2021, Apple’s iOS and Android will be the only supported options for mobile operating devices. Click To Tweet
For organizations using rugged handheld devices, end-of-support might sound like the beginning of headache-inducing disruptions. While unsupported devices will still function, they will no longer receive security or functionality updates, and online technical assistance will be unavailable. Additionally, unsupported devices may not remain compatible with other business systems.

Fortunately, the changeover doesn’t have to disrupt your workflow. There’s still time to plan for a smooth transition to supported operating systems, often without requiring any changes in hardware. Experts like The SMS Group have already been working to help organizations move to Android OS, providing services such as custom application development that can keep essential business apps working without disruption.

Planning ahead can help you avoid the headache of Windows Embedded and Windows Mobile’s end-of-life cycles. Talk to The SMS Group to learn how you can make the change as easy as possible, and to find out how to ensure that any hardware you’re looking at will be future-proof.