Enterprise Mobility Trends for 2020

Five Key Enterprise Mobility Trends for 2020

by: mobileworxsIn Enterprise Mobility, TrendsTagged , , , , , ,

Five Key Enterprise Mobility Trends for 2020

Advancing technology and a shift in work habits have seen more employees working out of the office by leveraging the use of mobile devices and cloud based services to improve business tasks.
Creating solutions that map processes and increase productivity is a moving target. So what do we think will be the five key enterprise mobility trends for 2020 ?

1. IoT- the Internet of Things

It’s everywhere! a system that connects all your devices that can exchange data with each other through human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. Statista predicts the installed base of IoT devices is forecast to grow to almost 31 billion worldwide by 2020, and 75 billion by 2025.

Using IoT can bring many benefits to businesses. Reduced cost, next generation real time tracking, and seamless work flow. All of which create a more efficient and smooth running business

Some Companies have already introduced the use of the IoT within their warehouse systems. Amazon the global e-commerce giant have made significant movement in warehouse management automation. They have 493 warehouses covering around 180 square million feet globally. 100,000 robots are in use so far.

Another sector that can make use of the IoT is healthcare. According to Frost and Sullivan, the internet of medical things could be expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 26.2% and reach $ 72,000 million by 2021.

Gartner believes that the providers of Internet of Things platforms are currently fragmented and would benefit greatly from cobbling together a better ecosystem where data is shared more broadly. 451 Research believe that at the moment a relatively small number – Nineteen percent of companies are using, planning to use or will be evaluating the use of IoT in their organisations.

2. 5G

4.5 billion Mobile users worldwide are subscribed to 4G data plans, Ericsson predicts that figure to rise to 7.7 billion by 2021. But now we have the introduction of 5G. Tele companies everywhere are now testing out fifth generation mobile networks.

A comparison between 4G and 5G, would see users accessing 4G networks to download one feature- length film in eight minutes. The New York times reported users with 5G connections would be able to complete the same activity in fewer than five seconds.

5G will enable developments in lots of industries and will leverage the adoption of IoT. A hugely significant one being healthcare. Qualcomm imagines a future in which patients who may need extra monitoring, such as a person who recently suffered a heart attack, could wear special sensors to track their vitals at home- if something goes wrong hospitals or doctors can act quickly and effectively due to the speed of 5G. Market research future projects that the global telemedicine market will increase at a compound annual growth rate of 16.5 percent from 2017 to 2023.

3. UEM Adoption Will Accelerate

Increasing numbers of IoT endpoints including mobile devices are spurring businesses to secure them more businesses seeing the benefit of Unified Endpoint Management.

Recent polling by Enterprise Mobility Exchange suggests UEM adoption reached 25% during 2019. In large part due to the continued adoption of Windows 10 as one of the key Enterprise Mobility Trends for 2020

4. Further Decline of the Desktop

Technology is forever advancing and is becoming more mobile. Seems like Desktops other than for gaming are in serious decline.  IDC predicts that desktops will face a year over year decline of 1.9%. Whilst Notebooks/Mobile Workstations and Detachable Tablets are expected to take 53% of all Personal computer shipments by 2023

5. Microsoft Surface Sales Continue to Get Stronger

The Surface is becoming a more common sight in Enterprise deployments. From a rough start in 2013 Microsoft have managed to build a portfolio of devices that combine what users expect from a mobile device whilst addressing the productive goals of an enterprise project. Although the first Quarter of the current financial year  showed a slight dip due to a large scale product refresh Surface sales year on year over the last four years are growing at a compounded rate of around 20%+per year.

Microsoft do not spilt out sales by division but it is thought that the Surface is now accounts for around $2 billion of Microsoft’s $33 billion quarterly turnover.

 

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Have a great 2020, get in touch to chat about Enterprise Mobility Trends for 2020 arrange a webinar or meeting about your enterprise mobility project.

 

Are You Battling to Manage All Your Mobile Devices ?

by: mobileworxsIn Mobile Device Management, Unified Endpoint ManagementTagged , , , , ,

Are You Battling to Manage All Your Mobile Devices ?

In the earlier days of enterprise mobility, Mobile Device Management software was developed to manage a host of mobile devices across an organisation, both inside and outside the premises, and across regions and borders. MDM manages all your mobile devices across platforms, such as iOS, MacOS, Android, Windows and the Internet of Things, providing enhanced control and visibility.

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Introducing Rugged Case for Microsoft Surface Go

by: mobileworxsIn Microsoft Surface, Rugged CaseTagged , , , ,

Introducing Rugged Case for Microsoft Surface Go

Introducing Rugged Case for Microsoft Surface Go

Our  xCase for the Surface Go is built with mobility and ruggedness in mind. The Surface Go Rugged Case provides superior durability and protection, keeping your tablet safe out in the field or in the classroom. Shock absorbing material and a standard Snap mount protect the Surface Go throughout the day’s spills, bumps, and drops.

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Dealing With Microsoft Windows CE OS End of Life

by: mobileworxsIn Android, Operating SystemsTagged , , , , ,

Dealing With Microsoft Windows CE OS End of Life

One of the most important operating systems that at one time underpinned many enterprise mobility deployments is about to enter the last phase of its life. So how do you go about dealing with Microsoft Windows CE OS End of Life ?

Microsoft Windows CE OS End of Life

Long before iOS and Android Microsoft announced Windows CE in 1996. The OS was designed to operate satisfactorily on the small memory capacities of palm sized devices at the time. Although recognised by many as targeted at hand held computers many platforms ended up using derivatives of CE.

In the enterprise mobility market Windows CE, Windows Mobile, and Pocket PC are often used interchangeably this is in no doubt in part due to their common origin. This practice is not entirely accurate. You can read more about the history of Windows “CE” here.  and Windows “Mobile” here.

Windows CE Legacy

A roll call of key Windows CE based devices used in the enterprise would generate a blog post of epic length. These are three of our favourite devices that were sold in large quantities all across the world into a variety of application areas including Manufacturing T&L and Retail,

Symbol / Motorola MC9090

Intermec CN3

Symbol MC70

A faltering mobile OS business hurt Microsoft for many years, although popular in the enterprise due to high adoption market appropriate hardware and plentiful development tools. Versions of the OS for phones had been losing market share since 2007.

End of an Era Key Dates

These EoL dates have been trailed by Microsoft for some time.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 went EoL in June of 2018
June 2019 – Windows Embedded 8.1 Handheld
January 2020 – Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5

So What Comes Next

For many users this will be something to discuss with their software vendor. The coming Microsoft Windows CE OS end of life may make little difference if the devices are working and no major system upgrades are planned. However patch support will cease and as hardware itself becomes EoL and developer resource dries up it will be time to move on to something else.  What that is very much depends on your circumstances, there is no one sized fits all approach. In a straight swap the main options for many sites are clearly Android a traditional rugged tablet on Windows 10 or a Microsoft Surface. Some may consider iOS but it has its drawbacks when it comes to device management.

Microsoft Windows CE OS End of Life Dealing With Microsoft Windows CE OS End of Life

Don’t let the Microsoft Windows CE OS End of Life get the better of your operation. Call us to discuss how we can help you weigh up the options and plan for the future.

xTablet T1150 Rugged Tablet Review

by: mobileworxsIn Microsoft, Rugged Tablet, T1150Tagged , , , , , , , ,

xTablet T1150 Rugged Tablet Review

T1150 Rugged Tablet Review

We are planning on two major additions to our MobileDemand Rugged Windows 10 Tablet portfolio before the end of 2017. The first one adds a new feature packed 10″ device to the range including removable high capacity battery, 4G comms and  a high definition screen. Rugged PC Review were given an early peek  to do a T1150 rugged tablet review in advance of public availability at the end of October.

Fitness for the task is key with T1150. 4G Integral 2D and Intel RealSense 3D scanning are all options. Along with standard fit 2 cameras Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

T1150 Rugged Tablet Review Excerpt:

“First impression matters, and the xTablet T1150 certainly makes a very good one. Here, the good/better/best certainly applies. The T1550 is a true rugged design and certainly trust-inspiring,  It looks and feels like a serious tool for the job, a rugged tablet that was designed from the ground up to handle the bumps and grind and drops that come with work in the field.

There are hefty bumpers on all four corners, the kind that aren’t just a design element but clearly afford true real-word protection. There are all the doors, compartments, locks, hooks, loops and attachment and mounting points and details that one expects from a rugged tablet. There’s nothing wrong with the gleaming etherial sleekness of premium consumer tablets, but those are detriments out there on the job where the rubber meets the road. With the the xTablet T1150, form follows function, not fashion sense.

Despite being in the same 10-inch display class as the standard Apple iPad, the T1150 is a considerably larger and heftier device. Some of that extra heft and size is due to a good deal of built-in protection, another to the presence of ports and integrated functionality. The display’s 16:10 aspect ratio is pleasant to our eyes, between the iPad’s squarish 4:3 and the narrow (or wide, depending on whether you use them in landscape or portrait mode) 16:9 aspect ratio favored by many non-Apple tablets. 

While consumer smartphones and tablets increasingly have displays taking up the entire front of a device, that makes them damage-prone and such displays really aren’t very practical. So the T1150 has a nice margin around the actual display that’s large enough to a) allow for a flush front glass surface for easy touch operation, and b) allows for easy holding of the tablet without blocking part of the LCD. The actual LCD is recessed just a bit from the housing bezel, just enough for a fairly thick screen protector”

T1150 Rugged Tablet Review

To learn more read the Review or take a look at the xTablet_T1150_Specs or get in touch with us to arrange a webinar or meeting about the T1150.

Intel RealSense 3D Camera in Tablets

by: mobileworxsIn Intel RealSense, MobileWorxs, Rugged Tablet, T1150Tagged , , , , , ,

Intel Realsense 3D Camera in Tablets

Intel Realsense 3D Camera in Tablets

2019 update: Check out our latest 3D camera dimensioning tools here

With the demands and uses for mobile computers growing, manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to improve their products and beat their competitors. In this blog we will take a quick look at how the latest Intel RealSense 3D camera technology is making it’s way into tablets. Keep a lookout for our second post that will cover the uses of tablets with 3D cameras.

Firstly, let’s take a look at what an Intel RealSense™ 3D camera is. RealSense camera technology uses a standard 2D camera for regular photo and video, along with an infrared camera and an infrared laser projector. The infrared components allow RealSense technology to determine the distance between objects, separating objects from the background layers behind them and overall allowing for largely improved object, facial and gesture recognition over standard cameras.

At the point of writing this blog there are 3 different versions of Realsense 3D cameras, the F200, SR300 and the R200.

SR300 – The replacement for the F200, second generation Realsense technology allowed the camera to implement an infrared laser projector system, Fast VGA infrared camera, and a 2MP colour camera. Used in close range front facing applications, great for face tracking, motion detection and close depth detection. Listing the technical improvements over the first gen camera would take a while so in summary:

  • Support for Hand and person tracking modes.
  • Increased Range and Lateral Speed
  • Improved Colour Quality under Low-light Capture and Improved RGB Texture for 3D Scan
  • Improved Colour and Depth Stream Synchronization
  • Decreased Power Consumption
Intel RealSense Facial recognition
Intel RealSense Facial recognition

R200 – Intel RealSense™ Camera R200 is a long range peripheral 3D camera. While front facing technology can be applied into mobile devices, we are more likely to see it featured in a rear facing specification. This is the unit that most tablets will feature due to it offering more real world uses. This camera opens up the potential of 3D technology to a whole new industry, using the same fundamental Realsense technology as above it brings new tools to developers and users that can save time, automate processes and create detailed visuals like never before.

In our second blog we will take a look at the application for this camera, such as manufacturing plants road maintenance and in the medical field.

We feel this technology can play a big part in the real world, automating processes, giving more accurate readings and increasing overall workflow.

Tim Edwards

Product Specialist

Intel Realsense 3D Camera in Tablets

To learn more about the R200 Intel Realsense 3D Camera in Tablets take a look at the T8650 and T1150 or get in touch with us to arrange a webinar or meeting.

xTablet T1550 Rugged Tablet Review

by: mobileworxsIn Microsoft, Rugged Tablet, T1550Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

xTablet T1550 Rugged Tablet Review

Rugged Tablet Review

 

Rugged PC Review carried out an xTablet T1550 Rugged Tablet Review when the device took over from the previous T1500 model.

Affordable flexibility is the key with T1550. Integral 1D or 2D scanning GPS and NFC are all options. Along with 2 cameras Wi-Fi and Bluetooth a serial port is also a standard feature something not very common on devices at this market level.

Excerpt:

While the xTablet T1550’s processor and memory make concessions in the interest of affordable pricing, the tablet’s display definitely does not. Measuring a roomy 10.1 inches diagonally — it’s very noticeably larger than the 8-inch screen of the smaller xTablet T8540 — it offers WXGA resolution. That’s 1280 x 800 pixel in 16:10 wide-format — 30% more pixel that the 1024 x 768 XGA format that was commonly used in rugged tablets (even ones with larger screen sizes) for many years, and is still being used today.

On a 10.1-inch tablet screen, that translates into 149 dots per inch (dpi), which is not very high by today’s standards, but still more than adequate. The xTablet T1550 uses 10-point projected capacitive multi-touch for effortless tapping, panning, pinching and zooming. We can’t think of many crucial operations that require more than just a couple of fingers, but Microsoft wants ten, and so ten it is.

The display is of the IPS (in-plane switching) variety that makes for perfect viewing from all angles. We cannot overemphasize how important a wide viewing angle is for a satisfying, non-disruptive viewing experience. Older and lesser display technologies are prone to often dramatic color and contrast shifts when viewed from different angles, something that we don’t consider acceptable anymore. The xTablet T1550’s IPS display is totally immune to such shifts, which makes it a pleasure to use. And outdoors the display feels brighter than its listed 320 nits luminance rating.

rugged tablet review

To learn more read the review take a look at the specs or get in touch with us to arrange a webinar or meeting about the T1550.

Rugged Case Microsoft Surface Pro 2017

by: mobileworxsIn Microsoft SurfaceTagged , , , , , ,

Rugged Case Microsoft Surface Pro 2017

Rugged Case Microsoft Surface Pro

 

The latest version of the Microsoft Surface Pro gets a mild update to keep it among the best Windows hybrid PCs on the market. Reviews have been positive and most geek magazines have ended up recommending it.

Our rugged case has been approved by Microsoft and now supports this latest version of the Microsoft Surface Pro. More of our clients are using their Surface in the field for what have always been rugged laptop applications. Pressure on cycle times and site labour costs all add to the having the right mobile computing system is critical to productivity.

12 Reasons why the New Microsoft Surface Pro and our Rugged Case is Such a Great Combination

  1. Access to powerful modeling and rendering tools.
  2. A mobile computing device small enough to carry, yet powerful enough to handle demanding tasks enables even greater workflow efficiencies
  3. Use the programs you know and trust: Adobe’s Creative Cloud, Autodesk’s AutoCAD, Rhino, Dassault’s Katia 3DS and of course Office 365.
  4. Microsoft Surface Pro seamlessly transitions from office to vehicle to work site.
  5. Make changes immediately using mouse, keyboard finger or pen input.
  6. All of the project files, sketches, schematics, and notes are at hand and available on the cloud.
  7. Lightweight and portable with long battery life and large display.
  8. HD Cameras for documentation, progress updates and video conferencing.
  9. The rugged case comes with an easel, multiple carrying straps, protected ports, rubber bumpers and is compatible with the Type Cover.
  10. The Microsoft Surface Pro & rugged case combination has been tested by an outside agency to military standards MIL-STD 810G
  11. Unlike most rugged cases that can use up to 5 operating units before failing the test our Rugged Case for the Microsoft Surface Pro passed using only one.
  12. First rugged case to pass the thermal testing process for the new Surface Pro.

Rugged Case Microsoft Surface Pro

To learn more read the review or get in touch to arrange a webinar or meeting about using our rugged Case for the New Microsoft Surface Pro.

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xTablet Flex 10A Rugged Tablet Review

by: mobileworxsIn Flex 10A, Microsoft, Rugged TabletTagged , , , , , , ,

xTablet Flex 10A Rugged Tablet Review

xTablet Flex 10A Rugged Tablet Review

Rugged PC Review had taken a look at the classic Flex 10 3 years ago and decided to do a new xTablet Flex 10A rugged tablet review and put the new Cherry Trail version through its paces.

The New Flex 10A has been a real hit since it’s launch earlier this year. Users like the traditional MobileDemand ruggedness and ease of use features, Windows 10 Home or Pro OS, accessories such as the detachable keyboard and of course great value for money.

Excerpt:

It’s important to understand MobileDemand’s philosophical approach to the Flex line. In essence, the difference between the company’s higher end xTablets and the Flex models is that the former are designed and built as cohesive, fully integrated rugged tablets with significant performance and capabilities, whereas the Flex line makes a ruggedized package available at the lowest possible price.

For the Flex models, MobileDemand is sourcing generic tablets that meet the company’s features and performance goals. MobileDemand then custom-designs protective rubber boots with thick bumpers to securely cushion and cradle the tablets, and that assembly then goes into a sturdy, also custom-designed polycarbonate backplate. The picture below shows that the Flex approach goes well beyond what any third party aftermarket case can offer.

Unlike the weird waver-thin accessory keyboards offered for many consumer tablets, MobileDemand’s Flex 10A keyboard is a true keyboard with full keyboard functionality, good key travel, and excellent tactile feedback. It also has a very sturdy hinge that allows for a very solid connection to the tablet. Combined with the easel, it makes for full and complete laptop functionality, should that be required.

xTablet Flex 10A Rugged Tablet Review

To learn more read the review take a look at the specs or get in touch with us to arrange a webinar or meeting about the Flex 10A.

How To Manage The Transition From MEAP TO MADP

by: mobileworxsIn Android, App Development, MADP, Mobile Application development, Windows 10Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

How To Manage The Transition From MEAP TO MADP

How To Manage The Transition From MEAP TO MADP

 

What is A MADP – Mobile Application Development Platform

MADP refers to an inclusive group of products and services that allow mobile applications for the Enterprise to be developed. Think of MADP as different from the traditional app development tools. Enterprise Mobility generates unique challenges that are different from those faced in the development of consumer mobile solutions.

MEAP to MADP  So what..?

MEAP has been around for a while and can usually be characterised as an interface with existing back end systems to enable data and applications on mobile devices. Whilst popular they were often a jumbled set of “parts” for developers to cobble together with custom code, leading to time-consuming and costly development projects. Headaches teams undertaking B2B enterprise grade app development could do without. In contrast the MADP helps to build a set of common features and services that can be leveraged in mission critical apps for integration to multiple platforms in a “we need it yesterday” business environment.

MADP Platform Selection Essentials

  • Single skill set that client developers can adopt and use.
  • Support for devices to work in network disconnected mode.
  • Make use of dynamic data.
  • Well proven barcode thermal print and GPS support.
  • Built in Mobile Device Management – MDM
  • Desktop console to manage the entire system.
  • Simple to deploy and integrate.

 

Pick a Highly Regarded MADP Supplier

Our partner MobileFrame has been recognized in Gartner’s 2017 Magic Quadrant for Mobile Application Development Platforms MADP

We have been working with MobileFrame for 10 years providing clients with mobile apps tailored to their unique workflow. MobileFrame is a leading code-free mobile application development platform that includes everything a company needs to ensure that their mobility projects run smoothly.  With MobileFrame technology, companies can give their field force the apps they need on the devices they love. Even the most complex applications can be written once and simultaneously deployed to any iOS, Android and Windows based device.

In their sum up Gartner says that, “if you don’t already use a MADP, evaluate and deploy one as a cornerstone product supporting your mobile development strategy, especially if your organization is starting to develop and deploy mobile apps at high volume (for example, more than six apps per year).”

“We’re proud to maintain and build upon a strong and loyal customer base committed to supporting us in identifying areas of core strength and further growth. Our client testimonials speak to MobileFrame’s ability to deliver better time to market and ease of use through our platform”, said Lonny Oswalt, Chief Executive Officer, MobileFrame. 

Read the entire MobileFrame Press Release about this prestigious award.

To receive a complimentary copy of the Gartner Magic Quadrant click here.

How To Manage The Transition From MEAP TO MADP

To learn more get in touch with us to arrange a webinar or meeting about MobileFrame MADP.