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PICKING A WINNERWHICH MOBILE OPERATING SYSTEMS

ARE BEST FOR YOUR COMPANY?

Mobile technology is always moving and changing. This can make it tough to pick the right solutions for your company. You need to keep an eye on everything — market trends, industry standards, hardware, operating systems and applications — and then you need to figure out how it all works together. When the

time is right, you consider everything you know to pick a winner and place your bet on the future.

ContentsTHE EARLY DAYS OF MOBILITY

WHAT IS AN OPERATING SYSTEM? Categories of Operating Systems Mobile Operating Systems The Mobile OS lifecycles Legacy mobile operating systems

5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN UPDATING YOUR MOBILITY STRATEGY

COMPARING MOBILE OPERATING SYSTEMS Legacy Microsoft Windows – A proven RTOS for special-purpose use Google Android – The ‘swiss-army’ mobile operating system Apple iOS – A secure & simple OS for knowledge workers Microsoft Windows 10 – A single OS for all hardware form-factors Linux – The backbone of the Internet of Things

MORE ABOUT LINUX

SOTI DOES IT ALL

SOTI IS MORE THAN JUST MOBILITY MANAGEMENT

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1 http://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/edn-moments/4402146/1st-text-message-is-sent--December-3--1992

THE EARLY DAYS OF MOBILITYSince Motorola introduced the first mobile phone in 1973, a 2 kg beast with 30 minutes of talk time, mobile devices have become smaller and more powerful. A decade later, the US launched its first commercial cellular service (1G) based on Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS) technology. The most popular mobile phone at the time, the Motorola DynaTAC, aka “The Brick,” sold for almost $4,000 USD. Real consumer acceptance didn’t really take off until the mid 90’s when phones became more affordable and operators introduced the first 2G networks based on Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).

Even in the early days of 2G networks, it was clear that growing pools of mobile workers needed more than just voice and text communications. They needed real mobile computing and the ability to run strategic applications from anywhere. This need drove the development of handheld computing, early examples of which were the IBM Simon and the Palm Pilot. As mobile computing became more common, it became evident that different work environments required different types of mobile computers and different classes of operating systems.

The world’s first text message was sent on December 3, 19921 — the text was “Merry Christmas.”

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2 https://www.tomsguide.com/us/windows-history-sales-figure-comparisons,news-11836.html3 https://techcrunch.com/2011/09/13/microsoft-sold-450-million-copies-of-windows-7/

WHAT IS AN OPERATING SYSTEM?An operating system (OS) is a specialized computer software that controls computer hardware. It makes it possible for users to interact with applications, and applications to access computer hardware and software resources. Without an operating system, every application would have to be custom developed for each hardware platform. Some of the common tasks that an OS performs are file management, memory management, network connectivity, process/thread management, input/output and controlling peripheral devices such as displays and printers.

USERS

APPLICATIONS

OPERATING SYSTEMS

HARDWARE

Since it was first launched in 1985, more than 2 Billion units of Microsoft Windows have been sold globally2, 3.

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CATEGORIES OF OPERATING SYSTEMSMost of us are familiar with operating systems such as MS Windows, Google Android and Apple iOS. These are categorized as General Purpose Operating Systems (GPOS). As the name would suggest, these OSs have wide, “general” applicability, not any specific role. There are many other categories of operating systems and each one is optimized for a specific computer system or processing model.

EMBEDDED OSOptimized for embedded computer systems that are resource constrained — reduced battery life, weaker CPUs, as well as smaller amounts of memory and storage (if any).

REAL-TIME OS (RTOS)Used in systems that require predictable (deterministic) response time and reliable event processing. RTOSs are common in industrial automation and process control.

DISTRIBUTED OSUsed for distributed systems to create a “loosely coupled” system that coordinate communications (message passing) between multiple computers (nodes) to solve computational problems.

NETWORK OSInstalled on a server to manage resources on a network: users/groups, applications, storage, security and resources such as printers.

PARALLEL OSRoughly similar to a Distributed OS, but functions at the CPU level and delivers a ‘tightly coupled” system where processors share an internal clock and communications is conducted through shared memory.

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*Netmarketshare.com – July 2017

MOBILE OPERATING SYSTEMSA Mobile Operating System is built specifically for smartphones, tablets, wearables and other mobile devices. Symbian, the first mobile OS for smartphones, launched in 2000. The ensuing two decades has seen the rise and fall of many mobile operating systems, the most well known being Blackberry OS, Google Android, Apple iOS, and many different mobile versions of Microsoft Windows. During these 20 years, market share has changed dramatically with some obvious losers and winners. For the consumer market, Google Android and Apple iOS are the current market leaders, while all other platforms share a few percentage points.

The enterprise market tells a different story. For a number of reasons — security, curated app store, as well as rapid deployment and provisioning — Apple devices and iOS have been more popular in business. Almost two-thirds of tablets and half of COPE (corporate owned, personably enabled) and COBO (corporately owned, business only) smartphones run iOS. However, over the last few years, Android has begun to erode Apple’s dominance in the enterprise market.

Mobile OS Global Market Share (July 2017)

iOS

Android

Other

33%

64%

3%

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THE MOBILE OS LIFECYCLEMobile technology is always moving — new standards, more capable hardware, and updated network technologies rollout regularly. An operating system can only be adapted so much before a major rework and redesign is required. This is why you see major updates of operating systems annually and minor updates and security patches several times a year. However, frequent OS updates can be disruptive to an enterprise. Any major change may force a company to rework and rewrite their applications. Each mobile OS handles updates in a different way.

• Apple controls their hardware and the OS. This gives them total control of the update process. Enterprise do not have the ability to manage or delay iOS updates.

• Microsoft would like companies to roll out each OS update immediately, but they have programs (CBB & LTSB) that allow company administrators to control how and when OS updates are applied.

• Android updates are more complicated. Android is an open source operating system that is customized by each hardware manufacturer (and possibly by carriers, as well) for use in their mobile devices. Android updating can be direct from the OEM to the end-user, or mediated by a wireless carrier.

END OF LIFE (EOL)Is a marketing term and refers to the date when a company will no longer maintain, market or sell a product.

END OF SUPPORT (EOS)Refers to the date when a company will no longer provides automatic fixes, updates, or online technical assistance. Beyond this date, the device or OS will no longer receive security updates to protect from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software that can steal personal information.

END OF SALES (END OF LICENSE)Refers to the date when an operating system is no longer shipped to retailers or Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

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LEGACY MOBILE OPERATING SYSTEMSFrom a longevity perspective, no modern mobile operating system has been as successful as Microsoft Windows CE. Since Windows CE 1.0 was first launched in 1996, it has been the RTOS of choice for rugged device manufacturers. It is popular in manufacturing, transportation, logistics and field services industries.

There are many different versions of Microsoft Windows Embedded in use today, and over the next few years, some are reaching their final end-of-support dates.

WINDOWS EMBEDDED CE 6.0 Windows Embedded CE 6.0 was first launched in September 2009. It is an open, scalable, 32-bit operating system (OS) that supports both ARM and x86 chipsets. WinCE6 integrates reliable, real-time capabilities with advanced Windows technologies such as Microsoft .NET (compact) framework, ActiveSync, Exchange client, GPS interface, and LDAP.

End-of-Support Date – April 10, 2018

WINDOWS EMBEDDED 8.1 HANDHELDWindows Embedded 8.1 Handheld is based on the Windows Phone 8.x core platform. It is a more enterprise-friendly OS intended to work with rugged devices such as a barcode scanners and magnetic stripe readers. It is compatible with the large supply of custom and off-the-shelf applications available for Windows Phone 8.

End-of-Support Date – July 9, 2019

WINDOWS EMBEDDED HANDHELD 6.5Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 is intended for enterprise handheld devices targeting retailers, transportation, logistics and supply chain management companies. It integrates with existing enterprise solutions like System Center Configuration Manager and Microsoft Exchange server, as well as retaining backward compatibility with legacy Windows Mobile 6.x applications.

End-of-Support Date – January 14, 2020

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5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN UPDATING YOUR MOBILITY STRATEGYGood companies keep their eye on technology trends and are constantly re-evaluating their mobility strategy. You may subscribe to the school of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” but at some point, you will be required to update your current technology to accommodate new applications or to deliver improved data and device security. Another possibility is that industry developments can force you to act. For example, over the next few years some popular legacy Windows operating systems are reaching their end-of-support dates. Companies depending on these devices will need to start thinking about their next steps.

There are some important things to consider when you decide to update your mobility strategy.

1. Think TCO, not acquisition cost. You are not just buying a mobile device, but an entire hardware ecosystem that includes the device, accessories, applications,

support and service.

2. Pick a device and operating system that will grow with your business, not just a like-for-like swap of your existing devices. Will you deploy new types of IoT endpoints, sensors and devices to improve your workflows and increase visibility? Every new category and type of device makes security and management more challenging.

3. Assess your operating environment and end-user requirements. Do you still require expensive rugged devices, or are the current crop of semi-rugged consumer devices a viable, lower cost alternative?

4. If you want to deploy custom Line of Business (LOB) apps you have a few options available; web-based solutions, native apps, or hybrid / HTML5 apps. Your app strategy may constrain what HW and OS platforms are the best fit.

5. Will the device and operating system meet your security and management requirements? Not all devices and OS’s support business critical mobility management features (e.g. remote control, control over OS update and persistent data connections).

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CostWhat is the cost of this operating system? Not just the licensing cost of the OS, or the acquisition cost, but also the cost of the hardware and OS over its entire lifetime, i.e. the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

HardwareWhat mobile devices, IoT endpoints, accessories and peripherals are available with this operating system? What advantages and challenges does this hardware have?

ApplicationsWhat applications are readily available for this OS? How are they delivered? Are they pre-validated and how easy is it to deploy them and manage the licences?

SecurityWhat security features and capabilities does the OS deliver? How does it help mobile devices and IoT endpoints stay safe and secure? How does it maintain data privacy and confidentiality? Does the OS include protection from Malware?

ManagementSome mobile devices and their operating systems are more manageable than others. Does the OS support location services? Remote control and file sync? How broad is the device and application management support?

SOTI identifies five main criteria that are useful when characterizing an operating system for use in your critical business operations.

COMPARING MOBILE OPERATING SYSTEMSFOR THE ENTERPRISEIf your company is considering an update to its mobility strategy, the operating system you select has long-term consequences. It is important to pick the best solution for your current needs, and one that will grow as your mobility strategy evolves. There are five main operating systems available for mobile devices and IoT endpoints. They are Apple iOS, Google Android, Windows 10, Linux and various Microsoft Windows Legacy versions. Mobile and IoT device manufacturers will only license one or two operating systems at most.

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LEGACY MICROSOFT WINDOWSA PROVEN RTOS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE USEMany companies rely on rugged, special purpose devices running legacy Windows operating systems. The most popular version is Windows CE 6.0. Even though Microsoft has announced a definitive EOS date for Windows CE 6.0, many hardware OEMs have committed to support the OS beyond this date. This means you can continue to use Windows CE 6.0 for some time, or you can side-grade to Windows Embedded Compact 7.0 or Windows Embedded Compact 2013.

CostMicrosoft Windows Embedded is a commercial product and there are licensing costs. However, from a TCO perspective, rugged devices using Windows legacy operating systems are a good bargain. Rugged devices typically have around two-thirds of the 5-year TCO as a consumer grade alternative.4

HardwareMost rugged devices using Legacy Windows are older and include outdated technical capabilities, i.e. old crypto, slower WiFi. However, these devices often deliver features perfectly suited to their use case, i.e. barcode scanners and removable batteries.

ApplicationsThere are not many applications available for Legacy Windows devices. In most deployments, a custom LOB app is included on the device by default, and no other apps are available (or required).

SecurityLegacy Windows devices deliver a capable, customizable platform for device and data security. This includes strong encryption capabilities for communications (SSL 2.0 & 3.0) and data stores (Triple-DES & RC4).

ManagementLegacy Windows devices provide core device management features such as: OS updates, Device Feature Controls (DFC), and Remote Control.

4 The Magic of TCO – Looking Beyond the Purchase Price - 2017

CONSIDER THIS OPERATING SYSTEM WHEN…

…your business depends on legacy Windows apps and you do not have a suitable replacement app on more modern operating systems.

…your development team solely consistent of experts in Win32 apps and C / C++ / C#.

…you require tight control (incl. control over OS updates), and “hard” real-time capabilities.

GOOGLE ANDROID THE ‘SWISS-ARMY’ MOBILE OPERATING SYSTEMGoogle originally launched Android in 2008 and then every year they have released a new version named after some sort of desert or delicacy, i.e. Eclair, Gingerbread, and Marshmallow. Android is built on the Linux kernel and then optimized for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. It has grown to become the world’s most popular mobile operating system with over 2 billion active devices. Originally positioned as a consumer product, Google has consistently been introducing new security and management enhancements to make the mobile OS more enterprise-friendly.

CostIt is almost impossible to generalize a TCO for Android devices, as they come in every shape and size, and at every price point. However, this flexibility alone makes Android a good bet from a cost/benefit perspective.

HardwareA broad selection of devices suitable for almost any use case. Everything from expensive ruggedized tablets to <$100 consumer-grade smartphones. In addition, there are tons of amazing device peripherals and accessories available for Android devices.

ApplicationsAndroid device and OS fragmentation make developing apps for Android devices more challenging, but from an enterprise perspective, the app ecosystem is amazing. Almost everything you could need is available, and if not you can develop it on your own.

SecurityAt the OS level, Android provides the same security as the Linux kernel and add in an application sandbox, verified boot, root detection and a full suite of cryptography tools. Unfortunately, Android’s popularity and customizability makes it a common malware target.

ManagementAndroid devices include broad support for popular device and application management solutions. Many hardware OEMs have implemented proprietary APIs to add additional management and security features.

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CONSIDER THIS OPERATING SYSTEM WHEN…

…your company has existing 3rd party Android business apps.

…you are, or will be, standardizing on Android development to create/maintain custom LoB apps.

…investing in low-cost, user-friendly devices with high-resolution screen to drive employee adoption is a priority for your company

…you require tight control (incl. control over OS updates), and real-time monitoring and support of devices.

APPLE IOS A SECURE & SIMPLE OS FOR KNOWLEDGE WORKERSApple iOS was launched in 2007 inside the original Apple iPhone. Since then, Apple has refreshed the mobile OS annually, and extended it to support the iPad and iPod Touch. iOS has grown to become the second most popular mobile operating system globally. It is famous for its elegant aesthetic and simplistic user experience. Despite their consumer origin, Apple devices have proven to be popular in the enterprise, especially for knowledge workers.

CostApple devices are the most expensive on the market. And despite the recent trends to become more rugged and reliable, they still have a high TCO. In addition, all accessories and peripherals must be licensed by Apple and which makes them more expensive.

HardwareApple devices offer state-of-the-art features and components. However, there are less device options than Android and some HW limitations such as a proprietary Lightning connector vs. micro USB for charging.

ApplicationsThe Apple app ecosystem is broad and accessible. Apple VPP makes enterprise app deployment and license management quick and easy. iOS App development is the easiest out of all the major platforms and there is no device fragmentation.

SecurityBecause of its closed ecosystem, Apple iOS is inherently secure. In addition, the OS provides all the tools to guarantee device and data security: secure boot chain, multi-factor authentication, AES-256 encryption and a host of other security features.

ManagementApple DEP and Configurator deliver rapid device enrollment and provisioning. Apple iOS also includes a broad selection of device and application management capabilities. However, iOS is missing remote control and the ability to block OS updates.

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CONSIDER THIS OPERATING SYSTEM WHEN…

…your company already uses 3rd party iOS business apps.

…your organization is, or will be, investing in iOS development to create/maintain custom LoB apps

…device and data security are a concern for your company.

…the devices will have a connection to the internet (via WiFi or cellular).

MICROSOFT WINDOWS 10 SINGLE OS FOR ALL HARDWARE FORM-FACTORSLaunched in July 2015, Microsoft Windows 10 is the company’s newest operating system. It reveals a completely new philosophy for Microsoft. The “One Windows Platform” strategy will create a single, consistent OS experience across all device form-factors. This strategy includes the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) that enables developers to create universal apps that work on all platforms and device classes.

CostWindows 10 tablets are cost-competitive with the other platforms, but their relative newness does not allow a proper TCO calculation. Windows 10 only runs on x86 devices (tablets, laptops and PCs).

HardwareMicrosoft has announced that they are moving away from Windows 10 mobile. It is unlikely that there will ever be significant numbers of smartphones running this OS.

ApplicationsUWP apps make it easy to develop apps for any form factor. However, due to the small market size, not a lot of developers are creating apps in this ecosystem yet. Windows 10 supports legacy Win32 apps that are still prevalent in the enterprise.

SecurityMicrosoft Windows 10 includes many features that make it ideal for the enterprise. However, because of the desktop market share, Windows is still a priority target for malware and cybercriminals around the world.

ManagementWindows 10 is enterprise-ready. Tons of management capabilities through traditional client management tools and EMM solutions, along with the ability to control rollout of OS updates.

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CONSIDER THIS OPERATING SYSTEM WHEN…

…your business depends on Windows and that do not have a suitable replacement app on different OS.

…you require tight control (incl. control over OS updates), and real-time monitoring and support of devices.

LINUXTHE BACKBONE OF THE INTERNET OF THINGSLinux is an open source operating system built in the 1990’s. Because it is open source, customizable, and for the most part free, it is very popular. Linux can be found in numerous devices including smartphones, vehicles, consumer appliances, high-performance servers and a huge assortment of IoT devices and endpoints. Beyond the kernel, Linux is a modular operating system where each module is fully customizable. Because of this, Linux comes in a variety of “distributions” or “flavors”, with each distribution geared towards specific types of users or use cases.

CostBecause Linux is open source, most distributions are free. However, the OS is just a part of the cost. There are many Linux-based intelligent endpoints and gateways, but few smartphones and tablets. Therefore, it is difficult to characterize cost/TCO when you are comparing apples to oranges.

HardwareThere are only a few models of smartphone that run on Linux. However, Linux is the operating system for many different classes and categories of IoT endpoints. This is expected to grow as the IoT accelerates over the next few years.

ApplicationsThere are not a lot of mobile devices running Linux yet, which means that there is not high demand for applications.

SecurityBecause Linux is open source, there are thousands of developers around the globe working together to improve the product. Linux is considered one of the most reliable, secure and worry-free operating systems available.

ManagementTo date, Linux device management has been largely ignored, or when available it was partial and proprietary. Linux does not support OMA-DM or any other device management standards.

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CONSIDER THIS OPERATING SYSTEM WHEN…

…your target device is a headless device (i.e. a device that lacks a screen).

…you need a Real-time OS.

…you need a low cost, lower power (low power usage, small CPU, small RAM, small storage, etc.) device.

MORE ABOUT LINUXLinux is everywhere. From state-of-the-art supercomputers and mission-critical enterprise servers to tiny sensors and endpoints, Linux is an open-source, low-cost alternative to commercial operating systems such as Microsoft Windows. Linux is even more common in the Internet of Things (IoT), where it is the operating system of choice for over 80% of IoT devices, and 67% of IoT gateways5.

As the IoT ramps up, so does the need to secure and manage the key bits and pieces. Experts forecast that over 23 billion connected ‘Things’ will be in use by 2018, tripling to more than 75 billion by 20256. That’s 75 billion endpoints delivering essential functionality at the edge of your network – sensors, actuators, printers, scanners, wearables and robots, as well as a many more ‘things’ that we don’t even know about yet. Most of these endpoints will be running Linux, and all of them require comprehensive, full life-cycle management and security.

But until now, Linux device management has been either totally absent, or partial and proprietary. Unmanaged Linux devices are a danger to the company that deploys them and to the greater internet. They provide an easy attack vector for malware, ransomware and for hackers to access company data on their intranet. Unmanaged endpoints are a primary target for cybercriminals for botnet recruitment and DDOS attacks.

SOTI MobiControl introduces the EMM industry’s first management solution for Linux-based mobile devices and intelligent IoT endpoints. It makes it easy to secure and manage Linux devices alongside all other devices and operating systems used within your enterprise.

5 2017 IoT Developer Survey - Eclipse IoT Working Group - April 20176 IoT Platforms: enabling the Internet of Things – HIS Technology – March 2016

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80% of IoT devices, and 67% of IoT gateways run on Linux1.

SOTI DOES IT ALLSOTI has managed mobility for two decades. It started with the management of special purpose devices running Microsoft Windows CE and Windows desktop operating systems. This evolved to include smartphones and tablets using Apple iOS and Google Android. And now, SOTI is leading the way to securing and managing the Internet of Things by supporting Linux.

Throughout this 20-year period, SOTI has maintained an agnostic approach to mobility management. Simply put, SOTI does it all. Whatever device make, form factor, and operating system you need, SOTI can support it and will continue to do so as long as you require. This means that however you decide to deal with the Windows CE 6 end-of-support date, SOTI will support your decision and help you make it happen.

SOTI’s agnostic approach extends beyond mobility management. Recently, the company launched SOTI ONE, an integrated suite of mobility solutions. SOTI ONE keeps your workers working, builds your apps faster and manages your mobile devices and IoT endpoints. It uses business intelligence and analytics to help you improve and automate your business in ways you never imagined.

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WINDOWS 10

ANDROID

IOS

LINUX

WINDOWS EMBEDDED

SOTI IS MORE THAN JUST MOBILITY MANAGEMENTSOTI is the industry leader for creating innovative mobility and IoT solutions for businesses of all sizes. Thousands of companies around the world depend on SOTI to simplify their business mobility, and make it smarter, faster and more reliable. After two decades of success, SOTI has attained a thorough understanding of customer verticals and built strong partnerships with device manufacturers. This provides unparalleled insight into new technology and industry trends before they happen. Clear vision and a strong focus on R&D has allowed SOTI to lead the business critical mobility and IoT markets and create new, cutting edge business solutions. SOTI helps businesses take mobility to endless possibilities.

SOTI is a proven innovator and industry leader for simplifying business mobility and IoT solutions by making them smarter, faster and more reliable. SOTI helps businesses around the world take mobility to endless possibilities.

Copyright 2017© SOTI Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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