Support for Windows CE has ended, security updates are non-existent and spare parts are increasingly scarce. Clearly, the business case for upgrading mobile devices to Android is compelling.
So why are there so many 'hold-outs' clinging to the redundant Windows CE OS? If you're tempted to think of these organisations as Luddite outfits, fearing the brave new world of modern tech, think again. Their regrettable decision not to upgrade is based on an undeniable truth: moving legacy software to Android – the preferred OS for a Windows CE migration – can be expensive and time-consuming.
In fact, even organisations with in-house software development teams can get their wheels stuck in the mud of a WinCE to Android software conversion, with no obvious way forward.
In this post, we'll introduce our in-house modular framework CoreXA, which can make converting software from WinCE to Android much easier. By combining off-the-shelf modules with tailored development – and judiciously re-using existing code – it speeds up the development process by up to two-thirds. And we have many successful WinCE to Android software conversions under our belts to prove it works.
CoreXA can open the door on a Windows CE to Android conversion that may have been, until this point, closed. And this means, yes, organisations can finally step into the more secure, high-performing world of Android-powered devices.
The problem with software conversions
IT leads of a nervous disposition may want to look away now. The problems associated with a Windows CE to Android software migration are myriad and include:
Legacy application compatibility
Applications are often deeply integrated with other in-house systems, making a migration problematic. For instance, a logistics company using Windows CE devices for barcode scanning may have custom software that interfaces directly with their inventory management system or warehouse management system.
Security and compliance concerns
Migrating from Windows CE to Android requires benchmarking your approach against various compliance standards and certifications, including ISO 27001 and GDPR, as well as industry-specific regulations like HIPAA for healthcare providers or PCI DSS for card payment processors. In any case, if you were using Windows CE, it’s unlikely your processes were meeting those standards, so this ‘problem’ is also an opportunity to set things right.
The software project overrun figures – and how to avoid them
Earlier, we suggested delaying a Windows CE to Android migration may not be wise. However, it's certainly understandable given the complexity. Here are some figures that back up that point of view.
A study conducted by McKinsey discovered that 66% of enterprise software projects overrun on cost. 17% of them go so badly they pose an existential threat to the affected company.
Given that a Windows CE to Android migration is at the sharp end of software project difficulty, the unwise decision to delay a migration seems more and more understandable. Unless, of course, there was a way to significantly reduce the difficulty of rewriting software for a new Android environment.
CoreXA Framework: a swift and efficient route to app development
What is CoreXA Framework?
CoreXA is our modular framework for building line-of-business applications in as little as 1.5-3 months, compared to a typical six to nine months. We can build apps quickly and cost-effectively by using CoreXA’s off-the-shelf modules for common features, alongside purpose-built code for your specific process requirements. This reduces the need for bespoke development work by up to two-thirds and simplifies support.
Also, because CoreXA is built on the cross-platform features of .NET 6+, it is compatible with existing Windows CE applications. This means we can sometimes re-use significant portions of code to ensure a smooth and timely upgrade.
Easy-to-use apps for smarter working
CoreXA uses our off-the-shelf modules where applicable and bespoke development according to your specific business logic, user interfaces and configurations. This means we can ensure your app will exactly follow your internal processes.
CoreXA also provides a welcome opportunity to upgrade devices to modern expectations. Windows CE was released long before smartphone adoption, and software design paradigms for mobile devices have changed dramatically. CoreXA can provide a contemporary and satisfying user experience (UX) and user interface (UI). Your employees can work with an app that feels more familiar and intuitive to use. This is good for employee satisfaction and will help to reduce overheads.
Working with your hardware
CoreXA integrates directly with device hardware, to enable features such as barcode scanners and RFID readers.
Lifecycle management and security
We won't leave your new app high and dry. Under a support arrangement, we check and upgrade your new app’s functionality against OS updates to ensure they continue working smoothly. CoreXA support can work alongside a Zebra LifeGuard for Android agreement, to provide complete and predictable periodic security assurance.
Some highly sensitive sectors – or those working with limited Wi-Fi – may require online and offline operation. In this case, we can build apps to support real-time view or to operate offline using batch mode data transfer. To achieve this, we use Nuffield Technologies' ASP, a system of apps and tools built on Android Enterprise that provide the capabilities required to operate Android devices in a security-critical environment.
A CoreXA case study
What does a Nuffield Technologies Windows CE to Android app migration look like in practice? Here's an example from a client that had very specific and specialised needs. Whether your own requirements are similarly specialised or fairly general, we will ensure your migration is equally smooth.
A defence organisation used a Windows CE application to look after a vast inventory of valuable equipment, which was stored at multiple sites across the world.
However, the phasing out of Windows CE eventually made the business's use of Windows handheld computers problematic. The defence organisation required a technology refresh that incorporated a secure, up-to-date and user-friendly replacement to make the process quicker and more seamless.
Nuffield Technologies partnered with rugged device manufacturer Zebra Technologies to deliver an Android-based solution, using an ultra-rugged touch computer.
As well as configuring and delivering the hardware, upgrading the inventory management system app from WinCE to Android was crucial to the project. We used ‘off-the-shelf’, modular elements developed by the Nuffield Technologies’ team, as well as significant volumes of code from the previous Windows iteration to speed up the process. Also, we introduced a bespoke element crucial for this military project: a security layer built on Zebra MX which locked down devices, further hardened Android against unauthorised access and provided necessary features missing from the core operating system.
Using this new technology, one user could scan a store in 30 minutes – compared to two people each taking two to three hours using the previous Windows CE app.
Nuffield Technologies has delivered over 4,000 Zebra Technologies TC72 mobile computer units to the client with their apps installed. These machines also benefitted from Zebra LifeGuard. This provides extended security updates to keep devices working for longer, reducing the total cost of ownership. Finally, we also delivered a comprehensive support package to ensure the devices could be repaired where possible and then returned to the defence organisation, reducing electronic waste.
If you'd like to find out more about our Windows CE to Android migration services, do get in touch. We'll provide an assessment based on your exact needs including consultancy on the hardware and software upgrades that will provide the biggest return on your investment.
Find out more about Windows CE to Android migration in our white papers: