What device will you choose?

With Christmas upon us and the New Year around the corner, there is much debate on what to buy both personally and business wise. What device works best for you? What operating system is right for the technology you need to run your business? Which one of these get the job done?

Apple

iOS is Apple’s operating system used to run all of the current Apple mobile devices such as: iPhone, iPad and iPod. This stylish OS has dominated the consumer mobile market for the last 5 years but has not gained much ground in the business market due to limitations and restrictions with application development and cross platform interoperability.

Most users of Apple products like the ease and simplicity of the product. Apple has many apps that are created for specific needs. If your company or personal use needs to be simple and not need a lot of customization, Apple products are the way to go. The ITunes app store is safe and secure, all applications submitted are subject to rigorous screening and testing before it is available. Bad Apps usually don’t make it.

Android

Android is a mobile operating system created by Google and can run on a variety of devices excluding Apple (iOS system). Currently Android can run on Kindle Fire, Samsung Galaxy Tab, HP Touch and many, many more. The Android OS is by far the most versatile OS on the market reaching millions of consumers and business by allowing open application development and hardware support from almost all major brands.

IT Departments love this OS, they can usually make anything work with it since it is the most open and customizable OS available. This openness also allows for a lot of vulnerabilities, implemented incorrectly and without the proper knowledge of security not only will leave your phone susceptible to malicious attacks but your corporate environment as well.

Windows

This should be a rhetorical question but for those of you that don’t know. The Windows Operating System is the flagship OS created by Microsoft over 30 years ago. In the 3 decades this OS has seen its share of success and failures and the most recent success is of the Windows 8 Operating System. Unlike versions in the past Windows 8 is cross device compatible which means it can run on your desktop, laptop, smartphone and tablet.

This OS drives the business environment of over 80% of businesses around the world. If you’re a Microsoft shop and you want all of your devices to “just work” together, then devices that run the Windows 8 OS are for you. Microsoft is designing all of the new Operating Systems as “Cloud Ready” which means Microsoft cloud service offerings such as Office365 work seamlessly.

My Opinion

It really comes down to a matter of preference and the needs of your business. This decision can be a daunting task without the proper understanding of what will work and keep your business productive and safe. With over 15 years of experience in the IT industry I have seen technologies come and go but these three juggernauts are here to stay. Choose wisely, If you need help give us a call.

Happy Holidays!

Ernie Butcher, Senior Systems Engineer, Red Level Networks