Windows is not always the way

Microsoft Windows is a powerful offering, but it isn't the right choice for every firm, writes Ray Marsh

Many firms may be unnecessarily paying a hefty Microsoft premium when their businesses will fail to reap the true benefits of feature-rich functionality.

The variety and functionality of data capture terminals has increased greatly over the past few years and collecting data at source has become the norm. The business benefits of basing decisions on up-to-the-minute accurate data, being able to shorten lead times and improve transaction speeds are well documented.

The benefits of hand-held mobile data collection should, first and foremost, improve businesses efficiency. Many businesses have lost sight of this key pre-requisite.

Organisations are jumping in to buy technologically advanced portable data capture terminals with Windows capability when their business operation simply does not warrant the feature-rich capability of these units.

Businesses are spending huge amounts without being fully familiar with the features they are buying into, preferring to assume that they are buying the newest and most advanced equipment available. However, buyers could find that Windows compatibility issues can arise, as could the costs and inconveniences associated with future upgrades to ensure continuing compatibility.

These elements are not an issue when they are considered, planned and taken into account prior to a purchase and are calculated as part of an overall unit cost. Some businesses can reap the benefits of this advanced Windows model, but for other firms, feature-rich units may be unnecessary. VARs should routinely question customers as to the model suitability and challenge the reasons behind terminal selection.

Businesses wanting to use internet-based browser services activity will benefit from a terminal with Windows capability. A Microsoft Windows operating system provides additional power and flexibility.

However, a delivery driver sending back information to the main host does not need such functionality. Those firms unnecessarily opting for an advanced terminal could also find themselves low on power. In fact, standard proprietary operating systems could provide up to four times more power as the Windows option can sometimes usurp the processing power of the unit.