low cost devices in government and education
LOW COST DEVICES IN
GOVERNMENT AND EDUCATION
-Windows vs. Android-
Executive Summary
This paper discusses the penetration of tablets in public sector and options that organizations are considering as they evolve their IT infrastructure to address new user needs in the world of mobile devices. Android-based tablets have a lot of obvious appeal considering low acquisition costs against tight public budgets. However, when judged against 4 areas critical to public sector and education Ease of Use, Security, Productivity and Lifecycle - Android-based solutions fall short. An in-depth comparison shows that Windows devices are a superior choice, offering better security, a more productive experience for users and an improved ability for IT to manage mobile devices within the boundaries of existing PC cost structure and technical infrastructure.
Tablets in the Public Sector
The growth of smart mobile devices has impacted all sectors including governments and education.
General policy initiatives to develop digital literacy, digital inclusion and deliver greater information access have led public sector leaders and institutions in both developed and emerging markets to search out ever cheaper devices. For many scenarios, the touch-centric user experience of the tablet offers an appealing and modern way for constituencies and especially a large number of young students to access the Web, communicate and work.
Android and the Public Sector
With the proliferation of devices, Android has now garnered the largest mobile OS share. The low hardware requirements for Android, the apparent lack of software royalty and the lack of a central governance body to maintain standards enabled OEMs to offer low cost devices with differentiated software experiences. These are often the same criteria which have made Android appealing to government and education deals – within a limited budget, on the surface, lower cost Android units should enable more people to
GOVERNMENT AND EDUCATION
-Windows vs. Android-
Executive Summary
This paper discusses the penetration of tablets in public sector and options that organizations are considering as they evolve their IT infrastructure to address new user needs in the world of mobile devices. Android-based tablets have a lot of obvious appeal considering low acquisition costs against tight public budgets. However, when judged against 4 areas critical to public sector and education Ease of Use, Security, Productivity and Lifecycle - Android-based solutions fall short. An in-depth comparison shows that Windows devices are a superior choice, offering better security, a more productive experience for users and an improved ability for IT to manage mobile devices within the boundaries of existing PC cost structure and technical infrastructure.
Tablets in the Public Sector
The growth of smart mobile devices has impacted all sectors including governments and education.
General policy initiatives to develop digital literacy, digital inclusion and deliver greater information access have led public sector leaders and institutions in both developed and emerging markets to search out ever cheaper devices. For many scenarios, the touch-centric user experience of the tablet offers an appealing and modern way for constituencies and especially a large number of young students to access the Web, communicate and work.
Android and the Public Sector
With the proliferation of devices, Android has now garnered the largest mobile OS share. The low hardware requirements for Android, the apparent lack of software royalty and the lack of a central governance body to maintain standards enabled OEMs to offer low cost devices with differentiated software experiences. These are often the same criteria which have made Android appealing to government and education deals – within a limited budget, on the surface, lower cost Android units should enable more people to
References: AndroidCentral, May 2013 – “Why you 'll never have the latest version of Android” Public Intelligence, July 23, 2013 – “Department of Homeland Security & Federal Bureau of Investigation TrendLabs, Fall 2012 -“3Q 2012 Security Round Up - Android Under Siege: Popularity Comes at a Price” Google Support, 2013 – GooglePlay country availability