Hello all! It's been a while since I last posted on here, and I came across a good idea to blog about that's been on my mind for roughly a few years now. Let's get started!
My feelings on computing devices and operating systems vary drastically from one to another. Something important I've realized, however, something that's an odd concept that I'm not sure many think about. One of the most basic (and important) things to consider when mass-deploying devices across any size business is the combination of the user's needs and abilities. I would like to provide come insight into my thoughts on which devices belong where. It's going to be tough to spell it out for me, but let's see how I do.
We'll start off with a very popular device: iPads. Now I know that I previously wrote a post about deploying iPads and how they're probably not the best devices to use in a business, but I realize that my thinking may a little too black-and-white and not enough gray shades. If you have a large mobile workforce, a few iPads are probably not a bad idea at all. My thinking? Mobile workers usually don't have too much easy access to outlets, and chances are good that their laptops' batteries are probably not the best if they're constantly plugged on when they're at the office or at home. iPads boast great battery life and if your users are properly trained on how to use these devices, the battery life can be even better than one might expect (teach them how to close an app all the way when they're done with it and not as much power is used; inform them it's best practice to simply press the power button when they take a break from a meeting; little things like these go a long way). If they're away on a two-week business trip, make sure they know to charge it when they first get back to their hotel room, for example, and to check it before they go to sleep. Also, once it's fully charged, turn it off and then remove the charger once it's fully turned off. These basic steps allow the batteries to last much longer.
Let's move onto another device family: Android devices. I have a Droid 4 by Motorola, and I'm also a big technology guy (duh). That being said, they aren't the best devices to have in an enterprise environment for one basic reason (please remember: this is only my opinion and I'm open to corrections): they're not the easiest or friendliest devices for the most technology-challenged users. I love the idea behind the operating system and how anybody with a few weeks' time and some researching skills can develop an app. Like I said earlier in this post, it's important to be practical and consider who is going to be using the devices you buy. While Android devices may be perfect for IT staff, they may not be so great for someone in the payroll department, for example. IT staff are usually more comfortable with poking around a device to figure out what's going wrong, whereas most "basic" users probably aren't. I can't stress this point enough: have your IT staff put themselves into others' shoes and then it's easier to decide what's a good device for users.
Another common family is Windows devices. The vast majority of the world uses Windows operating systems. With the end-of-support coming for Windows XP, people are getting a little bit nervous about how business will be conducted. Windows 7 is still readily available on a small scale, but it may be harder to obtain a Multiple-Activation Key (MAK) from Microsoft (usually with some kind of contract) for Windows 7. Contact your local Microsoft dealer sooner rather than later for information if you haven't already. At the risk of sounding paranoid, I would avoid Windows 8/8.1 for a while with all the NSA information that has been leaked. Even national governments around the world are warning companies to avoid this latest operating system from Microsoft. (More info here).
Linux operating systems are becoming more and more popular for a few reasons: price, security and functionality. A vast number of these distributions are free (this list is pretty good) and most are stable and secure, provided you verify they are directly from the organization that writes them. My personal favorite is Ubuntu. I also like Fedora. These are really the only two that I've had any experience with. These systems are also great for running server-side applications to manage your business (FOG for computer imaging, OpenLDAP for authentication) and free versions of commonly used client-side applications (OpenOffice, Firefox web browser [avoid using Chrome if possible]).
So, as an IT manager, you need to consider what your users need and how you will address their needs. Integrate various devices in your network. Just be sure to make sure everything will work ahead together ahead of time!
Enjoy your day!
A side note--I know I'm a day late for this, but it's still important to say: if you know a veteran, please thank them for all they do. I personally cannot thank them enough for all that they risk and sacrifice for people like myself who are so undeserving. I hope at least one veteran sees this and that they know I sincerely mean it.
