August 2026 Summaries

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2016 will reach the end of security support on October 13, 2026, which poses a compliance risk for operators of POS and kiosk systems unless they transition to newer platforms such as Windows 11 IoT, Linux, or Android. A separate issue involves the expiration of Secure Boot certificates in 2026, which affects both supported and unsupported versions of Windows, potentially compromising boot security. While Extended Security Updates (ESU) offer temporary security patches without new features, they are not a long-term solution and incur escalating costs. For those considering transitioning their existing hardware to Android, Esper's Firebolt service provides a dual-boot option that preserves the Windows partition, allowing for reversible conversion. The choice of migration path requires careful scoping to determine the best fit for each fleet's hardware and software needs, particularly since transitioning involves assessing device compatibility and the availability of Android versions of critical applications.

Firebolt, developed by Esper, is a solution for converting x86 Windows hardware to the Esper Foundation for Android, aiming to extend the lifecycle of existing devices as Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2016 approaches its end of security support in October 2026. This process offers two installation options: a clean install that fully transitions the device to Android, or a dual-boot setup that maintains the Windows partition, allowing for a reversible transition. The conversion is delivered through various methods, such as remote management tools, PXE network boot, or local media. Firebolt is not a standalone product but a customized service tailored to specific hardware configurations, priced individually and requiring a scoped evaluation to ensure compatibility with existing hardware and Android applications. The conversion ultimately replaces the operating system while retaining the existing hardware, addressing compliance and security concerns without necessitating a complete hardware refresh. After conversion, devices operate on the Esper Foundation, an Android OS designed for dedicated use cases like kiosks and point-of-sale systems, with built-in over-the-air updates, a focused SDK, and comprehensive device management capabilities.

Determining whether an x86 Windows device can be converted to run Android involves assessing both the hardware configuration and the availability of an Android build for the specific POS or kiosk application. This conversion is not universally applicable to all x86 devices, as eligibility must be confirmed through a scoped evaluation by Esper, focusing on the device's complete build and software compatibility rather than brand reputation. The hardware must be able to boot and support an Android Foundation image, while the software, particularly POS applications, requires an existing Android version to ensure operability post-conversion. As Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2016 loses security support in October 2026, and Microsoft's Secure Boot certificates expire the same year, converting devices using Esper Firebolt can circumvent these issues by decoupling hardware lifespan from operating system deadlines. However, a conversion does not entail application porting, meaning enterprises must verify Android build availability with their ISV or app development team before undertaking hardware evaluation. If a Windows-only application exists, a conversion is not possible unless a corresponding Android build is developed, and the decision to switch operating systems should be informed by a technical validation of both hardware and software.

Converting x86 devices from Windows to Esper Foundation for Android involves a process called the Windows-to-Android flip, which can be executed in two main ways: a reversible dual-boot setup that preserves the Windows partition, or a non-reversible bare-metal install that entirely wipes Windows. The dual-boot option allows both operating systems to coexist on the same device, with Android set up as the default, while the bare-metal install dedicates the device solely to Android. Firebolt is the framework facilitating this conversion, offering multiple delivery mechanisms such as USB, bare-metal ISO, PXE, and RMM tools, with the choice between dual-boot and bare-metal influencing whether a rollback path is available. The flip depends on hardware compatibility and the availability of an Android version of the required software, as Windows-only applications cannot be converted in place. The process is driven by the need to extend the life of devices beyond the expiration of Windows support while ensuring they remain manageable through Esper's tools.

Managing Zebra scanner configurations often involves a cumbersome and error-prone dual system of device management platforms and manual StageNow processes. This results in inefficiencies and reliance on specific individuals familiar with the system's intricacies. Esper proposes a streamlined solution by integrating Zebra scanner configuration into its Blueprints system, allowing for centralized deployment, enforcement, and lifecycle management alongside other device settings. This approach eliminates the need for separate distribution workflows and specialized knowledge, making scanner deployments part of standard device operations. While Esper doesn't replace StageNow entirely, as profile authoring still occurs in Zebra's tools, it significantly simplifies the distribution process by incorporating it into a unified platform that supports version control and staged rollouts. Initially available for Zebra Android devices, with plans to expand to other OEMs, this integration reduces operational overhead and ensures consistent deployment across fleets.

x86 is a widely used instruction set architecture developed by Intel in the late 1970s, which has been integral to the evolution of processors across multiple computing platforms, including desktops, laptops, and servers. Initially gaining immense popularity through its integration into IBM PCs and the dominance of Microsoft’s DOS operating system, x86 became the standard architecture for personal and business computing throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Although primarily produced by Intel and AMD, x86 processors have been adapted for various applications, from high-performance computing to low-power devices. However, the rise of ARM processors, known for their power efficiency and cost-effectiveness, has introduced significant competition, particularly in mobile devices and increasingly in laptops and servers. ARM's expansion, alongside emerging technologies like the open-source RISC-V instruction set, presents new challenges to the x86 architecture's long-standing dominance, signaling a potential shift in the processor landscape.

Sideloading refers to installing apps on devices without using official app stores and is natively supported by platforms like Android, but not by iOS. While sideloading can raise privacy concerns, its safety largely depends on the trustworthiness of the source from which the app is downloaded. Trusted sources for obtaining Android apps include APK Mirror, F-Droid, and the Amazon Appstore, each with its own vetting processes to ensure app safety. To sideload apps on Android, users must enable the "Install unknown apps" permission for the app used to facilitate installations, such as a browser or third-party app store. This process can be managed proactively through device settings or at the time of installation, with caution advised to disable permissions once installations are complete to maintain security. For large-scale deployments across multiple devices, professional mobile device management solutions are recommended.

In the management of mobile device management (MDM) policies, there is a crucial distinction between a policy being "sent," "acknowledged," and "applied," where the latter is often difficult to verify definitively. While MDM systems can reliably report when a policy has been dispatched to a device and when it has been received, confirming that the device's configuration actually changed according to the policy requires separate verification methods. These methods include direct on-device inspection, command-line verification using tools like Android Debug Bridge (ADB), and relying on execution-result signals such as "completed," "failed," or "skipped" statuses. The gap in verification exists due to the MDM protocol's design focusing on policy delivery rather than bidirectional state verification, compounded by the limitations of what operating systems (OS) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) expose for verification. Some configurations, especially those related to rugged and scanner hardware, lack reliable readback mechanisms, making them challenging to verify remotely. Operators who effectively manage these policies understand which verification methods are authoritative and which are inferred, adapting their processes accordingly to ensure that policies are correctly applied across their fleets.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an evolving technological landscape, with IoT device management playing a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and security of connected devices within this ecosystem. IoT device management involves organizing, monitoring, deploying, configuring, and maintaining devices to ensure seamless and secure interactions. The management of IoT devices is critical across various contexts, including enterprise, B2B, B2E, and B2C environments, with the communication often occurring over public or private cloud infrastructures. The lifecycle of IoT device management involves provisioning, configuration, monitoring, firmware updates, and decommissioning. Simple IoT devices like sensors are managed using commodified tools, while complex devices such as POS systems require robust infrastructure management platforms with features like remote access, multi-OS support, and real-time monitoring. Selecting the right IoT management platform depends on the specific use case, and involves evaluating capabilities like OTA process control, scalability, and support for complex organizational structures. Additionally, potential red flags when choosing a management tool include reliance on specific hardware vendors and lack of public developer documentation.

In this installment of the DevOps for Devices series, the focus shifts to compliance and security in device management, emphasizing the difference between compliance, which is often associated with security, and its broader implications for user experience. The text explores the challenges of compliance enforcement, highlighting the necessity of balancing strict adherence to critical security protocols with more lenient policy applications. Utilizing the Esper platform's Blueprint feature, organizations can automate policy enforcement, allowing for precise control over device settings and reducing manual oversight. Future advancements in automated compliance enforcement, such as granular drift management and self-healing capabilities, promise enhanced efficiency and reliability in device management. The discussion also touches on the potential of AI to further optimize these processes by enabling devices to self-diagnose and adapt to network conditions, setting the stage for the next series installment on AI in edge devices.

Managing a fleet of Zebra scanners effectively requires a device management platform that integrates scanner configuration as an intrinsic part of the device lifecycle rather than treating it as a separate, specialized workflow. Many platforms can push a DataWedge profile, but the real differentiator is whether this configuration is embedded within the standard device management workflow or requires a separate console and expert knowledge. This integration is crucial because the bottleneck in managing such fleets often lies in the disconnect between the device management platform and the specific configuration needs of the scanners. Platforms like Esper offer a solution by incorporating scanner configuration into the same lifecycle as other device settings, though currently limited to Zebra devices. Other platforms like SOTI, Workspace ONE, and Ivanti provide broader OEM support but may treat scanner configuration as a secondary process. The key factor when selecting a management platform is not the length of the feature list but how well it accommodates scanner configuration as an integral part of the device management process, and whether it transparently communicates its verification capabilities, particularly given the limitations in verifying applied configurations on rugged hardware.

McDonald's utilizes the NewPOS NP6 system, developed initially by Brazilian firm MediaWorks and later acquired by McDonald's in 2007, which runs on Microsoft Windows XP Embedded. This proprietary system is specifically designed for McDonald's operational needs, highlighting the essential nature of robust, scalable, and reliable point of sale (POS) systems for quick-service restaurants (QSRs), which must handle high transaction volumes and constant use. While McDonald's NP6 system is not commercially available, the article underscores the importance of considering several factors when choosing a POS system for QSRs, such as uniformity across locations, scalability, kitting and deployment costs, remote support, content management, and platform security. It suggests that while replicating McDonald's model is not feasible, businesses should focus on achieving similar transaction throughput, reliability, and scalability by evaluating these critical aspects. The text also emphasizes the role of Esper, a POS management solutions provider, in offering expertise and trusted partnerships with major QSR brands to enhance POS hardware and software capabilities, ensuring effective deployment and management of systems across various restaurant environments.

Siyata Mobile has partnered with Esper to enhance the functionality of its SD7 push-to-talk devices, tailored for frontline workers such as police, fire, and EMTs. By integrating Esper's enterprise mobility management software into SD7 handsets, which run a custom Android operating system, the partnership promises streamlined device onboarding, provisioning, and customization in the field. This collaboration aims to address the unique communication needs of public safety organizations by providing rugged, touchscreen-free devices certified by FirstNet. Esper's DevOps platform supports the remote management and scaling of Android edge devices, ensuring that essential communication tools are secure, reliable, and easy to manage without adding complexity. The combined solution will first be available in North America in Fall 2021, followed by a European release in 2022, offering a robust and efficient device management system for mission-critical environments.

Esper recently secured a $60 million Series C funding round led by Insight Partners, pushing their total capital raised to nearly $100 million. This infusion aims to bolster Esper's mission of integrating DevOps principles into device management by expanding their hardware and software partnerships and increasing their reach among enterprise customers. By providing critical infrastructure for devices such as point-of-sale terminals and patient monitoring systems, Esper enables businesses to focus on customer-centric applications rather than infrastructure maintenance. Their platform, already utilized by over 200 enterprises and 2,000 developers, allows customers like Ordermark and Spire Health to streamline operations and enhance user experiences. Through collaborations with partners like Siyata Mobile, Esper is enhancing the reliability of specialized devices for fields such as emergency response and healthcare, thereby facilitating more innovative and efficient customer solutions.

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks are essential wireless communication standards used in modern devices for various purposes. Wi-Fi, developed in the 1990s, has evolved from its initial release in 1997 to the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, enhancing speed, security, and interoperability over time. Wi-Fi is widely used for internet and intranet connectivity, with Wi-Fi 6 and 6E offering the most robust security via WPA3. Bluetooth, first commercialized in 1998, is mainly used for short-distance connections between devices, with Bluetooth 5 providing improved data rates, range, and reduced congestion, while Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) is preferred for low-power applications. Cellular networks, categorized by generations (2G to 5G), facilitate global telecommunications and internet access, with 4G and 5G currently dominating the landscape. While 4G provides extensive coverage, 5G offers increased bandwidth and speeds in densely populated areas, making it suitable for both public and private network deployments. Each technology has distinct use cases, with Wi-Fi suited for localized networks, Bluetooth for device-to-device communication, and cellular networks for broad, mobile connectivity.

Device management consoles present a significant challenge in accurately reflecting the real-time status of devices due to their reliance on the last reported state rather than the current state. This gap between reported and actual states introduces risks, particularly in audit, compliance, and security scenarios, where proof of durable configuration application is crucial. The issue is particularly pronounced in rugged and scanner devices, where the OEMConfig framework supports configuration delivery but not authoritative state readback, leading to potential undetected misconfigurations. A more trustworthy device management system would explicitly distinguish between "sent," "acknowledged," and "verified applied" states, thus avoiding "certainty theater" and providing clearer insights into the true status of device configurations. Operators are encouraged to ask vendors about their platform's ability to differentiate between intent and execution and to identify where readback is not possible, as this transparency is vital for accurate compliance reporting and risk management.