We explore the pros and cons of Tizen as a viable option for field service organizations’ mobile strategies.
We know that Android, iOS, and to a lesser extent Microsoft, dominate the mobile device operating system market. Several of the industry’s leading device makers, however—including Samsung—will offer an alternative OS: Tizen.
But it’s tough being the new kid on the block. Tizen’s lack of name recognition alone hurts, not to mention its small app selection compared to Google Play and the App Store.
But, according to Larry Dignan of ZDNet, the importance of Tizen can’t be understated. It may be the new kid for now, but if all goes well for the device manufacturers experimenting with Tizen, Android may have a serious competitor on its hands.
What is Tizen and What’s so Special About It?
Tizen’s most distinguishing feature is that it’s an open source operating system, meaning it’s developed by a community of developers, under open source governance, and is open to all members who wish to participate. It comes in multiple profiles to fit a variety of industries. Mobile operators can work with device partners to customize the operating system and user experience to meet the needs of specific customer segments or demographics.
Why Did Samsung Switch to Tizen?
Samsung started using Tizen in its wearable line, Gear, and announced earlier this month that its newest smartphone, Samsung Z, would run on Tizen. The Samsung Z will debut in Russia first before expanding to other markets.
Samsung, which usually runs its devices on Android, doesn’t want to give Google too much power, said Dignan, which is why it’s experimenting with Tizen for the Samsung Z.
According to Gordon Kelly in Forbes, Samsung has been trying to break free of the Android ecosystem for some time.
Kelly postulates the question of Why Samsung is Ditching Android and concludes that while the cost of failure is high, so is the reward. A flop with the Tizen-run smartphone would hurt the company, possibly irreparably. But if all goes well, Samsung would have maintained its sales and gained complete software independence and would no longer be simply a manufacturing partner to companies like Google and Microsoft…it would be their equal.
The Pros and Cons of Using a Tizen Run Device for Your Field Service Organization
You may be wondering: what does all this mean for my company and mobile field service solution? Well, before you run to your local mobile device store and switch to a Tizen run phone, or, on the flip side, rule it out because it’s new and lesser known, consider these pros and cons:
- Pros:
- App developers can create Tizen run apps
- IT teams can modify Tizen’s HTML5 web language to fit their needs
- Quick access to settings
- Easy to multitask
- Customizable user interface
- Samsung Z has many features of other Samsung premium devices like ultra power-saving mode and download booster
- Cons:
- Because open software’s license encourages modification and customization, it is nearly impossible to support
- Less app accessibility since Tizen run phones can’t access Google Play
- It doesn’t quite match up to the Android run Galaxy line when it comes to specs
- Samsung Z isn’t dust and water proof like the Samsung S5
The Answer Lies in Your IT Department
Even if your company is already running a mobile solution, it’s important to stay educated and understand your options in order to make the best software decisions for your company. Tizen offers mobile OS flexibility and allows your team to develop the system to meet your specific company and industry needs. If you have a strong IT team or group of developers, Tizen may be able to offer what closed systems can’t: the flexibility to create exactly what you need out of an OS.
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