What is AirWatch Zebra?
AirWatch Zebra refers to the comprehensive integration and management capabilities provided by VMware's Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution, formerly known as AirWatch, for devices manufactured by Zebra Technologies. This powerful synergy allows organizations to efficiently deploy, secure, and manage their diverse fleet of Zebra mobile computers, scanners, and printers from a centralized console, streamlining IT operations and enhancing device performance across various industries.
Understanding VMware AirWatch (Now Workspace ONE UEM)
VMware Workspace ONE UEM, which evolved from AirWatch, is a leading enterprise mobility management (EMM) and unified endpoint management (UEM) solution. It provides a single platform to manage virtually any endpoint—including mobile devices, desktops, rugged devices, and IoT—across any operating system. Its core functions include:
- Device Management: Enrollment, configuration, and control of devices.
- Application Management: Deployment, update, and security of enterprise applications.
- Content Management: Secure access and distribution of business documents.
- Email Management: Secure configuration and access to corporate email.
- Security Management: Enforcement of security policies, data loss prevention, and compliance.
Learn more about VMware Workspace ONE UEM.
Who is Zebra Technologies?
Zebra Technologies is a global leader in providing enterprise asset intelligence solutions. They design and manufacture a wide range of products crucial for businesses across retail, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and more. Their product portfolio includes:
- Rugged Mobile Computers and Tablets: Designed for durability and performance in demanding environments.
- Barcode Scanners and RFID Readers: For efficient data capture.
- Thermal Printers: For labels, receipts, and cards.
- Location Technologies: Real-time visibility of assets and people.
Explore Zebra Technologies products and solutions.
The Synergy: Managing Zebra Devices with Workspace ONE UEM
The integration between Workspace ONE UEM and Zebra devices offers robust management solutions tailored to the unique requirements of enterprise-grade hardware. This partnership ensures that businesses can maximize their investment in Zebra technology by providing advanced control and visibility.
For Zebra devices running Android, Workspace ONE UEM delivers comprehensive Unified Endpoint Management capabilities, including:
- Effortless Enrollment: Streamlined zero-touch enrollment and provisioning to quickly bring new devices online.
- Application Lifecycle Management: Seamless deployment, updates, and removal of business-critical applications.
- Advanced Security: Implementation of robust security policies, device encryption, remote wipe, and passcode enforcement to protect sensitive data.
- Device Configuration: Remote configuration of Wi-Fi, VPN, email, and other network settings.
- OEMConfig Support: Leveraging Zebra's OEMConfig for granular control over device-specific settings and features, beyond standard Android enterprise management.
- Remote Management: Remote troubleshooting, screen sharing, and device locking capabilities to minimize downtime.
Beyond Android devices, for Zebra's Link-OS printers, the Windows™ PC-based AirWatch™ Connector provides a quick and easy method to manage these specialized devices directly from the AirWatch environment. This allows organizations to oversee their Link-OS printers, spanning both WLAN and Ethernet infrastructures, enabling tasks such as configuration updates, firmware deployment, and status monitoring alongside their mobile device fleet.
Key Management Capabilities for Zebra Devices
- Zero-Touch Deployment: Automate device setup, configuration, and app installation, reducing IT workload.
- Kiosk Mode: Lock devices down to specific applications or functions, ideal for dedicated use cases.
- OS Update Management: Control and schedule firmware and OS updates to ensure compatibility and security.
- Perimeter Security: Geofencing and time-based policies to restrict device usage to specific locations or hours.
- Analytics and Reporting: Gain insights into device performance, battery health, and application usage.
Benefits of the AirWatch Zebra Integration
The combination of Workspace ONE UEM and Zebra hardware delivers significant advantages for enterprises:
- Streamlined Operations: Centralized management reduces complexity and IT overhead.
- Enhanced Security Posture: Consistent application of security policies across all devices mitigates risks.
- Increased Worker Productivity: Rapid device deployment and reliable performance minimize downtime.
- Optimized Device Performance: Proactive monitoring and remote troubleshooting keep devices running smoothly.
- Scalability: Easily manage growing fleets of devices without proportionate increases in IT staff.
- Compliance: Maintain regulatory compliance through audit trails and enforced security measures.
Practical Applications and Use Cases
The AirWatch Zebra integration is invaluable across numerous industries:
- Retail: Managing handheld barcode scanners for inventory management, mobile point-of-sale (POS) devices, and label printers for pricing.
- Warehousing & Logistics: Overseeing rugged tablets for order picking, barcode scanners for shipping/receiving, and industrial printers for labels and manifests.
- Manufacturing: Deploying mobile computers for quality control, production line tracking, and asset management in industrial environments.
- Healthcare: Managing mobile devices for patient care, medication administration, and label printers for specimen tracking or pharmacy applications.
- Field Services: Equipping technicians with rugged mobile devices for job dispatch, data capture, and client interaction.
Comparison: Standard Android vs. Zebra Link-OS Management
| Feature/Aspect | Zebra Android Devices | Zebra Link-OS Printers |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Operating System | Android Enterprise | Link-OS (Zebra's proprietary printer OS) |
| Primary Management Tool | VMware Workspace ONE UEM (directly) | AirWatch Connector (Windows™ PC-based) |
| Connectivity Options | Wi-Fi, Cellular, Bluetooth | WLAN (Wi-Fi), Ethernet |
| Key Capabilities | Full app deployment, security policies, advanced configuration via OEMConfig, remote control, OS updates | Configuration updates, firmware deployment, status monitoring, basic health checks |
| Typical Device Types | Rugged mobile computers, enterprise tablets, handheld barcode scanners | Thermal label printers, mobile printers, desktop printers |
| Target Use Cases | Inventory management, mobile POS, field service, data collection | Labeling, ticketing, receipt printing, asset marking |
