Sharp Selects Zebra Technologies to Develop Android-Powered Mobile Computers

Zebra Technologies announced it has signed a product development and supply agreement with Sharp Marketing Japan Corporation. Under this agreement, Sharp has selected Zeb-ra Technologies to develop and supply an Android-powered RZ-H271 handheld mobile computer for Sharp’s use in the retail segment in Japan.

“Increasingly, our retail customers are demanding the next generation of enterprise mobile comput-ers that can help enhance their operational efficiencies,” said Masao Mikamo, member of the board, senior executive managing officer, Business Solutions Company, Sharp Marketing Japan Corpora-tion.

“Our existing model, Windows-based RZ-H260 handheld mobile computer has long been favored by retailers for its design and functionality, and the product design is succeeded to ‘RZ-H271’,” added Mikamo. “But as technology evolves, we want to ensure that our customers continue to en-joy cutting-edge technology from us. Working with Zebra, a leader in Android-powered enterprise mobility solutions, has empowered us to provide our retail customers with a new world-class en-terprise mobile computer that will take the productivity and efficiency of retailers in Japan to the next level.”

This strategic alliance is poised to help enterprises that are planning for their Android migration, after the support for Windows legacy mobile operating systems (OS) had ended. While Windows-powered devices are currently still operable, they are exposed to the ambiguity of security mainte-nance. As the world’s most widely used mobile OS, Android provides its users with a modern OS that supports varying unique enterprise requirements.

Sharp’s customers will benefit from the significant investments Zebra has made in develop-ing Mobility DNA over the last decade. Zebra’s Mobility DNA makes work easier for front-line workers with its simplicity, which in turn raises staff productivity, lowers turnover, and helps teams more meaningfully serve customers and impact business outcomes.

“It is an honor for Zebra to be working with Sharp,” said Takanori Furukawa, regional director of Japan, Zebra Technologies Asia Pacific. “Zebra’s Android-based mobile computers enable front-line workers across a variety of verticals to speed through tasks in an efficient and accurate manner, enabling them to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced business environment.”