A Custom Android Image to Save Your Aging Windows Devices

Wanted: a way to save millions of dollars of hardware (your boss’s requirement) while keeping systems secure and supported (your requirement).

Many businesses face a recurring dilemma as Windows end-of-life announcements loom. The upcoming end-of-life for Windows 10 in October 2025 poses a challenge for businesses because they've invested a lot in that hardware. This problem is made worse by the shorter support period for Windows 10 Enterprise LTS, which Microsoft cut from 10 years to 5. As a result, businesses now need to urgently find cost-effective ways to keep their operations running and ensure compatibility with new technology.

So what do you do?

Turning to Google, ChatGPT, Perplexity, or that one friend who just seems to know a lot of random IT facts, you look for an alternative to Windows that can run on the same hardware. Say, Android. Maybe your search looks something like this:

Sure, there are over 65,000,000 search results, but on a quick scan, you find that there are actually very few product solutions that even look like they meet your most basic requirements. Not only do you need a custom Android image, you need one that is supported, secure, and works for your use case:

• Supported: Receives regular updates to maintain functionality and security
• Secure: Includes features to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access
• Compatible: Works seamlessly with existing peripherals and hardware
• Customizable: Can be branded and tailored to specific business needs

The Solution: Esper Foundation for Android on x86

Enter the great equalizer: Esper Foundation for Android. Esper’s custom Android image (that top search result!) is built specifically for enterprise use cases. It allows businesses to repurpose their aging hardware and has saved customers millions of dollars in the process.

Key Benefits of Esper Foundation

• Cost Savings: Removes the need for expensive hardware replacements
• Extended Device Lifespan: Repurposes existing devices, maximizing their value
• Modern Functionality: Provides access to the latest Android features and capabilities
• Security and Support: Ensures ongoing security and long-term support for critical business systems
• Ease of Deployment: Quickly and easily deployed on existing hardware

In addition to various ARM-based devices, customers are using Foundation on a 15-year-old Toshiba point of sale (POS) terminal, a 32-bit Intel Celeron NCR device, an Oracle Micros POS, and many other Intel-based devices.

The Antidote to Tariffs

With ongoing tariff uncertainty on imported hardware that can increase prices by 10-20% or even more, Foundation also serves as the antidote, bringing more cost predictability — at least in the near term. While at some point it will make sense to refresh your hardware, Foundation allows you to decouple the CapEx decision from continuing to move forward with modern experiences. By extending the lifespan of existing devices, businesses can continue to innovate and provide cutting-edge services without incurring significant upfront costs.

Visit the Esper Foundation for Android product page for more information or contact our team to get started.