Reduce device switching
Bring supported communication and collaboration functions onto devices employees already use during the working day.
Enterprise collaboration
Turn frontline devices into a communication and collaboration layer.
Zebra Workcloud Sync brings push-to-talk, calling, messaging and collaboration capabilities onto supported frontline devices. Foresolutions uses it selectively where the Zebra device estate and enterprise workflow make a joined-up Workcloud approach valuable.
Push-to-talkVoice & videoMessagingFrontline collaboration
Important product transition · reviewed August 2026
For new deployments, the current Zebra direction is Workcloud Sync.
Zebra states that most Workcloud Communication products reach end-of-life/support on 1 October 2026 and identifies Workcloud Sync as the replacement. We are therefore updating our solution design and website terminology now rather than presenting retiring Workforce Connect / Workcloud Communication names as the default.
Checked against Zebra’s current Workcloud support guidance ↗.
PTTInstant push-to-talk communication on supported frontline devices.
Voice & videoBroader real-time collaboration beyond radio-style calling.
Messaging & tasksMultimedia messaging and task-related collaboration in one application.
When it fits
Useful when the frontline device is already central to the job.
If teams already carry Zebra enterprise devices for scanning, workflows or business applications, adding communications to the same device can reduce hardware duplication. The right answer still depends on coverage, user roles, device compatibility, safety requirements and how communications need to work across the organisation.
Connect questions to action
PTT, calls, messages and task-related workflows can sit closer together instead of living in disconnected tools.
Design around what you already own
Where a Zebra estate already exists, we assess compatibility and migration rather than automatically adding another handset or radio.
Current capabilities
More than a walkie-talkie application.
01
Push-to-talk & calling
Workcloud Sync supports instant PTT alongside voice and video calling for different communication needs.
02
Messaging & collaboration
Multimedia messaging provides a way to share information that does not need to be handled as a live voice call.
03
Location, safety & workflow
Zebra’s current positioning includes location-aware collaboration and discreet duress capabilities, with task functions available within the wider Workcloud collaboration environment.
Capability language checked against Zebra’s current Enterprise Collaboration Suite information ↗.
Foresolutions approach
We decide between Workcloud Sync, Zello and other options from the workflow backwards.
| Question | Why it matters | What we assess |
|---|---|---|
| What devices do users already carry? | Existing Zebra estates can change the commercial and usability case. | Models, Android versions, lifecycle and compatibility. |
| Is communication voice-only? | Some operations need only simple PTT; others need video, messaging or task context. | Call types, groups, dispatch and collaboration requirements. |
| Where do users work? | Coverage and resilience requirements vary by site and role. | Wi-Fi, mobile networks, indoor/outdoor use and fallback needs. |
| Is Zebra the wider workflow platform? | Workcloud can add more value when it is part of a broader enterprise-device strategy. | Scanning, task, mobility and management requirements. |
Platform position
Zello remains our main PTToC platform. Workcloud Sync is an important enterprise option where the Zebra ecosystem creates a stronger operational or device-management fit.
Migration
Existing Workforce Connect / Workcloud Communication customers need a planned transition.
If you already use an older Zebra communication product, we can assess the current device estate, licensing, workflows and replacement path rather than treating the change as a simple software rename.
01 · InventoryIdentify devices, versions, licences and active communication workflows.
02 · RequirementsSeparate essential functions from features that are no longer needed.
03 · CompatibilityValidate Workcloud Sync and alternative platform options.
04 · PilotTest users, coverage, groups and operational behaviour.
05 · CutoverRoll out with configuration, training and support.
Questions
What customers usually ask.
What is Zebra Workcloud Sync?
It is Zebra’s current real-time communication and collaboration application, combining capabilities such as push-to-talk, voice and video calling, multimedia messaging and task-related collaboration on frontline devices.
Is Workforce Connect or Workcloud Communication still the current product?
Zebra states that most Workcloud Communication products reach end-of-life/support on 1 October 2026 and identifies Workcloud Sync as the replacement. We therefore assess Workcloud Sync for new deployments rather than designing around retiring product names.
Does Foresolutions always recommend Workcloud Sync for PTToC?
No. Zello is our main PTToC platform. Workcloud Sync can be a strong option where Zebra devices, enterprise collaboration or the wider Workcloud ecosystem make it the better operational fit.
Can Workcloud Sync be deployed on existing Zebra devices?
Compatibility depends on device model, software version and licensing. We validate the installed device estate and required features before recommending a deployment or migration.