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Tablets at Work: Function or Fun?
by  McEnery, Beth

Risetime consultants have noticed iPads popping up with increasing frequency at our client offices, which led us to ask: what are they really being used for, and can they support business users the way a laptop or desktop PC can?

iPad Leads the Tablet Pack

It’s no secret that the iPad dominates the tablet computer category. According to a recent Nielsen media survey, 82% of consumers using a tablet have an iPad. The rest of the table market is highly fragmented, with devices like the Samsung Galaxy, Dell Streak, and Motorola Xoom holding only single digit market share Consuming vs. Creating Content.

A recent article in Crain’s Chicago Business discussed how local executives have embraced the iPad. But most of the execs featured in the article agreed that the iPad is all in good fun and is extremely convenient, but it’s not necessarily a machine for power users. This is mostly due to the ability to create and manage content on the iPad – it’s not perfect for creating… but for consuming content it is ideal. Executives tend to be content consumers, not creators: a major reason for their overall embrace of the iPad1.

Tablets are Fun and Functional

The benefits of tablets are obvious: they’re light, portable, fun and easy to use. However (much like mobile devices) when it comes to utilizing tablets in the enterprise, there are several concerns for the IT department: namely security and hardware/software compatibility.

So… how do you know if you really need a tablet computer, or if it’s just a fun new toy? According to SmallBusinessTrends.com, you definitely need to get an iPad/tablet if you:

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  • Frequently travel – portability is key
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  • Have to show customers products online
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  • Attend conferences or meetings, and take notes
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Need to take credit card payments from customers (there’s an app for that)​

 

You might not need an iPad/tablet if you:

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  • Don’t frequently surf the web
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  • Have easy access to a laptop or desktop
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  • Frequently utilize custom software

 

The Next Big Thing in Enterprise Computing?

There has been recent speculation by analysts that Intel’s new tablet processor “could bring a new wave of tablets that are more closely aligned to security, software and hardware needs in enterprises”. Because these devices will support Windows and commonly used IT management, processes and applications; they will fit nicely into enterprise IT environments. More tablets are entering the market that are targeted at enterprises, with three new tablets released in this category in just the last month.

1. Strahler, Steven "Chicago CEOs Embrace the iPad" Crain's Chicago, 14 Oct 2010.

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