The Test of Success: Increasing Productivity
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5. The good and bad of the App Store
Part of the reason why companies are starting to adopt the
iPad is Apple's App Store. There are currently hundreds of enterprise-focused
apps available in the marketplace that should help employee productivity. But
there is also a downside to the App Store. The marketplace is filled with
games, entertainment apps and other content that might distract employees.
Plus, if malicious apps are downloaded, malware could eventually break through.
Companies should keep a close eye on employee downloading habits.
6. Netbooks will lose out
Prior to the release of the iPad, netbooks were all the rage
in the corporate world. They offered mobility at a low price. They were ideal
for most organizations. But with the iPad now starting to become a major player
in the corporate world, netbooks will likely lose ground.
7. Notebooks might even lose
It's highly likely that netbooks will lose significance in the
enterprise, but it's possible that notebooks also will lose their value to
corporate customers. For some companies, providing employees with a lightweight
tablet is sufficient. And with a starting price of $499, the iPad is arguably a
better value than a cheap notebook. Of course, that doesn't mean that every
business will opt for an iPad over a notebook. But there is a real chance that
the tablet's sales will hurt notebook sales to some degree.
8. It'll be big until the Cisco Cius arrives
The iPad might be appealing to companies now, but it should be
interesting to see if it still attracts
corporate customers when the Cisco Cius is released. The Android-based Cius
will integrate with existing Cisco infrastructure. Along with tablet
functionality, it will also double as a video conferencing device with Cisco
phones. Plus, it will come with access to the Android Market as a counterpart
to Apple's App Store. The Cius arguably has the best chance of supplanting the
iPad in the corporate space.
9. Companies might think twice about Android smartphones
Speaking of Android, it's possible that if companies like what
they find in the iPad, they will opt against Android smartphones. Currently,
the corporate world is deciding if the mobile device of choice is an iPhone, an
Android-based device or a BlackBerry. Ideally, companies would like to keep the
BlackBerry because of its enterprise integration. They would also like,
however, to get the functionality of next-generation devices such as the iPhone
4 or Android smartphones. If the iPad satisfies that desire, it's likely that
Android won't be infiltrating the corporate world in any significant way.
10. Productivity should increase
If the iPad is anything, it's
a fine mobile productivity tool. It's lightweight enough to stick in a bag
for business trips, while being useful enough to make users productive no matter
where they are. As a result, companies should see an increase in productivity
from their workers. Workers will be able to get tasks done at home, on the road
or just about anywhere else. The iPad extends the workday and helps companies
get more for less.
