10 Reasons Why Apple iPad Is Highly Qualified for Enterprise Role
10 Reasons Why Apple iPad Is Highly Qualified for Enterprise Role
When Steve Jobs first announced the iPad, many consumers were
suspect. They weren't necessarily sure that the device had what it takes to
deliver a unique enough experience for it to offer any real viability to
consumers or enterprise customers. After all, it's little more than a big iPod
Touch with some added functionality built in. And due to its lack of a USB
port and multitasking, they just weren't sure if it was really worth the
starting price of $499. I agreed with those people.
But
then I got my hands on the iPad. And I quickly discovered that this device
is ideally suited for enterprise users.
The enterprise is a difficult nut to crack for most tech companies. Most
enterprise customers are set in their ways, and they like things done a certain
way. They need everything to work the same way to ensure productivity doesn't
slip. And perhaps most importantly, they need the software they most commonly
use to be available to users at any time.
Those requirements would immediately place any tablet on the back burner for
most companies. But the iPad is different. It delivers such a unique take on
computing and getting the job done that most companies would likely prefer it
over a laptop. It's a surprise, I know. But it's quite true. Here's why:
1. The mobility factor
A growing number of workers are going mobile. And as they go mobile,
they're looking for devices that don't slow them down. Prior to the growth of
netbooks, laptops sometimes held enterprise users back. They were heavy, big
and tough to carry. But then netbooks changed all that with their slim and
lightweight form factor. The iPad builds on that success by improving upon the
netbook's mobility. The device is small, lightweight and easy to work on,
thanks to its 9.7-inch display. As the workforce goes mobile, the iPad should
go with it.
2. Corporate apps
A key measure of the viability of a particular product for most enterprise
users is whether or not they can run corporate applications on the device.
Admittedly, this is where the iPad stumbles a bit, since Windows-only software
won't run on it. But there's something working in its favor that should help sell
it to enterprise users: the App Store. Apple's App Store offers a slew of
enterprise applications that run beautifully on the iPad. They range from project
management software to proprietary solutions that were adapted from their
Windows-only origins. The iPad is quickly becoming the next frontier in
enterprise software.
3. The enterprise's new focus
Although most companies are still tied to the desktop, more and more firms
are moving their services to the cloud. They finally realize that the best and
most proficient way to do business is online where they can store content,
collaborate with others and more. The
iPad is ideally suited for that functionality. Assuming users buy the iPad
with 3G, they will be able to connect to all those cloud services no matter
where they are. And thanks to the device's Safari browser, which works
extremely well on the iPad, it shouldn't be nearly the headache that it is on
the iPhone. The screen size is big enough to justify using the iPad as a
cloud-computing product.
4. The perfect size
Speaking of size, the iPad hits the sweet spot. Unlike a laptop, it's not
difficult to carry in a bag. Nor will it get lost in a purse or duffel bag.
Although some have said that a larger screen would have been nicer, for
enterprise users it might be the right size. The small form factor ensures that
it won't be unwieldy to perform basic tasks. And when typing on the device it's
not difficult to hold or handle. The iPad seems like the right size for any
road warrior.
Features Will Help iPad Attract Enterprise Users
5. Collaboration, messaging and more
More employees than ever are using collaboration and messaging tools to
communicate with co-workers. Luckily for those folks, the iPad is probably one
of the top devices on the market for either function. Once again, it has the
App Store to thank for it. After skimming through the App Store, users will
find a slew of messaging and collaboration tools designed specifically for
enterprise customers. And after using a few of those tools, I can tell you that
they work quite well. Part of the iPad's value to the enterprise is its App
Store. And thanks to the messaging and collaboration tools available to users
in that store, the iPad is a worthwhile corporate device.
6. Typing is actually quite nice
When trying to type a message on the iPhone, it can be difficult, due to
the relatively small size of its virtual keyboard. In fact, many folks prefer a
physical keyboard over what Apple offers. But on the iPad, the
virtual keyboard isn't so troublesome. As long as the user can display
content in landscape mode, they should have no trouble typing out a message. I
tried typing a couple paragraphs and after a few initial missteps, I quickly
got the hang of it and started typing just as I would on a standard keyboard. I
should note that it won't replace a standard keyboard on the desktop, but it
compares quite well to the small keyboards on netbooks.
7. Accessories are par for the course
For enterprise customers, buying accessories to add functionality to a
laptop is standard practice. For most, it means picking up an extra battery,
buying portable printers and so on. Due to the iPad's design, users won't be
able to replace its battery (which is a problem), but like other Apple
products, it will only be a matter of time before a huge selection of
accessories hits store shelves to expand its functionality. So while it would
be nice to see some basics that enterprise users want, like a removable battery
and a USB port, some accessories could solve
many of those issues.
8. Security
The biggest concern most companies have is security. It's a constant
concern with Windows. But as recent history has shown, the iPhone OS that
currently runs on the iPad is actually quite robust. Part of that is due to a
relatively small number of malicious hackers attempting to attack it and part
of it is due to Apple's design choices. But in either case, IT
managers might find a platform that can be trusted with sensitive content.
That's nice to know.
9. IT management and restrictions
The iPhone OS has turned out to be a relatively viable enterprise platform.
It offers IT managers the option to define network and server configurations.
It also provides for security configurations that will help keep data safe.
Those provisions aren't nearly as powerful or capable as users will find on
Windows, but given the inherent security of iPhone OS compared with Windows, it
might appeal to enterprise users. Believe it or not, as its restrictions and
security configuration options show, the iPad really is designed with some
enterprise customers in mind.
10. It's impressive
The iPad is an all-around impressive device when users see it for the first
time. That's something to remember. The iPad won't be nearly as ubiquitous as
the iPhone for quite a while. And when it walks through the doors of a client's
office, it will undoubtedly get attention. If a company is trying to make it
clear to clients that it's a forward-thinking, next-gen company, bringing an
iPad to meetings is a great idea. It might seem like a small thing, but most
professionals would say that the better they look and they better they
communicate, the better their chances of getting the business.
